Homeschooling with Unsupportive Family – MBFLP 276

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

 

If God has called you to teach your children at home, that’s what you need to do! But it’s easier if everyone around you is cheering you on. What do you do if your parents or in-laws or extended family are skeptical? How do you and your family keep on the path when there are headwinds? How do you handle questions, criticisms, or other opposition? And what can you do to find the encouragement you’re not getting from the family?

LINKS OF INTEREST

Census data shows the number of families homeschooling doubled during the pandemic (from 5.4% to 11.1%) and among African-American families, increased from 3.3% to 16.1%

Census Bureau: “Survey shows significant increase in homeschooling rates in Fall 2020” – 3/22/21

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

Search by ZIP code to find support groups (state and local) 

DEALING WITH FAMILY SKEPTICS

Assume concern is well-intended unless proved otherwise!

Figure out where their concern is focused, then address it with facts and experience

Go ahead and commit to a period of time, like a full school year. That gives kids a more stable educational experience, and it gives both parents and students a chance to adjust to a new way to “do school.” It reduces the temptation of constant second-guessing, too.

Go to a conference! It’s a great way to encourage yourself, and it’s an eye-opener for skeptical family. Even a small conference is likely to be much larger than your family has pictured. And invite grandparents to activities when your kids are involved – whether it’s homeschool sports, a science fair, a talent show – whatever your family is connected to.

Think ahead about “difficult” people – the ones who want to argue with your decision, or the ones who want to interrogate your kids. Coach your kids on the obvious, likely questions – “What grade are you in?” (which is really more like, “How old are you?”) – “What do you like about homeschooling?” – “Do you like to read?” – “What are you learning now?” – “What’s your favorite subject?” Kids sometimes go blank when an adult throws an unexpected question – go head, coach the witness!

Remember, you don’t have to argue and convince everybody (whether homeschool skeptics, or homeschoolers who are taking a different path than you!). Smile, be polite, but be confident. It’s your family, and your kids – not theirs!

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Homeschool Haters: How to Handle Them

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

How to Handle Homeschool Haters The Homeschool Sanity Show Podcast

When I asked my Facebook page fans if they received flack when they started homeschooling, I was surprised by the response. Join the conversation at Homeschool Sanity on Facebook.

Teaching Tip of the Week

Your Morning Basket by Pam Barnhill
Your Morning Basket

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organized Homeschool Challenge of the Week

The Organized Kitchen Challenge. The link includes the Menu printable you can use to create your own snack shack.

Links

HSLDA

How to Deal With the Social Worker at Your Door

Naysayers & Negative Nellies

Periscope Viewers

@Krystineg

Jess @jess42508 of The Dailys with Jess

@Janamomof3

Brandy @ourthriftyhome of Our ThriftyHome

Action Steps

  1. See haters as future advocates
  2. Know why you’re homeschooling
  3. Protect yourself

Next Week

How to Be a Hands-Free Homeschooler