How do you handle people who ask why your kids aren't in school when you homeschool and are out for your own..

Question

doctors visit or something and the kids have to go with you. It's so annoying that people assume that they go to public school and demand to know why they aren't there. How do you handle this without losing your temper because you've already been asked 10 times?

Answer 1

Usually, I will here something like "Oh, I didn't know the schools were out today."
And then I will say (playing the game) "Hmmm. I didn't either."
That confuses most people so much they will either look at me weird and walk off, or they will press on:
"Oh, I said that because your kids aren't in school."
Then I will say something like "Yes, they are. We homeschool. I don't limit their educational experience to a place."
That pretty much ends it for them.
Others may be bold enough to say "Why aren't your kids in school?" Then I say, "They are." offering no explanation. I leave it up to them to pursue a further conversation with me on the subject.
Now, if someone comes up and says, "Oh, I see you homeschool..." then I will talk briefly with them, because they have indicated that they are not judging me.
That works pretty nicely for me. Keeps me from getting frustrated. And it really is amusing to watch the confused looks on people's faces. Sometimes it's worth it to have someone think you are weird in order for you to keep your cool.
An smile while you say it, that will really throw people off!!! :)
Have fun, it's all good!

Answer 2

Temper? Not a problem. A smile says so much more.

We have told people quite a variety of things. It often depends on the manner of the questioner. It isn't always easy to figure if they are adverse or just curious but we try to not let it matter.
Some examples:
"We don't go to the schools in this town".
"Our school is out for the day."
"We are on a field trip."
"They are all home-schooled."
"No, there isn't any law against homeschooling."
"They do very well on their tests!" (this one is an NOYB thing but some people do get to hear it.)
"We are done for the day."
"Thank you for caring!"

I've always kept my answers very short and to the point. Then IF the question'er shows approval and wants to talk about it I'll chat for a minute or two.

Once when coming out of the grocery store in the middle of the day with my 4 young'uns in tow an elderly lady sat and watched from her car. She rolled down her window and said, "Do you home-school your children?". At first she seemed cranky but that was my misconception. I smiled and said Yes we do. She replied, "That is soooo wonderful. They are very lovely and well mannered!"

When asked -- keep your head high, show your confidence, smile and be polite about it. Kindness will catch even the orneriest ask'er off guard.

Answer 3

I hate this too! Believe me I'm a home-school student, and your kids are probably annoyed too. They always ask me this, and just guess that I must be a drop-out! (Which is normal out here) I just point out that I'm homeschooling because this city's school system is in shambles, and was the best option for me. They always agree when I say that! Then the convo. is over! They even ask who I'm home-schooled through! Sometimes I just want to tell them to shut up and mind their business, but I just say the reason I'm home-schooled. Then I walk away!

Answer 4

why would you lose your temper? why wouldn't you just be proud?

when my now 13 year old was asked about 8 years ago, it was an accusation - "why aren't you in school?" Nowadays, people see us and say "Hey, you homeschool." And then we usually hear how great they think homeschooling is.

If you are a pioneer in your community, you get to spread the good news. Why should it bother you? Are you not proud of homeschooling?

As i say, I used to get asked A Lot, it used to sound accusing, and I was always proud to say why we were there. (I did have to encourage my sons to not say, "We don't go to school" and to say "We homeschool" instead, when asked directly, which happens a lot, too.)

Answer 5

Just treat it as a question from a new person who doesn't know you've been asked 10 times already.

Anyway, that's a rude question to ask you. Just simply say that you homeschool them and then that's the end of the subject.'

Most of the time someone's question like that is just for curiousity. They don't really want to get into your business.'

Answer 6

There's no reason to lose temper....Just let them know that they are homeschooled and if they ask reasons why then just give them reasons that you feel that homeschooling is more beneficial to your kids cause they can get more special attention that they dont receive in a public school setting.

Answer 7

I really can't tell you how to handle your frustration but I know repetative questions are VERY annoying.

Make up some business cards that say "My kids are homeschooled. If that's not enough for you flip this card over"

Reverse - "Bite Me!!"
When asked, just hand them a card and walk away

Answer 8

Are strangers really DEMANDING to know why your kids aren't in school? Or are they just making small talk? I know it's frustrating to get the same question over and over again, but don't take it so personally. Maybe people are bored waiting at the Dr. office or in line and want to chat a little.

Answer 9

My suggestion would be to say that they go to private school{ they do, they are the only students at your house, ie. school} and it is a teacher work day { your job is to take them to the Dentist, etc,..} and they have the day off. They don't question private school days because they are different from public school schedules. My kids were in private school and we were frequently questioned, and now my son is homeschooled, and we love it. Good luck.

Answer 10

Smile and tell them you home school. You should have expected people to be curious as to why you kids aren't in school. It comes with the territory.