Reality: Lots of people, including some family members, thought I was crazy and were less than supportive

I could picture the headlines: “Mom of six takes all her children out of school and educates them herself. Hail, the conquering hero!”   

Things did not work out that way. I thought the principal at the elementary school, who was well aware of the problems we were having with my son, would be supportive. He was not. He thought it was a terrible idea. Initially, my husband, while trying to be supportive, was not sold on the idea. It took him several years to truly see the benefits of that decision. My parents were smart enough to keep any concerns they might have had to themselves and ended up being my biggest cheerleaders. Not so with some of my friends. People at church were outspoken about concerns for my children. I got a whole range of comments when I walked into the grocery store during the day with six children.  “Why aren’t your kids in school?” 

To be fair, that was many years ago. Very few people homeschooled and those that did were often perceived as strange or anti-social.  Many people assumed it was illegal and in some places, it was. Homeschoolers were viewed with anywhere from cautious curiosity to distain. Times have changed significantly since then. Homeschooling is much more widely recognized as a viable option now. However, the fact remains that choosing to homeschool can be a lonely road.

As a homeschooler, you are always under the microscope. If your children fail, it is your fault. If they excel, it’s usually in spite of you, not because of you. People can be critical, judgmental and outspoken. By prepared for less than enthusiastic responses and grateful for the times people are encouraging and supportive.  If you choose to homeschool, it needs to be because you feel it is the right thing for your child and right for your family. That commitment needs to be stronger than the questions or criticism you may get from others and definitely stronger than the self-doubt you may feel when things get difficult.  

Seek out other people who are interested in and supportive of home education. Network and collaborate with them. Pool your resources and talents. Find other home-schooled kids for your children to associate with.  Join co-ops and support groups. It can be a bumpy road, so enjoy the times you can rub shoulders with like-minded people and develop some thick skin for the times when people are not so supportive. It is all worth it.