Dealing With Negativity. -Melinda Harrington

Dealing With Negativity.

-Melinda Harrington

Sadly some people who homeschool do not receive positive support from family and friends. Indeed, some homeschooling parents receive a great deal of negativity. I know of some homeschoolers who are constantly
fielding questions, doubts and shaking heads from their extended family members. It can really wear you down, having to manage the busy life of being a homeschool parent, and also answering constant questions and negative comments like, “but what about university?”, “but it’s not real life they’re experiencing”, “how are they going to compete if they don’t go to school?”

If people are genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of homeschooled children, then most homeschool parents are happy to chat about their experiences. But there comes a time when your aunty’s or elderly parent’s negative comments begin to get really annoying. Some people are never going to change their opinions, and no matter how often you sit and chat with them, they’re just not going to shift their opinions. And you know what? They’re entitled to their opinions. Just like you are. So how do we deal with negativity about homeschooling?

I know of some people who just grit their teeth and put up with it. They become expert at changing the subject or redirecting the conversation. Other homeschool families just avoid visiting when those particular relatives or friends are around. Unfortunately some homeschool families have experienced family fallout due to the fact that they homeschool – they’ve fallen out with some people and don’t see them anymore. It’s such a shame that something as positive and interesting as homeschooling can cause such unhappiness in some families.

I’ve met more than one homeschool parent who is battling an ex-partner for the ‘right’ to homeschool the children. Unfortunately the education of children can become a battleground when some parents separate. In some cases, the children attend school 2.5 days per week, and homeschool the rest of the time because separating parents can’t agree on what’s best for the children. A very sad situation.

There are bound to be lots of questions when you make a decision to homeschool your children. Family and friends will have their doubts sometimes. Their negativity may be a sign that they are genuinely concerned, and only need you to reassure them that it’s the right decision for your family. There’s lots of readily available information out there about the benefits and challenges of homeschooling (Like this blog d;)  and if your family and friends are genuinely concerned about it, then there is nothing to stop them doing their own research about homeschooling. Perhaps a good place to direct them to is this very blog! Nothing here, but Homeschool Success!

What do you think? Have you had to deal with negativity about your decision to homeschool? 

Thank you for reading! Please consider supporting this blog by liking the Facebook page, commenting on posts and donating by clicking the donate button!