I’m still trying to get everything around the house caught up after being away for the conference last week. Ever notice how things pile up faster while you are away and unable to deal with them immediately? Yeah, I have….
Attending my second blogging conference was interesting. One of the things that always amazes me is the number of stereotypes people have about homeschoolers. For this week’s Thoughtful Thursday I thought I would list a few of the “gems” I heard while in NYC.
“You don’t look like a homeschooler.”
If I was wearing the regulation denim jumper they would have had an easier time spotting me.
“I didn’t know homeschoolers could drink.”
Once again, I should read the homeschooling rule book a little closer prior to indulging in a cocktail.
“I would prefer for my children to be normal socially.”
Ahhh, the socialization card. Very original….never heard that one before.
“I’m confused what you mean by secular point-of-view.
I thought all homeschooling was from the bible.”
That’s right folks…couldn’t make that one up. A met a lady who honestly thought it was illegal to homeschool unless it was biblically based. She said the preacher at her church told her so.
Laws vary by state, but she’s from Missouri….so yeah, that isn’t true.
“When are you sending them to real school?”
Because you know…learning must take place in a building between certain hours daily.
Why is it that the some of the general population still has a negative stereotypical view of what a homeschooling family looks like? The number of families choosing to homeschool for academic reasons from a secular point-of-view is growing, yet the “myth” of the homeschooler remains.
I did meet several women who said that I shattered their views of what homeschoolers are like. It takes outspoken individuals to change public perceptions. Secular homeschoolers must help shatter the stereotypes that remain.
I know it is not easy…living in Missouri and homeschooling from a secular point-of-view has proved challenging. I have found that there are other secular homeschoolers in our area. Knowing we are not alone makes it easier to be outspoken. Even if you don’t know another local secular homeschooling family, you always know you aren’t alone here at Heathen Homeschoolers.
Wow, those are some good ones. Here’s one I got this week: “You’re homeschooling? Oh, that’s brave. Are you going to homeschool [insert name of my oldest child's best friend]?” He’s over here a lot so I guess she figures I’m going to teach him stuff too.
Julie~I have heard the brave comment before, lol! I also hate the “Oh I could never do that” response. LOL
Our homeschool group recently called to set up a tour at a local Native American historical/ archeological center. The woman on the phone hesitated a bit and then explained that they do not change the tour to accommodate “homeschool philosophy”. It seems another homeschool group in the area had requested that the tour guide not mention how old the earth really is.
Unfortunately, we secular homeschoolers are somewhat outnumbered by the denim jumper clad fundies. In response to the finger wagging naysayers, I have taken to saying, “Don’t worry! I believe in evolution.”
It is just sad that a homeschool group would even request that. I bet she was relieved when finding out that your group didn’t expect them to avoid the topic of how old the earth is.
Hooray for shattering stereotypes!
I’ve also heard “I could never do that” from a lot of people, and it always makes me sad. As if they haven’t been teaching their children since day one!
Laws vary by state, but she’s from Missouri….so yeah, that isn’t true.
This actually made me laugh out loud. I used get a lot of, “I couldn’t do that,” and, “for how long?”
Now that I live in a more *ahem* religious area, I expect some of the others.
Ahh, the “for how long” question…another of my favorites, lol! When I mentioned we were still homeschooling this year to some friends they were shocked…after all our son is fifth grade age this year. They assumed we would send him to public school this year so he will be used to attending prior to middle school next year.
It is a sad response. But honestly, many parents don’t do what I would consider regular educational activities with their children. That fact is just makes me sad.
Are there any secular homeschoolers in Texas because I am having a hard time finding them. I also get the “how long” question and “oh, I couldn’t do that” comment. I just smile and wave boys, smile and wave.