Why aren’t you in school? My daughter gets this question a lot as we are out and about during the day. She always proudly answers with, “I’m homeschooled”. There is usually an awkward silenced followed by an even more awkward question. Many times it has to do with socialization. I embrace these moments.

Homeschooling was not a choice I took lightly. I was actually against it myself for a while. I was a public school teacher for several years and I saw many homeschool kids return to public school. The reasons for returning were always different but in my mind it spelled one conclusion. Homeschool did not work. Clearly I was wrong.

My husband was a huge supporter of homeschool and began to show me statistics and proof of what kind of amazing results people were getting with homeschool. In my opinion there is no better way to reach a child than to know their personal learning style. Teaching at home would provide a perfect environment for this. I then began to research it on my own and thought maybe it would work for our family and decided to give it a try. I have a learned a lot since I first pulled my son out of public school several years ago. The most important thing I have learned is that homeschool is not for everyone; however it can be amazing with a lot of hard work! I have also learned that it does not have to make your children unsocial weirdos.

Homeschooling your children is a job, a commitment. Just like anything else in life, if you give it the attention it deserves you will get results. A big part of that commitment is making sure your child connects with other children. By the way, it is also important for you to connect with other parents. Take it from me you can begin to lose it if you are shut in for too long.

There are many ways to connect with other families. You can join groups on Facebook or meetup.com. There are also several co-ops in many areas. I have found groups that would meet the needs of almost every family. Many school districts also offer a homeschool option. Your student may go for a few hours a day or just one day a week. I know charter schools have programs as well. I have been positively blown away with the options and amount of support I have received.

Although we have occasional struggles for our family, homeschooling has been a positive experience and the right choice for us. We have been able to connect with some great families and my daughter has made some lasting friendships. I don’t feel as though she is missing anything by not being in public school. Our son is now in college and we often get complimented on his communication skills. He is able to talk to not only young adults but older ones as well.

So bring on the questions! I will happily redirect them to my daughter who will talk your ear off about all of the amazing things she has been doing! My hope is that answering the questions herself will make her stronger. If you are a homeschool family, what questions are you asked the most? If you are not a homeschool family, what are you most curious about?