The Bitter Homeschooler's Wish List

on October 6, 2009 at 7:42 AM

It's an understatement to say that homeschooling is often misunderstood.

We've got some amazingly smart homeschooling moms here on CafeMom that will set the critics straight and patiently answer any question about educating children in a home setting. But I also uncovered this list of gripes from the Secular Homeschooling website.

Okay, so it's a little sarcastic, but I found it funny and certainly true.

The Bitter Homeschooler's Wish List

1. Please stop asking us if it's legal. If it is — and it is — it's insulting to imply that we're criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?

2. Quit interrupting my kid at her dance lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball game, art class, field trip, park day, music class, 4H club, or soccer lesson to ask her if as a homeschooler she ever gets to socialize.

3. Stop assuming all homeschoolers are religious.

4. Please stop questioning my competency and demanding to see my credentials. I didn't have to complete a course in catering to successfully cook dinner for my family; I don't need a degree in teaching to educate my children. If spending at least twelve years in the kind of chew-it-up-and-spit-it-out educational facility we call public school left me with so little information in my memory banks that I can't teach the basics of an elementary education to my nearest and dearest, maybe there's a reason I'm so reluctant to send my child to school.

Click the Bitter Homeschooler's Wish List to see the rest of the list.

Hey, homeschooling moms, is any of this true -- do you feel this way? What do you think is the most misunderstood part of homeschooling?

Homeschooling Children with Autism

Homeschooled Kids Are Smarter

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: education, homeschool

Comments (8)

mommyheymommy

on Oct 6, 2009 at 11:02 AM

Home school rocks! My kids are smart, well adjusted, socially brilliant and have been home schooled from the start.

Report this comment

Lynette

on Oct 6, 2009 at 11:45 AM

lol, I love that list! Homeschooling is right for my family. The pic on this post is mine! neat

apexmommy

on Oct 7, 2009 at 9:28 PM

I like this! I wish people understood that most of what teachers learn in school is how to teach a CLASSROOM full of students. One on one tutoring is entirely different that teaching a class.

n03z07l08

on Oct 11, 2009 at 5:33 PM

I finished my senior year over the internet and people always say "o so you have a GED not a diploma" Not that there is anything wrong with a GED but I have my diploma,worked hard for it and we even had a real commensment with cap and gown and all that goodness!!

alexsmomaubrys2

on Jan 25, 2010 at 8:41 AM

I'm apart of this group and everything is so true!

Liansmommie

on Feb 2, 2010 at 12:56 AM

I think the socialization is the biggest complaint I see. Nevermind that in addition to all the usual activities these children engage in, just like every other kid, there are a ton of field trips and HS group get togethers. My son is even going to a valentine's party not much different from the one he went to in public school.

AskTracy

on Mar 29, 2010 at 7:24 PM

Yes & No. It depends if you're bitter. Let's see... this was written in 2007? So much has changed in 3 years! Maybe the questions you get depend on where you live. I live in southern California where liberal minds and HUGE budget cuts make homeschool look rather appealing. Most misunderstood? Hmm... probably the confusion in my children's eyes when asked what grade they are in! LOL! People don't get that you learn in whatever grade matches that subject. Your kid may be in 1st grade, but doing 4th grade math, but that's normal for homeschool. I know this "bitter" list is all in fun, but I can most certainly get a giggle off the list and nod my head in understanding, it's like a private joke in the homeschool community. : )