How should we tell our family that we are homeschooling?

Question

My daughter went to private school this year and we can't send her back this year because of the expensive tuition. The only other private schools in the area are Catholic and we don't want to send her to a Catholic school. She is going into sixth grade and there is no way that we are sending her to public middle school. The public middle school in our area has a really bad reputation. We have decided to home school her using the same curriculum as her private school did. We will be using the ACE paces so it is very easy to do at home. My aunt and mother-in-law have been really annoying asking where she is going to school this year. We know we are homeschooling but we just tell them that we haven't decided yet so we tell them that we don't know to put them off. Should we just tell them that we are homeschooling her and that it isn't up for discussion? Also, I don't want any comments from anyone who is against homeschooling. That isn't what I am asking. We are definitely homeschooling her.

Answer 1

Please remember that you can't please everyone!

Answer 2

You made a great decision to home school her! You won't regret it!

Just tell them that you are going to try it out for a year and if it doesn't work you will send her back to a public/ private school. Let them understand that your families decision is not up for discussion. You don't need to be rude about it just tell them why you want to try it and leave it at that. You don't have to explain yourself nor do you have to defend yourself.  

Answer 3

They'll probably be asking soon, "When do you start school?"  There's your opening.  I agree, don't be apologetic, just be positive.  Simply say something like, "Her father and I have discussed it, and we feel this is the best option for our family at this time."  Suggest that if they'd like to influence her education, they can buy books, educational dvd's (like Moody science videos), educational toys and games, and such as that.

Myself, I'd like to suggest that you have lots of these learning materials around, not that you force on her but that are available.  It's good if you go to B&N or other bookstore and let her choose interesting reading materials, maybe as a reward for good work.  Don't be afraid to "branch out" from the printed curriculum any time she shows some interest in a topic and wants to "dig deeper".  Schedule lots of field trips and make your regular daily life a learning experience too!

It's not my business, but I'd like to suggest that while you're happy with ACE right now, you might want to look at other curriculum too, such as Christian Light Education, which is actually cheaper than ACE for homeschool.  (I have bought both!)  www.clp.org

Answer 4

I would just come out and tell them.  Be sure that you don't use an apologetic voice when you say it.  Keep the tone positive & upbeat.  Make a mental list of all the positive things that will come of it.  Be confident and calm.  Don't get yourself on the defensive.  They will ask questions.  Don't take it personally or feel insecure.  This is a decision that your family has made.  You are responsible for your child's education, not Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, etc.  When you state the fact in a calm firm way it will not open the door for them to question.  

Answer 5

Congratulations on your decision to homeschool!  You might like it so much, that you decide to do it for the remainder of her primary education.  We certainly enjoy it!

I would definitely tell them, but do not leave it open for discussion.  If they try to object IN ANY WAY, interrupt them and inform them that it is the final decision that has been made by her parents.

If you feel the need, mention that she will be using the same curriculum but really it should not matter.  

I wish you the best!

Answer 6

Next time they ask, just tell them, with lots of excitement, that your daughter gets to use the same curriculum and it's going to be great.

Don't start right off the bat being defensive about it--you're just setting yourself up for problems. If she starts asking questions, ask her if she's asking questions because she's trying to convince you differently or if because she's actually curious. Take it from there.

Answer 7

I would teach your kids yourself.  You could do a online school such as Laural Springs.  Its much less expensive than private schools,  suppose to be great teachers.  Take a look.  I am considering doing a online school part from sending my kids to public school.  There are so many options.  Good luck!

Answer 8

Just tell them!

"What school will she be going to this year?"

"Oh, we've decided to home school her."

It should be that easy. You're the parents and it's your decision (plus your daughter's too, ofcourse.) Is her aunt her parent? No. Is her mother-in-law her parent? I didn't think so. You are the parent, and you used your authority as the parent to make a decision that you are going to carry out. You have good reason and good intentions for this decision, and it's none of their business to try to "put it up for discussion" it (by this I assume you mean debate you on it.) You have the authority to make that decision, you did it, and they're just going to have to deal. I'm sure it'll be a great learning experience and healthy opportunity for your family, but the fact that you are sure about that is what matters. And as long as you're confident with your decision, you should be confident presenting it. They're family, and they're going to find out anyway. So tell 'em straight up and be willing to stand your ground for your decision to homeschool your daughter.

Adopting a sense of confidence makes life much easier!

Answer 9

{Should we just tell them that we are homeschooling her and that it isn't up for discussion? } Yes that's exactly what you should tell them and if they keep making disparaging remarks change the subject. This is your choice not theirs.  

Answer 10

Welcome to the world of homeschooling, I have been at it now for 5 yrs.

Let your family members know that the decision lies in the hands of you and your husband and not theirs. Give them some reading material that deals with homeschooling to help them understand the process.

Everyone has their own opions when it comes to schooling (secular, religious, private, public, homeschool ) and while it is not possible to change minds , it is possible to EDUCATE about the different routes without making enemies.

Know your State's Laws, know your rights as both a parent AND a Home Educator. Smile, keep an open mind and suppress the urge to tell meddlers to 'Kiss your tush' simply say 'That's nice but this is OUR choice and we like it very much Thank You.'

Noone claimed homeschooling would be easy (the homeschool road is VERY bumpy), but then life is never easy.