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Parenting & Farm Kids:  "why aren't your kids in school?!"  |
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LuckyMommyof5
True Blue Farmgirl
500 Posts
Suzanne
OH
USA
500 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 05:29:24 AM
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Hi Farmgirls,
As many of you know, my husband and I decided to switch to homeschooling this year. As a result, of course, my four girls and I are often out and about on weekdays during standard "regular school" hours. What I am finding is that we are CONSTANTLY being asked the question "why aren't your kids in school?" by nearly every single person we meet. Some people seem passingly curious and pleasantly excited when I say we homeschool, but one elderly woman who approached us yesterday in the grocery store and asked this and then started following us around and asking very prying questions - like wanting to know where we lived and if we were REALLY homeschooling and then very rudely saying that if this were true I should have them home learning instead of at the grocery store. I didn't answer any of her personal questions and basically had to abruptly ask her to stop following us around because she was making me uncomfortable and it was none of her business.
Have any of you other homeschoolers experienced this? Why do people think it's ok to get in our personal space like this when they don't even know me?
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
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annielaurel
True Blue Farmgirl
912 Posts
nancy
fernandina beach
florida
USA
912 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 05:40:34 AM
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Just ignore the crude persons. Homeschooling is the best and it is none of anyone's business what times you do the schooling. Some children learn better later in the day. My brother was not a morning child and even though he did well in public school he had a hard time getting up in the morning so we were very often late to school.
Keep up the good work of homeschooling. Homeschooled children do very well on tests and on entering college if they choose.
Nancy
Make everyday a celebration of the heart. |
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LuckyMommyof5
True Blue Farmgirl
500 Posts
Suzanne
OH
USA
500 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 06:03:11 AM
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Thanks for the support, Nancy!
I've just been shocked that so many people we've run into seem to think it's ok to start peppering me with all these personal questions. And, part of the beauty of homeschooling is the flexibility of the schedule - we can do our daily learning around something necessary like a trip to the grocery store or something fun like a field trip to a museum.
I would never start rudely or negatively questioning some stranger in a public setting about their children or family, I don't know why others think this is ok.
You know, I have a mom friend whose husband is of another race than she is and they have 2 children. One of the children looks exactly like her and the other looks exactly like her husband (and they are adorable, sweet kids). I can't tell you how many times she and I have been on a playdate outing where people come up to her and ask if both her son and daughter are biologically hers! Isn't that so rude? What is wrong with people?
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 06:43:44 AM
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I believe your children are the lucky ones to be homeschooled. Keep up the good work.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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desperadosdream
True Blue Farmgirl
197 Posts
Malena
Versailles
Indiana
USA
197 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 11:50:25 AM
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My children are home schooled and we had many people make their opinions known (all negative) when we first withdrew them from public school a couple yrs ago. These were mostly family so it has caused a bit of hard feelings at times as they still periodically let us know that they think our children are being mistreated by not being in the social loop of their brick and mortar public school.
I've learned to totally ignore it and let their comments roll right off my back. The administration and faculty (many of them) will not speak to me or my children if we are out and about which to my mind just reinforces part of my reasoning for feeling so strongly about bringing them home. Doesn't seem to me that people who would be so rude and petty to children are who I want influencing mine. Beyond them however we have never had a stranger in public comment to us.
My son is not a morning person and neither am I. I have some medical issues, take more medicine thnt I care to and often times am stiff and slow to go in the mornings. My daughters are more morning people. They like to get up and have breakfast or hot tea etc and get going. My youngest who is ten has some trouble focusing and she needs several breaks so an early morning start time is necessary for her to be permitted multiple breaks and still get finished at a reasonable hour so she can go out and play with her friends when they get home from regular public school as she is more of a social butterfly. So my oldest who will turn 18 soon gets up with my youngest and they have their morning tea and she gets the young one going on her school while she showers and gets ready for work. Then I get up and take over and try to get much of her work completed before my son gets up because he is 13 and they argue and nit-pick each other. So we overlap but someone is learning and someone is playing or napping etc at any given hour of the day or night here because my oldest is completing her honors hs work through Indiana University's High School program and she works on her studies late at night when the house is cool and quiet. She doesn't require as many hours sleep as some of us.
So kudo's to you and your husband for making the choice to home school. I am not sure that I am fabulous at it but I try hard and my children are allowed to be children and feel like human beings instead of robots. They are allowed to eat, sleep and use the restroom when their body tells them it is time not when they have a 4 minute passing period between classes on someone else's time schedule. I feel good about that. I also know that there will come a day when something terribly unfortunate will happen at their old school and I will be blessed beyond measure to know my children are home safe with me instead of me panicking and wondering if they are ok and where they are and how I'm going to get to them. In our modern society I think we all worry about that type of thing unfortunately.
Luck, love and happiness to you and your family. I will be thinking of you.
Malena
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 12:08:18 PM
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I don't homeschool, but our friends who run our CSA do and they have had to stop taking field trips (associated with school)in the city of Covington and Newport (where the museums, aquarium etc. are) because they will get fined for truancy. Covington and Newport have very strict rules regarding truancy and they never "buy" the homeschooling message.
So, they feel that it's too hostile to do field trips associated with learning--and that's ridiculous.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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desperadosdream
True Blue Farmgirl
197 Posts
Malena
Versailles
Indiana
USA
197 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 12:57:04 PM
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That is very sad to me Jonni, I am less than an hour from those places and we were hoping to go to the aquarium and the Cincinnati zoo here before the weather gets too bad. It's upsetting that a traditional school can arrange a field trip to these facilities on a school day and not be given grief. I am not from Ohio or Kentucky we are on the Indiana side so perhaps I would not have an issue but still... Especially irksome is that there are also many kinds of home school situations and though I personally don't find fault with any of them that I know of those people who run, work for etc these public places would have no way of knowing what the situation was or was not. For example: my children are schooled from home and our schedule is flexible, we can add or subtract certain lessons according to their needs and understanding etc. but they are students of an accredited Indiana Public School governed by the Dept. of Education with Licensed teachers assigned to them as in any other school we just turn assignments in virtually. Fortunately HAVS (Hoosier Academy Virtual School)organizes many field day and social opportunities statewide for their students should they be so inclined to attend (orchard days, pumpkin patch days, museums, Barnes and Noble hosts a reading event statewide for them and various libraries host reading days and special activities etc) my children also have to go take standardized testing twice a year as mandated by the state as any other public school student. Therefore at some point some of these facilities who want to be controlling may find they have insulted one too many people as Ohio has one of the virtual public schools for certain as do most other states and even, there is an international one for people who travel alot with their jobs or military etc. So these children can benefit from being with their families, learning from other cultures and traveling and still keeping the same curriculum that they are used to and work at their level and pace.
I personally wish I had used the unschooling method from the beginning and never sent my children to public school at all but at the time they were of age to begin it wasn't feasible for me to do that and then my husband didn't want to ever pull them out and away from what they were use to but he finally relented a couple years ago. So this virtual public school powered by the k12 curriculum was our compromise and it gets a bit more hectic and frustrating t times than I would like but thats life...I do hope your friends continue on their own journey and do not lose heart and also that they are able to find some home-school friendly places to take their children on outings (during the week) if they so choose. |
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cheeselady
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
michele
waxhaw
NC
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 1:26:17 PM
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| I have never had this happen to me. Only family members worried about my choice to homeschool. It seems like I was in a town with a lot of homeschoolers, even though we live in a small town. Don't let it get to you. You have every right to raise your children as you see fit. I have been a homeschool mom for 23 years. I have one of three still schooling at home. It has been the hardest, richest, most rewarding thing. You will never regret the time you have with your children. Tell those rude people in the store that the kids are learning when they are in the store! Kids don't have to be sitting at a desk to learn. |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 1:34:30 PM
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I've heard it from a few people but not many strangers. I did hear it from one stranger the other day but not to me personally, there was several homeschooling families out that day (not by plan, we just all so happened to be at the same store at the same time!) and a man said I wonder why ALL these children aren't in school. But, that seemed to be the extent of it.
However, a few weeks ago when we told my step mother and father we were homeschooling (which we have said since I was pregnant) they had a hissy fit beyond control. Said we were on the verge of neglect she wouldn't go to college now etc etc, and had a total freak out. And said how they had it all planned out...and why didn't I go along with "their" plan..um they aren't her parents. I had a horrible time in public school...not going there with my children.
I suggest joining some co-ops, we belong to our local homeschooling co-op along with doing the public school version of Calvert (close to K12, but in my opinion a lot more freedom them k12, and slightly cheaper, Malena if you want more freedom you may want to see if your local district is doing it as well, here in Kansas it's called MVPS cause the city of Maize Kansas is hosting it (ironically that is the same district she would be going to if we public schooled, and my parents still had a freak out about it!).
Any way we are loving it and we do the the field trips with the other homeschoolers so we are in groups and it makes it easier I think.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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desperadosdream
True Blue Farmgirl
197 Posts
Malena
Versailles
Indiana
USA
197 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 2:10:30 PM
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Thats really interesting Heather, I would like something a bit less rigid but we do not have to pay anything for anything with ours other than our own internet service of course which we would have anyway. Our txt books etc are all free and mailed to us along with microscopes, magnifying glasses, any other science type items each year and then at years end they mail us a list of all the things we r to send back such as the txt books etc along with post paid labels to mail them with we don't even pay the postage. So its financially hard to beat. We did find out however yesterday that we are going to have to move. I for one am not sure where I would like to go but I'm not objectionable to leaving this state. My husband on the other hand who has driven a semi for 32 years has pretty much been there and done that and seen it etc...and really pines for the sense of home because he isn't here all the time and this area is where we were both raised etc. I feel that we are too close to our families for a good solid relationship of our own at this point and to make our own choices for our family without all of their input..you know what I'm saying? A little dab will do ya sometimes even though I love them all. If we do decide to move "away" from this area and are out of Indiana I would be interested in checking out Calvert. I have heard of it. I think it is only a matter of time before there will be a large part of the population going to alternative methods of educating their children either totally at home or virtually etc. There are so many frightening events that have taken place in our world that are ongoing. The economy is definitely not looking to promising and there will be more budget cuts and job loss I'm sure. There just may not be the means to keep as many brick and mortar schools open and ample teachers paid. I don't feel discouraged though, I just feel like it is kind of "the powers that be's" way of prodding us to take action and change for our own good. I don't aim to offend anyone's beliefs religious or otherwise so I'll just put it that way. I'm always afraid to upset someones personal beliefs or choices by jumping to conclusions about matters of that nature. Thanks for the info.
Malena |
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lwm
True Blue Farmgirl
123 Posts
Loralie
Duncan
AZ
USA
123 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 2:31:47 PM
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My daughter is homeschooling her 4 & it works out great for them.
In regard to being in the grocery store rather than "at home learning"...I would suggest that the grocery store is also a place for learning.
It supplies practical application to lessons learned. Of course, my stronger answer would be "it's none of your business."
Suzanne-do what is right for your family & don't let uneducated people discourage you.
Smile...
Loralie |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 3:05:06 PM
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Malena, I've heard other states do things for free lol Kansas, has never been "free". Even if they went to brick and mortar here in Kansas we would have to pay. For K12 here it cost about 90 dollars. But, for this new MVPS (it's calvert but through the public school system) it cost us 75 dollars a year, calvert on it's own is much more expensive-especially with the teacher assistant, but with the state funded calvert you also get a teacher, but it's not exactly the same as the calvert ATS, as it's a local teacher, and such). They also send us every thing, but are much less rigid about checking in and all that stuff then K12, plus you have a full 12 months to finish the year, so you could year around school, instead of having to keep to the schedule of public school system (which was my main draw back with k12). However, I have friends in other states where Calvert is free in this same kind of program, cause their state public school is free. lol Cool! I wish our state funded public school was free here but it's not. But, still I felt 75 dollars was cheaper then the brick and mortars here (they want about 75 for enrollment, then there is book fees, etc etc, and ALL the supplies they want!). So I was happy with it, and it's a lot cheaper then calvert on it's own.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 3:19:03 PM
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I went to Calverts website to see what other states have it, here's the list, some of these will be free as like I said their public school is free as well, and some will be a nominal fee, that is comparable to the brick and mortar schools in the area-I know this cause that's how Kansas is! lol
Alaska
Colorado
Florida
Idaho
Kansas
Michigan
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Texas (now I know Texas is FREE for this, cause I have a friend who lives there and homeschools, and said it was free for her there)
Washington
Wisconsin
Bahamas
Philippians
Taiwan
BTW, this is only it's third year for Kansas having this type of program for Calvert. However, there was another state that has been part of it for longer, I want to say Ohio, or maybe Idaho, I can't remember, it was another one of my online friends, she told me years ago she was doing Calvert for free too through the this type of program. I thought she must of been mistaken! lol Cause I couldn't find any info on it. We lived in NYC at the time, then I moved here to Kansas and they had commercials about it, and I called the phone number and was totally revved about it! Just what my girl friend had told me about.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
Edited by - MagnoliaWhisper on Sep 11 2012 3:21:41 PM |
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Butterscotch Grove
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Melissa
Fairbanks
AK
196 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2012 : 8:55:51 PM
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Hi Ladies! I'm an Alaska homeschooling mama. Calvert is a curriculum option here, but it is not free, though public school is sort of free. Alaska is a great place to homeschool. The law is very open - independent homeschoolers, those who don't go through a state program, aren't required to turn in portfolios or work samples, or even participate in testing. That is not the route we are going, however. There are several state funded distance education programs. To my mind, these are really great. We receive an allotment (state funds) for each child in the program. Those funds can be used for curriculum, supplies, electronics - whatever, as long as the purchase fits with something listed on the student's ILP (Individual Learning Plan) - which the parent-teacher writes. We can choose any curriculum, or make up our own. There are some things the state will not pay for (religious materials, mostly), and certain things need to be returned if we decide to take our kids out of this program, but we have used the allotment for music lessons, and will for swim lessons or gymnastics - can't give those back. We have to turn in work samples for each kid for each class 4 times a year. These can be tests or drawings or worksheets, or whatever we choose. We have a "contact teacher" whom we are supposed to contact once a month (can be email, phone, or running in to her at the grocery store!), and we do "progress reports" 2x a year - we choose how we will evaluate our students (A-F, P/F, Outstanding/Satisfactory/Needs Improvement - or "Other"); and there is state testing, once a year, starting in 3rd grade. My DD will have her first state testing this year.
There are LOTS of homeschoolers here - nobody thinks twice about kids at the store during school hours. I am originally from Pennsylvania, though, and there it is very much a different story.
Melissa
Melissa
My blog:
http://ButterscotchGrove.wordpress.com |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2012 : 02:01:46 AM
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oh and I must agree about there being so much to learn at the grocery store. Here in Kansas Home Economics has been completely taken out of the schools! (no funding, it isn't football or cheerleading so apparently it is worthless now!). My mother called my niece's middle school about her taking sewing (home ec), and they said they didn't have Home Economics and NEVER did. My mother said she had went to that school and took Home Ec, and that her daughter (me) had went to that school and took home ec, so they DID used to have home ec, it hadn't been NEVER. And the woman said, well ok not for a very long time. *sigh* It made me sad. I am not against Cheerleading if that is what a family chooses for spending their time/money on. But, I don't see how that is more educational, or life long skills that should trump having Home Economics in school, this same school has SEVERAL cheer programs, and not one sewing or cooking class, to me that is just plain sad. So my point is YES there is much to be learned in a grocery store, that sadly a lot of brick and mortar students will not be getting a education on these days!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2012 : 1:11:18 PM
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My daughter is 3 and highly advanced for her age. I had this old man come up to me and her and looked at her and said real frustratingly "now, why aren't you in school young lady?!". I looked at the man and said "She's 3". He stood back up looked at me said "oh" and went along his way. I had to chuckle to myself. On the one hand it's nice that they are concerned for the well being of a child but on the other hand it's annoying because I have the best interest of my child in mind so it's annoying. I remember getting asked that while I was being home schooled and I remember getting so annoyed by it I finally asked annoying questions back like "why aren't you at work?" or something along those lines depending on the situation. Once we do formally start the 1st Grade I am going to join the Home school Legal Defense so if the need arises that I need their help I will be able to get it. Just continue doing what's best for your kids, you are doing whats best for them :)
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2012 : 2:22:02 PM
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Speaking as a Mom that homeschools now and as someone that was homeschooled as a kid, I have found that sometimes it becomes necessary to stop people in their tracks. If this elderly woman was following you around, you had every right to politely tell her to fly a kite. She has no business whatsoever asking where you live. (That invites nosey people to call DYFS on you if they get a bee in their bonnet) The sooner you can head it off with a polite, "Thank you for your interest in my children, but really it is my business and my husband's to take care of their education."
Some people don't take polite well and you really have to tell them to shove off. I had one lady ask what made me think that I was better than a public school teacher that I thought I could teach my own child? I guess I am more of a pepper pot when it comes to people to being ornery about my decisions at times. I politely asked her when the last time a public school teacher potty trained my kid and that I was pretty sure that I was the one that had to get my child ready to interact with the children in the first place.
You can always look into HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense) and be ready with answers of the law concerning your state. NJ is very quiet about the whole homeschooling thing, but people where I live are very old school and do not look to nicely on people whos children do not go to the "traditional" set schools.
Exactly what Amy said. Do what's best for your children. Any one else can go fly. :)
hugs
Jessie
"Wonder Woman hasn't got a cape, she just turned her apron around"
Farmgirl Sister #235 |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2012 : 4:10:08 PM
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Oh Jessie I got the whole bit about me being more qualified then the public school, um, what in the world....people are so nuts. Of course a caring parent is more qualified then any one to teach their own child! Some stranger would know my child best? Some stranger would have my child's best interest in mind over me? Not saying that ps teachers don't love children, but it's very common knowledge no one loves a child more then their own mother/parent! And no one would have more vested interest in that child then their own parent, so what kind of nonsensical question is that. But, yes I've had family say those dumb things to me too.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2012 : 08:05:02 AM
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My hubby was off yesterday. He was taking out the garbage and Bri was standing on the walkway talking to him. Then she came back in the house. Well, one of the ladies across the parking lot asked my Rooster why she wasn't in school. My Rooster asked her why no one in that house went to work. He pulls no punches. But the lady laughed and said, no really? He told her that he wouldn't send a dog to the public schools. Then she asked him if that was legal. He said Lady, I don't think you want me to ask you about your illegal activities. Then he came into the house. LOL
My Rooster is very direct.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
www.flossesandcrosses.blogspot.com
www.morganicinstitute.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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PrimElegance
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
Lena
Hurricane
WV
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2012 : 08:18:43 AM
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Mrs. Rooster, your post made my morning! LOL I homeschool my two daughters and it's challenging at times.
We just went on a cross country trip for two weeks to California from WV and we're tuckered out. Me and the girls learned soooo very much on that trip--things you can't learn sitting in a classroom. Homeschooling is widely accepted in my area because so many people have turned to it.
We have co-ops and homeschool PE. We have field trips readily available for homeschoolers. I wish Mom would've homeschooled me through my high school years. Bullies took over my life and I spent a good three years literally fighting my way through the day at public school. I will never subject my kids to that kind of treatment as long as I have breath in my body regardless of who thinks what about it. I get some negativity from family but I'm doing what God wants me to and I'm sure of it.
Good luck to all of the fellow homeschoolers here and keep believing in yourself!
Lena
http://www/primitivepillows.com |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2012 : 08:54:23 AM
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You know, I've only had a similar thing happen once in all our years of homeschooling. My son was about 7 or 8 and we stopped at the Post Office during our lunch break. A REALLY creepy man came up to me, got right in my face and yelled, ""Now why isn't this boy in school?" I politely replied, "We homeschool. We're on our lunch running an errand." "HOMESCHOOL? Is that even LEGAL? I don't think so, Missy!" The ladies behind the counter had known us forever, and knew we were homeschoolers, so they chimed in on my behalf, thankfully. This guy waited for us to leave, followed us out and then proceeded to follow us in his truck as we headed home. I was so freaked out that I passed our house and drove right down to the police station. He zoomed away as we got out of the car. Since then, I'm really cautious to try not to be out and about unless the other kids in regular school are out for the day. I mean, we still do field trips and all, but I'm not comfortable knowing scarey weirdos are out there waiting to follow me home. One thing I do do, however, is carry around a copy of our homeschool affadavit and "Acknowledgment of Homeschool Documents Received" (signed by the school)in my purse. That way, if there are ever any legal questions about it, I've got proof and the matter can all be settled with one quick phone call. These documents also served as the proof I needed to get the Teacher's discount card at Barnes & Noble and other educational stores.
Having said that, I'm with the others - you know what's best for your kids. My family gave me a rash about it at first, too. But now they - and the school system, I might add - all agree that my son is one of the best educated kids they've ever met. And my dad, who REALLY gave me a hard time about it, has apologized several times over the years. He said when you compare what my son is doing to what his other grandkids (his wife's side) are doing in public school, and how much more he knows, how much more engaged he is, how much more of a conversationalist he is, the work he does, etc., my dad said that hands down he now would side with homeschool over public school any day. People who don't really know - those who assume (and we all know what that means) - really don't have a clue what kind of work goes into homeschooling for both the parents and the kids. And to be honest, if they don't take the time to listen to you or to look into it for themselves, they really don't have any place in lecturing you. Make sure you follow the law to the letter in your state, love your kids completely and unconditionally, and give them your all. Everything is going to be just fine, believe me.
I also want to add that in Pennsylvania we are able to borrow any book or lab equipment or virtually anything we need for our son's education from the school system. He is allowed to play in team sports, participate in school events and field trips, even take individual classes if he wants to. They cannot legally deny us anything we need, and thankfully our school system is very homeschooler friendly. We have never requested any of this, but it is very good to know that it's an option if we ever need it. The only thing we were forewarned (many years ago) is that the high school sport program is rigorous and extremely competitive. We were told our son could "try" out for sports, but there was never any guarantee that he would be on the team. We took it to mean that they would probably overlook him in favor of the kids in public school. That was never a concern for us, really. He likes more individual sports like golf and weightlifting, so we have opted for private lessons when applicable. He does, however, really enjoy playing sports like soccer, football and baseball with his friends in the neighborhood, so it's safe to say he definitely knows how to be a team player when called to do so.
Hang in there - don't let the goofs get you down. Usually a "we homeschool" response will do it. Not everyone out there is misinformed or ridiculous about it.
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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littlegirl54
True Blue Farmgirl
61 Posts
Connie
Rio Linda
California
USA
61 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2012 : 10:10:43 AM
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Hi ladies, I have read through the above posts, and I hear you, really I do. However, as someone who has witnessed the "lazy" side of homeschooling, I have to say... If you are a homeschooler that has committed to ensuring your children get an excellent education, I applaud you. There are others though that just are too lazy to "teach" they just tell them to "get it done" and don't even know if they do it or not, until the school says the child is so far behind. And on top of that they let them run all over town and don't control their comings and goings, so they might as well just be drop outs. This may be why some people ask the questions they do. I personally don't intrude into others personal lives in public, and think you should just tell the rude ones it's none of their business. I just wanted to give a different perspective in the conversation. You go good teach-moms (and dads)!!!!!!! Go beyond what an overwhelmed teacher of 30 - 35 students can give your son/daughter. And one more suggestion....as far as field trips are concerned: call the museum or other venue and tell them ahead of time you plan to attend as a homeschool function, relating what your child is studying at the time, and they should welcome you just fine, and may even offer a special tour.??? who knows.
Life's too short to sit in a box all day. Get out and do something creative.
Connie H.
Farmgirl Sister 4152 |
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Homestead Dreams
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Carrie
Stephens City
VA
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2012 : 03:24:34 AM
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We are on our 4th year of homeschooling. Luckily, homeschooling is fairly popular in my area. But this is always a concern I keep in the back of my mind as to when I let my kids outside during the school day and such--nosey neighbors getting the wrong idea. For the time being, we're blessed that one of neighbors is a homeschooler too, so she "gets" it. When she sees the kids in the backyard before 3pm or at lunch time, it's not that my kids aren't being schooled, they're just out taking a break (that would be called recess if they were in school, lol!)or sometimes those periods are actual schooling--the kids are doing nature study.
I've yet to receive any negative comments so far. And I'm sorry you experienced that.
http://spiritualhomesteading.blogspot.com/
Farmgirl #3028 |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3318 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3318 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2012 : 1:14:46 PM
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I lived next door to a mother who home-schooled 5 of her daughters. They never went outside and when the time came for our local bus to drop other kids off I would catch a glimpse of them ducking behind the big picture window facing my kitchen afraid that some other kid might see them! They didn't know how to socialize on any level, they were extremely far behind academically compared to other kids their age and I thought it was very, very sad. On the other hand, I have seen families who have home-schooled their children who turned out to be very intelligent, bright and mature for their age. I guess it all boils down to how much TIME you are willing to invest in your kids education and that means regular schooling and home schooling. As far as someone asking you "Why aren't your kids in school?" I'm afraid I would be the one to say "It's NONE of your business!"
Melody
Farmgirl #525 |
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Parenting & Farm Kids: "why aren't your kids in school?!" |
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"why aren't your kids in school?!"
