What do you tell people when you get funny looks when your out?

Question

OK your shopping in the local Grocery store or Walmart during school hours and you have all your kids with you. The kids are having a good time being with you and obviously healthy. What do you tell people when they look at you like why aren't those kids in school or they just ask you why?

Me? I simply tell them I lost my mind and decided to home school them! LOL! I usually get the response of your insane or I couldn't do that.

Home Schooling is pretty big around here so it's not such a big deal but i know in other parts of my state it's not so popular so I assume it's pretty much the same all over.

Answer 1

I wouldn't tell them anything.  Why do you feel like you have to explain yourself?   Just mind your business and go about it, and others will, too.

Answer 2

Ya know, I just realized that we don't often get out before school is out. When we do, it is to one of our regular hang outs. The folks there know us and don't look twice. Normally when I tell people we homeschool, they say, "I wish I could do that, but I could never because...blah blah blah". We have had weird looks and comments over homeschooling in the past, but not recently. Then again, my hairdo is a bit unusual, so if I'm getting a funny look, it is usually followed by questions about my coif. People are very nice and I love the complements, but they often want to fondle my dreads. That is a little odd, but I'm used to it by now. As another person said, our schools also run on different schedules, so people in town have often assumed we're from the county.

One issue we've had is with our extra curricular activities. Those classes are canceled if school is out in the city or called off early for weather. There is no prior notification.  So, I have to keep up with the city school schedule to make sure I don't drop my kiddo off on the wrong day.

Answer 3

I don't say anything.  It isn't their business.

Answer 4

Don't tell them anything honestly its none of their business if you out with your children during school hours.

If anything you tell them it should be to turn the F**K around..lol

Answer 5

Honestly we don't get too many weird looks or comments.  The few times we have had comments my boy's usually answer with, we're homeschooled.  Usually they will just say something like oh how cool.  I think it's generally accepted here.  We have now been homeschooling for three years and we are out and about all the time and amazingly we don't get too many comments.

Answer 6

Well I think I pass for a college student at this point, so I don't get many funny looks (that I know of) when I'm out. If I'm signing up for a class (like last week when I started with my new guitar teacher) that takes place durring school hours, I usually have to explain that I'm home schooled and that's why I'm free durring that time slot. If I call up a government office, doctors office, school, bank, or whatever to make an appointment, get information, or arrange something, I'm usually faced with a "where are your parents?" question which is often followed with "Oh? No school today?" and I find myself explaining that I'm homeschooled and as part of my preparation for the real world I like to take responsability for my own affairs whenever possible, and my mother understands and supports this. If I go somewhere looking for a volunteer opportunity...well, the application usually asks where you go to school, so that's pretty simple.

I don't really get too many weird looks or comments from strangers on the street though. At least, not about homeschooling. Most are usually wrapped up in the fact that I'm holding a long white cane out in front of me and seem to know where I'm going and don't need or want to hold someone's arm and be lead.

Answer 7

well, first kudos to you for homeschooling because in my case im the homeschool student and i know how hard my mom works and i really apreciate it. but if you really want to know how we handle the staring i just be a smart alec and say something comical like ,"we're studying peoples reactions to human beings got any questions ?

Answer 8

Sometimes people do ask, and I just tell them we homeschool, and it's never been a big deal.

Answer 9

If someone just looks at me, I don't say anything. If they ask about what's going on, I just say we homeschool.

If someone said that its crazy, or that they couldn't do it, I would be sure to say that it's much easier and nicer than people imagine.

I'm sure it's the same all over.

Answer 10

Usually when that happens to us, the question goes to DS.  They say, "Oh, is school out today?".  He replies, "I'm homeschooled.  We're doing school right now.  I'm getting parts for my Rube Goldberg machine".  He'll insert whatever activity is appropriate.

The doctors, regular (as in they know us) clerks everywhere we shop, and people at my daughter's public school stopped asking once they found out.  Most strangers don't ask.  I do get interesting looks sometimes!

It almost happened today at CiCi's for lunch.  The entire place was business people.  We got a few funny looks.  Then a bit later, some HS'ing friends (on the way to HS co-op like us) came in - mom and three kids.  The whole family eventually made its way over to our table, where the kids were having a great time socializing and being behaved, respectful kids (ages 9-13).  :-)

Answer 11

"Take a picture it will last longer." is a classic.

Answer 12

I usually just reply that they are homeschooled, and then go on about my business.

Answer 13

I don't make any excuses for myself.  Homeschooling is pretty big here, too.  I don't doubt my decision or my reasons for homeschooling.  I usually refuse to enter into conversations about it, unless I can tell that the person is just curious and friendly.  If I pick up that they're judgmental or critical, I keep it really terse and courteous.  My kids are happy, healthy, safe, secure, confident and one to two grade levels ahead.  And yes, they're "socialized".

Answer 14

Interestingly, I rarely get funny looks.  I do get many comments on how mature, intelligent and polite my child is.  :)

Answer 15

I think your answer is great.  I give you a lot of credit-I'd go nuts if I tried taht!  I'm not the best teacher, nor do I have a  lot of patience.  

As far as people giving you looks when you're out.  Just look back, raise an eyebrow, and say, "is there something on my face?  Do I have something hanging out of my nose?"

Or if you don't like the sarcastic approach,  "Is there something I can help you with?"  People don't usually like being called out so they'll just stutter a bit walk away.

Answer 16

Well around here no one can keep up with what schools are on what tracks and days off-etc. Every school is on a different schedule. Then we have kids around that come to visit family all times during the year so it isn't odd to see kids out during the weekdays during school hours. I am in California by the way so that might make a difference.

Answer 17

I don't know why people would ask you that, but then again I keep to myself.

Answer 18

When someone asks me "Shouldn't you be in school?" I just say "umm I home school" and then they ask me a complicated math question lol

Answer 19

I know what u mean I have 4 kids and we shop before 2 pm because their dad works 2nd and we go as a family , alot of ppl look,  but unless they ask I dont bother saying anything , the ones who are busy bodies and feel the need to ask I just look at them and say simply the start their school hours at 3 pm

Answer 20

I have had people make a comment to my kids about skipping school.  I just say, oh they finished their schoolwork already so we are out and about.  They usually don't say anything back.  I think they figure it out.

Answer 21

If somebody asks, I say we homeschool.  And then I am regaled with their stories of how they had friends/relatives who homeschooled also and wish they had the ability to do so.  Clerks and waitresses have often stopped me on the way out to say how polite and kind my children were as opposed to the usual children they see.  I just explain they don't go to school and they immediately understand.