Home Schooling? - Boynton Beach,FL

Hi J.,

I completely understand where you are coming from! I am home schooling my 2 children (3 yrs & 4.5 yrs old) and even though there are not even old enough to go to school, people give there opinions that I should have them in preschool already. And when I tell them I'm going to home school them as long as I can afford to- they go on a rant about not being social; I find myself defending my position all the time- even with my own mother!

I give my reasons for home schooling them and I try to keep it non political, religious, or about fear. I simply say that I want to spend as much time with my kids as possible because we are not guaranteed tomorrow!

I can relate to what you have run into. I have had a lot of people voice their negative opinion without knowing us. Even my family thought I was way out of my league! But over the years the family has seen how they are well adjusted and "normal" children, expect way more respectful, kind, attentive, and loving of their family and others. I have found those to be some of the benefits. I started to homeschool when my daughter had just finished 1st grade, she had some "habits" that I would ask her where she learned it and she would say school! So that was another bonus. Spending so much time with her younger brother has shown her how wonderful he is instead of an annoyance! They actually come to me with their problems and don't look down on me. I see this in a lot of kids who have been taught (by other kids) that parents are just an annoyance and stupid. Like Angela S, I only share this information if someone genuinely wants to know "why" I homeschool. But I don't not get into a debate as it is usually out of ignorance that the hurtful comments are made. Learning to let it go or agree to disagree is usually the best way. Good Luck :)

I have ZERO wisdom for you! I don't homeschool...and don't think I could. However, I ABSOLUTELY believe in it!!! I had my girls in public school for a while and that was a nightmare. I seriously think my younger one came out dumber in the 4th grade for having wasted time there!!! LOL! We have since moved our girls to a tiny Christian school where we share the same values and faith. A lot of our students (and church families) come from homeschooling. I think those children are great! Yeah - you do run into a few who you wonder if that's the best choice for them. BUT - Mom and Dad didn't ask, so I'm not going to say. I've always been "tempted" to homeschool my girls - but again, I just don't think I could do it (especially with my eldest far beyond her grade level and definitely far beyond what I could teach her).
You stick with it and like Angela said, just let them rant. People who give you unsolicited opinions just want to be HEARD. They don't want a rebuttle or justification...and truly - these are your children...So you don't have to justify ANYTHING!!!
You are doing what's best for you all - so IN MY HUMBLE OPINION: You are doing a GREAT job! Good luck!

Hello neighbor!

We have been homeschooling in south Florida for 4.5 years. We were somewhat "accidental" homeschoolers ourselves, and have grown to truly love the lifestyle.

My kids were in traditional school for a long time, so we have a number of traditionally schooled friends. At first I was embarrassed to say what we were doing, but I'm long past that! :P

My approach is to just say what has worked for us. When people get on a tirade about how "I could NEVER homeschool and HOW do you do it?" I just let them rant. Unless I believe they're asking me a genuine question I don't bother engaging. I just say something like "well, it's been great for us so far, but everyone has to find what works best for his/her child." And that's what I truly believe.

I would also join a homeschool support group - it helps to be around like-minded families. Plus it sounds like your daughters are getting close to those middle school and high school years where you can take advantage of some of Florida's fantastic benefits for homeschoolers. If my younger son plays his "cards" right, he could graduate from high school with close to enough credits for an associate's degree (from college). Especially if your daughter is a talented student, this is something to consider - it can save you so much money during those college years.

Good luck and I wish you much success and happiness!

My usual quote seems to be "It's the best choice for our family" or "It works for us". Educational decisions are a very personal choice, though, like religious choices etc, and it bucks the status quo, so you will undoubtedly get some difficult responses. If you do, just repeat your pat answer using a variation of the wording, and change the subject.

You can always look up the "bean dip" reply to homeschooling questions. I'm sure it's online.

I find it's a waste of time to try to educate critical folks on why homeschooling works, but it's an investment of time if they are genuinely interested/curious.