do you homeschool?" I have occasionally replied along the lines of, "We looked into our school's curriculum when DS was four and was not happy with their school program." If they push on it, then I tell them the truth -I hate the school system here ,the teachers are rude, when My son was 4 a teacher looked him straight in the eye and said We do Spank kids here, and note this was suppose to be the Best teacher in the school. Sat him at a table by himself half the day because in grade K he would not it still and the teachers said He was a Problem child, Well Poof he was pulled out . So I homeschool so I know my child is being taught and not being shoved in a corner half the day being ignored.
It really depends on who is asking. "Because I was homeschooled and it seemed natural to homeschool my own children as well" "Because the Public Schools in this state teach many things I am opposed to" "My son has ADD and would not do well in a PS setting" "I feel my children will have a better education with one on one teaching, at their own pace, with curriculum that works best for them; rather than in a large class room, with one size fits all curriculum, that doesn't really fit all" "God gave me the responsibility of overseeing the education of my children and I decided to do that personally and keep them at home where I can oversee it all the time" These are a few of the answers I have given. Again, it depends on who is asking.
If the person wants is a simple answer, I tell them that we do not care for our public school system. Patty
Now I just say because It's fun or because we it's what we know. I usually then follow up with some joke about how I find school strange and weird and wouldn't know how to handle it.
I don't get comments or questions very often, but my favorite answer came from my then 13 year old daughter. Her friend asked why we homeschooled and she said, "because Mama wants us to be Godly people." That's my answer and I'm sticking to it. Beth
I usually just tell them that we believe it is best for our family. Most people don't want to know more than that. If they do, we talk about how we are the primary influence in their lives, preparing them to be godly adults. I try not to talk about other schools, I don't want to alienate any potential homeschoolers.
That depends on the intent of the person asking. I have a flaw that prompts me to respond to nasty with condescending remarks. So, normal responses would include: "I wasn't going to hold my son back a whole year because he was 18 days too young" "Because God led us this direction" "I want to give my children an edge that PS could never give them." But if the person is just nasty about it, I have, on occasion responded with things like "Because I couldn't imagine sending them to that worthless public school." "Have you seen the trash that those schools produce?" (only to someone without kids of their own, of course) Like I said, I'm not proud of myself on those, but that's something the Lord is working with me on.
I've only been asked a couple of times, but I'm cool with just giving the truth: "My husband and I wanted a more classical approach to education that emphasizes language, logic, science, and math; we can't get that in the schools. Plus, I've taught professionally in both private and public schools, and just thought we could do a better job at home."
Polite questions usually get, "I couldn't imagine doing it any other way." With a big proud smile on my face. The snarky ones get, "For the protection of the OTHER kids...." Ok, I'm kidding. Or AM I....? Hahaha! I think most people determine their answer based on who is doing the asking and how they are asked.
I'm lazy It's 10:30 and we have just gotten done getting dresssed and eating. I tell people because we are military and like to travel thru out the year.
Depends on if the person is being sincere or being obnoxious. I usually just tell the truth about how unhappy dh and I are with the public schools in this county and that now we enjoy it so much and have so much fun doing it I'd never do it another way.
It depends on who is asking. I don't really like to mention to ps system because that will provoke an argument with someone who has their kids in school. Um, tried that and the mom asked if I was calling her kids stupid! Hmmmm, where did she get, "Well, we feel because the ps doesn't allow a Christian education, we feel we can provide one at home". To, me saying her kids were stupid! So, I steer clear of that and just say it is a right fit for us and is clearly working very well for us.
I don't attempt to offend anyone but if they don't like my answer that's too bad so sad. If someone wants to take offense to the reason I homeschool my children I couldn't care less. They can put on their big girl panties and deal with it. Wow I sound mean dont' I? I'm really not. I just dont' care what anyone else thinks.
I don't get asked too often. I must say I get more positive respones than anything. So, normally when asked I give the simple truth that I don't care for how school is taught in the ps system. I feel I was led by God to do it. I am not against school. However, I feel I can teach my kids better by giving them the attention and taylor made education that I feel will mold them into critically thinking and God fearing adults.
This is my first year and I haven't been asked very often, but when I have been I say something along the lines of "After looking at our options, homeschooling seemed like the best choice for our family at this time" So far I haven't run into any obnoxious people.
I shrug and say,"Because we like it!" Or "It just works for our family." When pressed, I emphasize how much our family likes to be together, especially in the evening when dh is home, and because we homeschool, all of our time with Dad is spent doing fun things instead of homework. Most people respect that. Have you seen that Bitter Homeschooler list. Kind of funny! Rude, but funny!
Nobody has asked, but I'm imagining I would say something like, "It would be pretty hard to get the kids back to Boise every morning!"
