Top Five Pet Peeves About Homeschooling

When I was contemplating homeschooling my children, I scoured every book, magazine, newspaper, email loop, and even directly questioned homeschoolers. However, one question remained unanswered. I am here to answer it. Yes. Homeschool does have its negative aspects.

I guess they (the homeschooling community) failed to answer this question because as underdogs in the battle over education, you really do not want to “show your hand”. However, I personally have some pet peeves about homeschooling and homeschoolers. Over the last few years, some things have really gotten under my skin. Until now, like other homeschoolers, I have kept my lip buttoned, but today, I feel like spilling the beans. Here are some things that I as a homeschooler wish I could say aloud.

Pet Peeves of homeschooling #5: The militant homeschooling mom
What I want to say is: I get it already. In the past, homeschoolers were persecuted even jailed for homeschooling. Still today, well-meaning (in most cases) family and “friends” will occasionally report someone for “failure to educate” their child. These charged rarely stick… especially to the innocent. While I understand the need to stand as one united front, try relaxing a bit. Not every conversation has to be political. If that’s what turns you on… fine. Enjoy it. But don’t expect me to.

Pet Peeves of homeschooling # 4: The defensive homeschooler

What I want to say is: Please don’t ask me what I am using to teach my child and then get mad when you don’t agree with it. My child and I are not here to validate your methods and approach. Most especially, don’t ask me about my kids success and then roll your eyes when I brag a bit and make comment like, “well, we don’t test or measure progress in that way”… You asked!

Pet Peeves of homeschooling # 3: The nosy stranger