From the article: "Shouldn't you be in School?"
Well meaning family members often share their concerns with us when they hear about our homeschooling. Sometimes it's hard to know what to say when they're not supportive. What about your family? Are they supportive of your decision to homeschool? What are their concerns? Have you been able to set their minds at ease? Share Your Experience
Mixed Emotions
- I just recently started homeschooling my 5 year old. My Mom and Dad are somewhat supportive. I feel like the MomofDJ I have to have Mom's approval. It will make things go smoother. My mother-in-law and father-in-law approve. One of my brothers do not approve, he pokes fun at me. I feel like I have 95% approval from most of my family and friends and that helps a lot. My little girl gets to stay with mommy and I get to monitor everything that she learns and that is a blessing.
- —2girls35
Some do support and some don't
- I guess you could say I am split. I have friends who are or have home schooled so there is no problem. Other people think my son will turn out to be sheltered and a sissy!
- —Guest LC
Support came eventually
- My parents weren't sure at first about us homeschooling the kids. "Public school was good enough for you" was their comment. Looking back, public school wasn't good enough for me but I won't tell them that now. My father has since seen homeschooling as a good thing. He's seen my kids able to communicate with adults, play with other children, and behave in public as well as at home. The educational aspect also impresses them now that they can see results as both kids are at least 2 grades ahead of their age group for public school. I think they also like the fact that the kids can come visit anytime we want to and don't have to wait for a school holiday.
- —Guest Janet in Reno
Family's been fine
- My family was more supportive than I thought they'd be. Convincing my husband took the most effort. I wasn't sure how my mom would take it, but she was fine- asked some questions, which I answered. I emailed her information and statistics. And she was supportive all along. In fact, everyone in the family took it in stride. The only "objection" I got was from my retired schoolteacher aunt who said she is against homeschooling. She gave a bunch of reasons that made me smile, because they were all reasons I would have used in favor of homeschooling (socialization, anyone?)- still, she said that she'd support my decision. And although she will occasionally make suggestions to me in regard to curriculum for my daughter, or in regard to me going to college to become a "real teacher" lol, at times I've showed her work I'm doing with my daughter and even she has said that I seem to be doing "all the right things." It's nice to have family support. Even nicer to have my kids at home with me :)
- —sahmiam3
Homeschooling on my own
- I have been homeschooling many years and quite imperfectly. I love having my kids at home. From the very beginning, my sister, and mother were against the idea. We have never really talked about it since. Now my sister is a teacher and occasionally tells me I should put them in school. I don't know where she gets the idea she knows what is best for my children. My mother in-law was a teacher and I was afraid of her for many years. When my children visited her she would observe them and let my husband know if they were up to a good level of reading. That was nice! I have felt very insecure since. My husband and I don't agree on this at all. But, he has allowed me to continue. I am pretty much on my own with this and have felt alone. But, I believe it is where my kids should be. It is hard too when outsiders make comments, or question their reading skills. But, it is worth it. Now, I have neighbors who homeschool and that helps a lot and gives me the support to keep going.
- —poopiemom
Dad's not quite on board
- Out of my family, my mom is the only one who really supports my decision to homeschool my 13 year old daughter. My grandparents are dead-set against it, and my hubby thinks I'm getting in over my head. My siblings have thought about homeschooling for a little while now, but seem to be waiting for me to smooth out the road for them. That being said, I have been blessed with a wonderful group of friends, most of whom agree homeschooling is the best fit for my family and support me wholeheartedly.
- —Guest vickylynn076
Ruining our kids?!
- Our families are not supportive of our decision to homeschool. Instead of encouraging the kids and making a big deal about school starting last week, my husband's family avoids discussing school, period. My father keeps asking us "You're not going to do THAT to those kids again are you?!? You're going to RUIN them!" (The irony of his statement is that he is ruining his relationship with them.) He has sent us newspaper articles about homeschooled kids lacking the big S word (socialization)... It is very sad and disappointing. We don't need our families to actively support our decision but it would be nice if they would accept it and respect our right to make it. (heavy sigh...)
- —Guest twokidlins
Teacher
- My husband and I are guardian grandparents for two grandchildren, ages 7 and 5, and we are beginning our third year of homeschooling them. Our four grown children (not homeschooled) are lukewarm about this, most often expressing concerns about social interaction with peers and the "burden" homeschooling places on us. So far, we are confident and at peace with our choice; it is working for our family at this time. Yes, we have frustrations and feelings of inadequacy, but mostly we are blessed with the joy and excitement of learning and growing together.
- —Guest Nancy S.
Homegrown Kids
- Our family is very supportive of our homeschooling decision however our friends and strangers always have their opinion about homeschooling. As a former teacher I have seen the good, bad and ugly that being in an environment that can at times be dangerous for our children. Sometimes these dangers come from other students and sometimes these dangers are from the teachers themselves. In our home the theme is "we have the biggest vested interest in our children." If they are going to be the most successful, well rounded, loving and God fearing children it is up to us. Homeschooling definitely takes a lot of time, effort and devotion to your children, your spouse and your home. Our children are able to learn at their own pace and in most cases have passed up their "public education" counterparts. So I say if you think homeschooling is right for you and your family, pray about it and you do what is in your heart and leave the rest to God. Blessings to you all!
- —Guest Christine M
Hoping for approval
- Well, I haven't started homeschooling yet. I'm in the gathering of information stage. I would like to take my 1st grader out by the end of this semester but I am waiting and hoping for my Mom's approval. Granted I am 36 years old, married and do not live with her but her blessing and approval mean a lot to me! I can't imagine doing anything major in my life without her blessing. I have written her a letter explaining it all to her and am trying to patiently wait for her response. Her concerns are the same as everyone else's. But, I don't think she understand just how glorious this journey will be. I think she is slowly giving in...please everyone keep your fingers crossed for us!
- —MomofDJ
