Not long ago I had a company out to clean our carpets. As I was paying the bill the carpet cleaner asked if “all these kids were mine”, then he asked if they had the day off from school. I said our school was done for the moment because we homeschool. His remark back to me was “oh, have you ever let them go to school to see if they would like it?”
Funny, I thought he was there to clean my carpets and not offer schooling advice!
Everyone’s a Critic
Everybody has an opinion and some days it feels like everyone is a critic. I often wonder why some people feel the need to express their criticism, particularly when it hasn’t been requested. As if the opinions of the neighbor, the grocery store clerk, or the carpet cleaning guy have any bearing on my decisions for my family.
There will always be people who do not agree with the choices you have made. From the size of your family, to the house you choose to buy and yes, your decision to homeschool.
Handling the Homeschool Critics
Even though it’s difficult, I find it best bite my tongue, smile and tell them to have a nice day.
There is a time and a place to educate others about the homeschooling life. Many people are genuinely interested, most people, however, are not. Pick your battles and then move along.
Our children are watching and taking note of our responses to people. While there are times where we are called to speak up, most of the time we need to let the comments go and then talk about it with our children later.
Life is too short, and I have too much I want to do with my children to try and change the mind of every person we run into. It’s very freeing to realize that you don’t have to justify your decision to anyone.
Choose your own path for your family, remind your children why you homeschool and carry on with the life God has called you to lead!
Join me next week, I have a 5 day series called Why Homeschool?
Please take a moment and see how others handle the homeschool critics.
That is wise advice. I have not had any criticism in a while but boy I sure did our first year. We occasionally get asked why the girls are with me but even that question has decreased in frequency. However, not too long ago, they were asked “shouldn’t you be in school?” which has a different connotation that “why aren’t you in school?’ or “is today a day off?” The should imply’s judgement and to that I respond, no we shouldn’t because we don’t go to school!
True. Some people are genuinely interested, and I don’t mind taking time to answer their questions. But some people are closed to any new ideas.
I am guessing you get “advice” from strangers on all the aspects of adoption too…at least we do. People love to comment and give “helpful advice”…or just ask stupid questions!
It is none of their business how I raise or educate my family!
Well said! I love that you said it all in a concise way- so often I want to *rant* over the criticism I get/have gotten. “You don’t have to justify your decision to everyone”- perfect!!