They Think I’m Crazy to Homeschool

Posted by Amy R | 0 comments

You know exactly who “they” are.

They are the ones who furrow their brow and stare a long time before answering when you say, “We homeschool.”

They have no idea how much it took to muster up the courage to speak those two little words, and their reaction doesn’t surprise you in the least, but deep down you wish they didn’t think you were crazy.  You wished they would get a big grin, pat you on the back, and send you on your way down Homeschooling Bliss Lane.

But they don’t seem capable of that, so you sigh and try to steer the conversation another direction or you get defensive and end up in a war of words.  Either way, you are discouraged.

But, let me offer some perspective that hopefully brings encouragement to your heart.

Expect the weird looks.  When you do something counter-cultural, you should expect severe reactions.  People aren’t used to what they aren’t used to.  Remember, what you are doing is not the norm and you will get some strange reactions.

Have mercy on them.  Go easy on those who react strongly because more than likely, they react out of ignorance to the actualities of homeschooling or they have a biased view of homeschooling based on that one family they knew who said they homeschooled, but in fact, were neglecting their children.

Inform those who want to be informed; avoid those who do not.  There are two camps when it comes to those who think homeschooling is crazy: those who are still curious and those who are not.  The curious ones want to try to understand why you do this, and those who truly don’t care, are not going to change their minds no matter how many statistics and Bible verses you line out for them.  Save your energy for those who are curious.

Let your actions speak louder than your words.  In other words, stay out of an argument and live as peaceably as you can.  Many people have been swayed to the homeschooling side simply by observing the fruit of our labor.  Keep on keeping on and give God all the glory.

Remember Who is in charge.  God is and you answer to Him!  Homeschool with confidence because no matter what “they” say, homeschooling isn’t crazy and what God calls you to, He will equip you for.

Live blessed because you are!

Amy Roberts is the homeschooling mother of 6 living children and one precious little girl named Emily being held in the Lord’s arms. Her days are filled with giggly girls, rambunctious boys, and sticky baby kisses. At night she writes about it all at Raising Arrows, a blog dedicated to homeschooling, large family living, and hope for grieving hearts. It is her deepest desire that out of the overflow of her heart, her mouth should speak…and her fingers type.