Since I made the choice to homeschool my children I have faced quite a bit of negative comments and questionable looks.  So far I have decided that most comments and behaviors are natural reactions made by people who dislike what don't understand.  And I have become fine with that.  Thats not to say that it didn't hurt my feelings coming from some close friends, but I dealt with it. 

However, each new day brings about the reality of how my life has changed since making this choice.  I mean, for example,  I love to read Beverly Lewis' books about the Amish life.  There has always been something since I was a child that drew me to the lifestyles of Amish.  The hardest thing to think of in their lives is the Shun.  For all those that love you and say they care about you to turn their back on you, to banish you while you are still there.  I have read one story after another about this heart breaking rule that destorys lives.  Yet, that is how I have began to feel around many of my old non-homeschooling friends.  Especially, when my children are excluded from activites and such due to our choice of schooling.  These are people I have known and socialized with for years. 

Granted, I know my life has changed directions.  I no longer care what the latest new toy is my kids have to have.  I will no longer allow my kids to treat each other or others in a disrespectful way no matter how uncool it is to be polite.  And believe me the children I know  my sons age are very rude and disrespectful to adults and peers.  They think it is cool!!  And their parents are so worried they won't be mr or mrs popular at school that they support the behavior. 

I have been very careful about how I converse with the my friends about my choice to hs.  I make a point not to mention it until someone asks me a question about it.  Then I give a brief and general answer.  I do not tell them that by sending their children to school they are bad parents.  I have made it clear this is what works for my family.  It is not for everyone.  Eleven years ago I would have never thought it was for me. 

I think it might just be time to let go of these hurtful relationships and move on to ones that are positive influences in my life.  However, it will be hard for my children because they just don't understand what is so "wrong" with mom teaching them.

So in the end I always wanted to know what it was like to be Amish, but I never counted on being Shunned without even being one.  

Posted by mojmommy

I want to offer you encouragement. I moved last year to a very "in favor" community of homeschool. So in the area is great, however my family and some life long friends do not support me in homeschooling. However I feel it is a calling, not really a choice. God chose me to teach my kids. I can not listen to those who don't support me. I want more for my kids than anyone else and I'm sure you do too. Homeschooling can give them what they need. I have always had an interest in Amish life. We used to visit in Tn often when I was growing up. We always bought crafts and baked goods from them. You have to surround your kids and yourself with folks that belief in you and support your ideas. There is nothing wrong with you teaching your kids, it what God has called you to do. Please be encouraged.
Praying for you,
Chasity

Posted by nikkisimcox

Facing opposition from those close to you is hard . My family and friends always seemed to have a "comment" or two when we first started but it isn't so bad now . I always handled it by quoting Proverbs 22:6 for them . It's not a choice for me to make as much as it is a commandment for me to obey from my Heavenly Father .The thing that upsets me most now is that everyone asumes that since I homeschool my kids and don't work outside the home that I have no life and should be ready to jump when the call . I like Beverly Lewis too . Amish life is very interesting . It's nice that everyone is like one big family and cares for each other . Praying for you to be encouraged ~ a fellow Tennessean (east) ~ Nikki