I'm just not quick with comebacks. I was asked at my dd's class a few days ago what school she attended. It's really a common question along with what grade is she in whenever we're around new moms, kids. Most of the kids in the classes go to the same schools so they're mainly just asking to see if the kids are in class together or to make light conversation. No biggie.

So, a mom asks about the school and I reply that she is homeschooled. I was happy to leave it at that. She then replies that b/c her dd is an only child & needs to be around other children, she has to send her to school. She said she volunteers twice a week in the class and participates as much as possible. She then says that another mom there homeschools too.

I really didn't say anything b/c I didn't know what to say. I could defend my stance but where does it get me? It almost seems like whenever I get these comments, the other person feels the need to defend their decision. I have never felt that I needed to explain why I homeschool nor will I defend it as we made the right choice for us and it's working. I wonder is part of it that they feel bad for sending their child to school? I honestly (not to be rude) don't care how they educate their kids. I only care about what I do with mine. I don't think everyone should homeschool and I don't think badly of them for sending thier child/ren to any school. It's just not for us.

I truly don't want to come off as gruff if I talk about the subject b/c I don't want to hurt someone's feelings. I felt that this mom was a sincerely caring mom and that sending her child to school was the right choice for her. Honestly, any opinion of her didn't even cross my mind until later when I wondered if I was rude for not replying. I just shook my head yes. I don't necessarily have the energy to educate everyone on the bonuses of homeschooling either. Is that what they're looking for? I always hope that the subject doesn't come up but it does every time. I need a short, sweet reply that would satisfy everyone and not make me feel bad afterwards, lol :-)

That's hard...

Saying nothing was great. But once they say that their school is great, their kids need socialization, and how involved they are, etc...you could say: "It's so great that we have the freedom to choose what is best for our kids".

I only really get into it with my good friends-ones that love me no matter what. I hate defending why I make the best choices for my child!

I really don't feel much of a need to respond at all. If a parent wants to talk about their nice school, that's fine with me. I usaullly say "That's nice" Or "Good for you" in a friendly way.

I am not affected by what other people say. But then I'm old and don't really care what the hey other people do. :lol:

Next time, try "uh huh, hey, have you tried this bean dip yet? It's great!" ;)

I find I get a lot of positive responses. Then there are the phony people who act positive and start in about "what about socialization?" Oh please. Anyway, after one particular conversation-gone-wrong, I decided I am not going to defend my choices to anyone. When someone truly starts in I just say vague things like "that's a common concern but we don't have any problems in that area" or "I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree" and I leave it at that. It drives people crazy and basically makes it clear that I won't waste my time debating our choices.

Next time, try "uh huh, hey, have you tried this bean dip yet? It's great!" ;)

LOL. :)

They usually ask me what grade he's in. I reply, "he would be in kindergarten, but we are homeschooling." Sometimes I have to repeat it a few times because they say "what?" ;)

I've also had the only child/socialization comment. And I have an only child. I usually ignore it unless they ask me about it. Then I say something like, "we're not worried about it. He spends tons of time with his friends. If we wanted to, we could do things with other kids every day of the week."

In the end, you are you and you make decisions for your family. The same goes for the other moms. Everyone picks a different path, and as long as you are confident in your path, it doesn't matter what anyone else says. I've also said things like, "I know homeschooling isn't for everyone, but it's working wonderfully for us." That doesn't make anyone feel defensive about traditional school choices, but also makes the point that you are totally comfortable with your nontraditional choice.

Tara

I probably would have left it at that too. I'm a pretty quiet person and not at all confrontational. I know that what we are doing is right for us, to heck with them!;)

I also have an only child and I get that sometimes too, about how he needs to be with other kids and "does he get lonely being by himself all day?" I just tell them that he has friends in our neighborhood that he plays with and we are always on the go, doing something. They can see, by talking to him, that he is very friendly and has no problem getting along with other people.

I wonder is part of it that they feel bad for sending their child to school?

Yes. That's it. And the only time I've ever said anything to anyone is generally .... Like, if they talk to me about socialization, I'll say, "Have you MET her?!? Talking about my child. That usually shuts them up.