False Supporters

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

23 Jul 2007 08:03 AM

I am feeling paranoid as I write this.

Do you ever wonder which friend and family members really support your homeschooling, and which are false supporters? A false homeschool supporter is someone who says all of the right things to you about your homeschooling endeavor, while secretly being against homeschooling. They compliment you. They comment on how well your children are doing. They seem to take a vested interest in your homeschooling journey. However, they only stay so close to you to watch for you to "mess up". They also want to be there when you begin to have doubts so that they can guide you back to what the "normal" people are doing. They really want to you put your kids back in "school".

I guess I am writing this because I have become aware of whisperings. I have come to realize that my success or what others perceive as my lack of success at homeschool is discussed when I am not around. I am sure I am not the only homeschooler who becomes the subject of conversation when they are not around.

It is not all bad though. Often the people who make us the object of their attention cannot help but acknowledge that we are doing a good job. They have to admit that our children do not have the typical disconnected preteen (or whatever age group your child is) disposition. They have to admit that our children stand out... in a good way, and shine.

Therefore, I guess what I am saying are that sometimes we have to take the bad with the good and not make a big deal of it. Still, it is important to know who is really supporting you and who is not. On those days when you are feeling low, tired, worn down, or even doubtful, you do not want these people to be privy to your thoughts. You do not want to give them a reason to try to convince you to put your kids back in school.

*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.

*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!

* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 25 Jul 2007 11:49 AM

Gosh. . .no one whispers about me. . .they shout it to my face. I think I'd rather whisperings ;-)

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 25 Jul 2007 11:59 AM

I was so there during my homeschooling days. In fact, I think a lot like Valorie, they seemed to shout it at the rooftops - no whispering most of the time. But I did know I had "friends" who I know were waiting for it not to work, who were secretly celebrating when my son returned to school (our choice), however supportive she seemed along the way.

Andrea Hermitt (5512) 25 Jul 2007 03:41 PM

I think I am the "type" that keeps people from criticizing me to my face.

Valorie Delp (49340) 25 Jul 2007 05:59 PM

Well I do manage to avert open criticism. Like no one says, "oh my gosh you're going to ruin your kids." But you know, my kids get quizzed at the in-laws on occassion, or whenever they do the 'odd' thing it must be because they're homeschooled and do I think public school might help with that? I chalk it up to lack of educational understanding.

I never stop the quizzing bc thus far, my kids have made the adults asking the questions look stupid. I mean really, do you want to ask Alex a science question? UGH!!!!!

Andrea Hermitt (5512) 25 Jul 2007 06:03 PM

My neighor quizzed Jordan the other day, I sent her to return a "loaned" (pushed upon) science book we never used.... she quizzed my daughter on it and she got all the answers right. I repeat, we never used the book she forced on us. It just sat in my husbands office for two months..

Of course she is probably looking for more books to "loan" us and taking credit for Jordan knowing the info.