When we made the decision to homeschool our kids, there was an attitude of skepticism among some folks that we know...an attitude that said, 

(Hee, hee...as if I've ever been normal!)

But, we took this all in stride, figuring that the day would come when we could "prove" to those around us that we are making the right choice.

For example, the fact that our 5 year old is reading at a 4th grade level seems like perfect "proof" that homeschooling is going wonderfully--so, please stop worrying that we don't really know what's best for our own kids.

Oh, if it were only that easy!

I have come to realize this week that some people will always choose to be uncomfortable with the idea of homeschooling, and therefore will always find a way to criticize it.

As a vocal advocate of home education, I find it pretty easy (most of the time) to answer objections to homeschooling. After all, there are only about 5 or 6 out there. Seriously! There are variations on those basic themes, of course, but at their root, there are really only 5 or 6!

This one, however, surprised me. This person (who shall remain nameless) actually used my son's high achievement in reading as a reason that he should probably be in school!

Because he's too smart for his age and that's not a good thing? Nope. That's one I've heard before...and frankly, I think it is silly and I just don't care.

Alright...first of all...if I cannot keep up with my 5-year-old academically, it says really bad things about the public school education--not to mention the college degree!--I received. Let's not forget that I spent my work-outside-the-home years as a preschool teacher. But, even if I hadn't, accusing me of being unable to keep up with my own Kindergartener's academic ability is pretty demeaning.

More importantly, I think it is a great non sequitur to assume that, because our son is smarter than the average Kindergartener, that we therefore should stop homeschooling him and send him to an average Kindergarten! 

Nevertheless, I did my best to answer this objection calmly and respectfully, while at the same time making it clear that I am not going to change my mind on this subject.

As much as I hate to admit it, though, it did bother me. I had hoped that, once folks started to see the fruit of my labors as a homeschooling mom, that they would realize how right I am, and praise me.

Ouch.

When it comes down to it, my educational goals for my children are different. I don't want what the world wants for my kids. Sadly, I think most Christians do. They may want something that is a slightly different color or flavor of what the world wants, but ultimately, they want their kids to blend into the culture around them as much as possible. They want a comfortable, pleasant existence for their children, and to avoid the possibility of being labeled "weird" or "fanatical".

The real, honest objection to homeschooling that most people have is that it is different.

Are my kids well educated? Yes! But, not in the same way as other kids.


Do my kids socialize? Yes! But not in large groups of their peers for long periods of time, as other kids are.