Sing A New Song Homeschool

Mar. 25, 2007 - Socialization

So today at the grocery store, I ran into an old friend. After talking for awhile, it came around to "So how old are your children? What school do they go to?" When I told her and her boyfriend that I homeschool the kids, she mentioned how hard it must be. I replied that yes, it is hard, but I love it and feel it's worth it. The boyfriend pipes up, "What do you they do for interaction, for friends, for stimulation?" Okay, I am one of those people who rehearses what she will say so that,when faced with the "socialization" question, I don't let emotion get in the way of an informative answer. I also don't like to list off all the activities that they're in to "prove" they're socialized.

Well, this week has been a hard one and today, I'm drained. So do you think I gave my rehearsed answer? OH NO-O-O-O!! I answered, "I have no worries about that--they're in ballet, soccer, basketball, piano, and we do a co-op." They're faces relaxed and they said, "Oh good!" (as if I needed their approval, right?) But then, in my irritation with the question, I couldn't let it rest. So I add, "Socialization doesn't worry me. Besides, do you want other 9 year olds teaching your 9 year old how to act in life? We don't hang out with only adults our age, why are public school students forced to do that? Socialization is the least of my concerns when it comes to schooling!" I could feel my cheeks getting red and realized I was letting myself get all worked up. Thankfully, her phone rang at that moment and the conversation died. However, later on they passed us in the frozen food aisle and--yes, sinner that I am--I quickly and loudly said to my daughter, "Okay, so what is .75 cents plus .75 cents?"--to prove to them that she's smart and we can do school anywhere! AAHHH--what a flawed creature I am!

But I'm sure all of you out there relate and understand my reaction. I just can't believe I took the bait and allowed the socialization question to get to me! :)

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Comments

Mar. 25, 2007 - Phone's for you

I TOTALLY relate. It's those moments when you know you're just in-the-flesh that you almost expect when her phone rings that she'll answer it and say, "Oh, it's for you, somebody named God who said you can be quiet now." Yeah, that's how my life works. I'm so glad I visited your blog today. It's spring break for our public schools and I'm entering a week of "parent questioning." I should rehearse my answers!

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Mar. 25, 2007 - Untitled Comment

I think we have all been there, done that. I know I sure have.

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Mar. 25, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Don't you just love that question : ) Why is that the first thing that comes out of most peoples mouths when you say you homeschool? Thanks for the giggle! I'll be thinking of you doing math questions the next time I'm traveling down the frozen foods isle in the middle of a school day with all three children. *grin*
Blessings,
BChsMamaof3

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Mar. 25, 2007 - Untitled Comment

LOL, you're not the first person who's succumbed to the Big S Question, and you certainly won't be the last. :)

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Mar. 27, 2007 - That was hilarious!

Only because I've "been there, done that!" And great post on the role of dads, by the way. I hope you are doing well!

Bless you,
Keri

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Mar. 27, 2007 - whoops!

That was me, Keri :)

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