Wow...lots of really rude replies to my comment. My face is on fire with embarrassment. Seriously. I hate it when people jump on me like that for simply stating my opinion.
I am aware that there are lots of new programs that help “socialize” homeschooled kids—there is a wonderful woman down the street who homeschools. I have lots of respect for that.
As far as being able to spot the homeschooled kids (and apparently there are a few bitter ones around here just waiting to pounce on people like me), the friends I had in college who were homeschooled struggled socially. Their academics, were, without a doubt, all in order, but a lot of people were put off by some of their (lack of) social skills—a lot of them came across as the know-it-all, better-than-you type. I’m sure they’re just fine now, and probably making tons more money than this lowly housewife, but I saw what they went through and don’t wish that for my
own kids. I repeat—I know there are lots of new programs for homeschoolers, but this is what I saw in my own personal experiences with them. So shoot me.
And as to whoever said the “stay at home moms” are the ones who prove they really love their kids, I find that rather offensive. There are LOTS of really wonderful mothers who simply CAN’T stay at home for financial reasons. I am lucky enough to be able to stay home with my sons, but my sister cannot and I don’t think that makes her any less of a “good” mother than anybody else.
Thanks to everyone who had something rude and snipey to say. Really made my day. I appreciate it.
And to LongElegantLegs, I teach my kids plenty of things, and being honest is one of them. If you don’t like my honest obersavation (and opinion), try ingorning it. Kindness is another thing I teach my kids. Try it sometime. Your comment was especially hurtful and completely not necessary.
(Ok, everyone can commence the bashing again. I know I’m overly sensitive, but geez-o-pete...)
To be shocked that you got such a response is silly. You all but bashed homeschoolers. How are we supposed to react? Good for you for being honest but be strong enough to take the reaction to your opinion or consider keeping it to yourself.
If your children are coming home from preschool saying things you feel are inappropriate, what on earth makes you think that sending them to school even earlier will change that? The best thing you can do is stay home with your kids until you absolutely must put them in school, assuming homeschool is not an option for you.
We are expecting our fifth child. We make well below $100K on my husband’s salary alone. We chose to homeschool because we felt that we could do a much better job than public/private schools. I would rather my child stand out in the “socialization” department in order to have a strong faith foundation. I’d rather my kids be considered weird than be able to discuss the latest episode of ‘High School Musical’. We really had to dig to figure out what our priorities were and they were raising our children to be in the world but not of the world.
For the record, I’m not trying to jump on you and I’m not bitter.
Your opinion was offensive and stated in weasel terms. If you want to complain about tactlessness, try to do it more tactfully.
If you’re one of those people that are scared of kids who can look you in the eye because they haven’t been emotionally crippled by over-exposure to their peers, go ahead and announce it. Just don’t expect everyone to applaud you for it.