Are Your Friends and Family
Against Homeschooling?

So your grandpa is against homeschooling, your sister is a public school teacher and your neighbor is just plain nosey.

Here are 10 Ways to Defend Yourself to
Those who are Against Homeschooling:

1. Find out their motives. Is grandpa just complaining because he’s old and has arthritis or is he truly concerned for your children?

2. Tell them your reasons for homeschooling. Be careful when making negative statements about public schools. You don’t want to insult those who have children in the school system or make your parents feel guilty for having sent you to school.

3. Involve them in your home school. Bring grandma along on a field trip or support group activity. Let grandpa sit in on a phonics lesson.

4. Show them how well your child is progressing. Have your children read to them or show off samples of their work. Your critics will soon encourage others to homeschool.

5. Ask them to provide you with research that supports their concerns. If they manage to come up with something, ask if you can show them some homeschooling statistics.

6. Curb your enthusiasm. Don’t tell those who are against homeschooling that home education is mandated by God and you plan to unschool through high school. When asked why you homeschool, say, “We just think it’s best for our family.” When asked how long you will continue say, “We’re taking it one year at a time.”

7. Agree to disagree. Tell them you understand their concerns, but won’t change your decision at this time.

8. Say, “Will you pray for us?” Practice this one before family reunion.

Grandma: “You’re ruining my grandchildren.”
You: “Thank you for your concern. Will you pray for us?”

This will really throw them for a loop if you’re a secular homeschooler.

9. If all else fails, change the subject.

Aunt Sally: “Why won’t you let her go to school?”
You: (Smile) “Oh, I just love this pie! What’s the recipe?”

Nosey Stranger: “Your children will be social misfits.”
You: (Smile) “Thank you Mr. Nosey Stranger. Have a nice day!”

10. Set a boundary. I won’t allow anyone to undermine my relationship with my children, so I draw the line when people approach my children with questions like, “Why won’t mommy let you go to school?” This would be the time to say, “We love spending time with you, but we will no longer discuss homeschooling.” If your loved ones value their relationship with you, they’ll do their best to keep quiet.

Follow these links for information about:

• Homeschooling Facts,
• Homeschooling Benefits,
• Homeschooling Pros and Cons,
• Disadvantages of Homeschooling,
• Homeschooling a Reluctant Student, and
• Encouraging a Spouse who is Anti-Homeschooling.