Usually it happens at the end of a long grocery line when someone notices I’m shopping with my children on a school day. Glaciers in the Arctic move faster than these lines.
But this time it happened while at a get together at a friend of a friend’s house.
Some person who thinks of herself as well meaning, (but in reality just wants to show off her childhood development degree) corners me and questions why I homeschool. She’s in her mid-twenties, wearing a blouse that hasn’t ever been used as a napkin, since she has no children.
My shirt is not so lucky. I’m mother to three.
This stranger’s carefully groomed eyebrows furrow together as she leans towards me and says in a fake conspiratorial voice, “But haven’t you considered the socialization aspect? By homeschooling, you’re denying your children common ground with their peer group.” This woman who doesn’t know me and hasn’t met my kids then states emphatically, “It’s going to affect them long term.”
I mentally consider my options.
I could sarcastically reply with something like, “Wow, with your magic crystal ball that sees the future, why don’t you give me some lottery numbers to play and tell me who Ted Mosby is finally going to marry.”
I could try to reason with her. Ask if she’s seen the latest research that shows homeschooled students in college are as socially adjusted and participate in as many extra-curricular activities as traditional students.
I could try to convince her that being socialized by a group of peers is what happened in The Lord of the Flies, then comically add, “And that didn’t turn out so well, did it?”
I could passionately defend myself by retorting that of course I considered socialization before I began homeschooling. What kind of a mother does she take me for?
I could debate with her on what the exact definition of socialization is and how best it is achieved.
But I do none of these things. No matter what I say, no matter what I do, I cannot change this obstinate woman’s mind. I am not the jackass whisperer.
So I smile and say quietly, “I’m confident in my decision.”
Then I make my way to the refreshments. I’ve earned them.
So much to love about this post! But you got me belly laughing at the “jackass whisperer” bit. Oh my laws. Thank you so much!
And I hope you enjoyed your refreshments. You have indeed earned them.
WHO DOES TED MOSBY MARRY? Good HELL longest story line EVER.
His grandkids are going to be listening in by the end of that story.
Snorting with laughter at the post AND comments, thank-you, ladies!
You go, girl! Woohoo! You are an amazing mother AND teacher!
Lord of the Flies ::snort::
Know what might change her mind? Having her own children. Then señorita mcjudgement pants might eat her own words.
I agree. There is no reasoning with unreasonable people. (albeit well meaning?) There are so many ways to accomplish goals – not everyone takes the same road. Doesn’t make one or another better, necessarily.
I agree with others… her having her own children will bring a totally different perspective.
You took a very high road. Good for you. I’m not so sure I could have done the same!
I just love you, Ami.
Love that like I’m not the jackass whisperer. Bahaha.
And way to go on doing what is best for you family!
Good for you! You soooo know your own kids and what is best for them. I think home-schooling has received a bad rap by the few who are doing it for the wrong reasons. I knew a family where the wife said she “home-schooled” her kids because she was too scared of people to put the kids in public school. This family was also very poor and the kids would have benefited from free meals at the schools. Needless to say, these kids have issues.
Your kids are great! They have an excellent education, but because you are so (dare we say it) uptight about what is best for them, they have the social skills needed to survive this insane life.(and better “adjusted” than the average kid out there:)
Good for you! Stick to your standards. Maybe she is just jealous because she knows she could not do what you do. I think it takes an amazing person to home-school their children. Although, with the state of public school, I feel like I am home-schooling my 3rd grader after he gets home from school. You are a most awesome lady!!
Love this piece! Coming from a gal who has a masters degree in early childhood education… I plan to homeschool too!
Why do people think they have the right to decide what is best for other people’s children?! Great piece of writing! Glad I found you!
Bwah hah hah hah hah! This post alone shows why I love you. And wish someday to have your writing skills. Until then I’ll just keep reading…. and laughing.