Even though this hasn't been an issue for us, it's been on my mind. Honestly, when asked, I usually don't get a chance to answer. Some adult is asking my oldest, and he either tells them he's homeschooled or tells them he's finished for the day. My favorite was when we took the kids to a golf tournament my DH was playing in. Someone asked my oldest how school was today, and all he responded was, "Short!" But, although there are many homeschoolers here, and Texas has liberal hs-ing laws, several towns have instituted day-time curfews (restricted everyone) in an effort to combat truancy. (Your kids are all right if you're with them.) Homeschooling is listed as a permissable defense, but would not prevent you from being charged (with breaking curfew). I have my boys out at our garden a lot, and try to have them spend a half hour in the mornings riding bikes (really helps us get more done). Both activities can be completely seen from the street. One thing I have done is print out copies of Texas' homeschooling law and keep it on hand. It should be enough to say we're homeschooling, but in case it isn't, I want to be able to share the knowledge.
I try to be careful about leaving the kids home alone during school hours, too. For example, I go to staff meetings at church on Tuesday mornings. During the summer, Carl would go with me and we would usually leave the kids home alone. Rachael at 14 is quite capable of handling things, plus we have the cell phone. The other two are really good for her (OR ELSE, LOL!!!). But during the school year, I always take them to church with me. I give them each a list of what they need to work on, and put them in a Sunday School room. This has been our routine for I think three years now. I'm just not comfortable leaving them alone during school hours!
OH! Jackie! One time I had to go to the dentist or dr, I dont remember which one, but kids all three then, were home alone. Earlier in the day I had spoken to a police officer about a baby stroller at the end of our street and told him what I had heard in ref to a kid crying for its mommy... so anyway While I was out the Police officer came to our door, since it was a cop they opened the door. He asked them for me, they explained I was out and would be back. So he asked them questions about me.. after asking them why they were all home. They explained they were home schoolers. They had been doing school when he came to the door. But he asked them birth date etc about me and he ran me through the computer and came up empty! HA! So he asked them if I had another name I went by lol! I after that told them unless I have told them someoen was coming to the door not to ever open it when I was not home. Even though it was a nice safe police man, you never know what could happen these days! So we went over what to say, what to do etc after that. Not that I had anything to hide I was in the law, ds was 13 then so legally babysitting his sibs was okay. anyway, thanks I had a good laugh on that memory! HA!
T'mom, I don't know if Rachael would have opened to a policeman or not. Plus we have two dogs that can SOUND vicious, lol! I had some guy come buy just yesterday wanting to do yard work (in DECEMBER???). Whenever I open the front door, I always leave the screen closed and make sure it's locked!
I dont leave them too often since then, it made me worry, so if i have to then ya, they know not to anyone , they are to call me first and I wil tell them specifically, I am glad for cells for that one reason if nothing else
