The other reason to give a well thought out and kind answer is that we, as homeschoolers, represent homeschoolers. By answering people kindly and honestly, we hopefully give homeschoolers a good representation. And maybe even win a few people over to the dark side! 😉 But trust me, behind every one of those “right” answers is a snarky one just trying to get out.
Let’s see if you know what I mean.
Questions People Ask Homeschooling Moms
With the snarky thoughts and the real answers
Do you homeschool in your pajamas every day?
-What I think: yep, some days we just skip the jammies too!
-What I say: We try to have consistency in our lives, since children seem to function better that way. Every homeschooling family is different, but we try to begin school by 9, fully dressed for the day. Only kids who are sick stay in their jammies all day around here.
a sick Riley camped out on the couch |
Do you have a teaching degree?
-What I think: Nope, no degree needed to herd cats all day.
-What I say: I majored in Child Development and Family Relations, but quite honestly, my most important degree is that of MOM. There are all kinds if parents with different backgrounds and degrees out there homeschooling their kids. No one way is the right way!
How do you know if they are really learning?
-What I think: Learning? Who cares as long as we are having fun!
-What I say: By choice, we test our kids yearly to make sure they are progressing. My kids far exceed state standards every year and so we see no reason to believe that they are not learning.
Are they all yours?
-What I think: All? Oh my, no, a few of those I have never seen before now!
-What I say: Yes, they are. And I am blessed daily by each one of them. They each bring a unique aspect to our home and family. I cannot imagine life differently.
Don’t they drive you crazy all day?
-What I think: No, just your kids would drive me crazy all day.
-What I say: Some days are easier than others, of course, but all days are worth it! Kids are going to be kids. Some days are peaceful, some days are hectic. But we are a team, no matter what.
the living room taken over by Colby |
What does your husband think about you homeschooling?
-What I think: Shhhh, don’t tell him! He thinks they go to school every morning.
-What I say: Each year we make a prayerful decision together as to the path for our kids. He is a great principal and I am one blessed teacher!
Do you have any “me” time?
-What I think: Why? Are you volunteering to watch them all for a day?
-What I say: I schedule as best I can. My kids are only this age for a short season, so I am trying to enjoy them while they are young. I signed up for this thing called parenting and I do not take it lightly.
What about sports and extra curricular activities?
-What I think: Surely chicken whispering counts as a sport!
-What I say: Most school districts allow homeschoolers to participate in those activities within the school system, if you so desire. Churches and city leagues are also available for sports. Homeschooling co-ops are great places to take additional “elective” type classes. Because my kids do not follow a strict 8-4 school schedule, they are sometimes more free to be able to pursue outside hobbies.
Salem practices his chicken whispering |
How can you teach higher level classes?
-What I think: Oh, I just farm them out when things get tough.
-What I say: I learn right alongside my kids daily, so we are all prepared when we get to that level. If not, there are plenty of people who are more than willing and able to help us.
How will your kids get into college?
-What I think: Well I assume they’ll go through the doors like other students.
-What I say: It’s pretty easy actually. Many colleges are even seeking out homeschoolers these days! I have one daughter who has already successfully graduated from college and one who is a high school junior with 5 college classes under her belt already. As long as you keep good records, you will be fine.
What about a transcript?
-What I think: Just wing it.
-What I say: There are lots of online resources for creating a transcript, I promise! Just Google “High School Transcript” and you are well on your way. Many state homeschool associations have transcript services as well.
Ashton and friends |
And of course our favorite-
Are your kids socialized?
-What I think: Wait, we’re supposed to like and talk to people?
-What I say-Yes, ma’am. They go to church, youth group, co-op classes, sports lessons, and have many friends. More importantly, my kids are learning to converse with people of all ages and races, not just 30 other people just like them.
See, the truth is out- I have a snarky side to me. But luckily, I have a side to me that believes that homeschooling is what is best for my children, and a desire to have others see the blessings I get from choosing to teach my kids at home. So ask away, world, ask away! I would love to tell you about my blessed life.
And I will try to keep my snarky answers to myself!
Blessings,
Click the image below to see all the posts in The ABCs of Homeschooling Series