Homeschooling critics can be found everywhere. At the store, in your neighborhood, at church, at a doctor’s office, and at a local attraction are all places where you might run into a homeschooling critic. Complete strangers may decide to tell you why homeschooling is a bad idea. Family members can also be quite vocal homeschooling critics. The truth is that when you decide to homeschool, you will receive criticism. It is a given.
When you are out and about during the school day, it is difficult to avoid the issue. The parent or child may be asked why the child is not in school. This is an opportune time for many critics to make their voice known. Expect it. It will happen at some point. I’ve also encountered many positive responses. You will likely get them both.
Family members and friends who disagree with your position may be a bit more vocal about their views on homeschooling. Passing the bean dip is probably a good idea here. When you pass the bean dip, you allow their negative comments to float away as you change the subject. Some loved ones may be misinformed. If that is the case, sharing some statistics and information about homeschooling may be helpful. Mostly, expect that you will find someone in your family woodwork that disagrees with your decision.
When you decide to homeschool, you are making a decision that goes against what is typically done. When you go against the grain, you will encounter criticism. So the next time the grocery store clerk says something that leaves your mouth agape, just let it slide and continue on with your life. I like what my husband said after I had yet another encounter with a critic. He said that the only opinion he cared about was those three little people sleeping upstairs.
Homeschooling has many benefits. But along with those benefits comes the downside where you will hear criticism from loved ones and complete strangers. Expect it. It is part of the package.
Have you avoided homeschooling critics? How many years have you been homeschooling?
