My children have endured a LOT in their short lives, but I highly doubt you want to start comparing who’s had it worse, do you???
As far as being sensitive — yes, I am when it comes to how homeschooling is perceived in our society. As a homeschooler I would hope you would be as well. It was not just a condescending look as you imply. These stereotypes have to be fought against, not quietly “tolerated”. If people tolerated every sort of prejudicial and ignorant comment they had ever heard then the problems of racism, and bigotry would still be as prevalent as they were 50 years ago...
I choose to speak up when I hear ignorant things — it’s obviously your choice if you wish to pretend it’s not there...
no pretending here, my friend. Just choosing my battles more carefully. I teach my children the same things. There is no impact made on the world greater than showing people by example how their prejudices are wrong. Attitudes about homeschooling are something I deal with every day. My kids don’t need to see them or know about them at their tender ages. Parenting is about screening and monitoring and teaching according to emotional age, not just chronological. Homeschooling allows me to be more attentive and tuned into my family.
I fight other battles that are bigger, but I’m a huge advocate of homeschooling and have opportunities every single day to have a voice to those who see what a good job I’m doing with my own. We deal with crazy beliefs (that people voice to me right in front of my children!) about foster kids, and adoption, that I do battle with readily. Homeschooling is down on the list, but it’s definitely on the list. (Not with a movie critic, though. Waste of time.)
By the way, I’m a single (only) parent teaching all four of mine. So I know about sacrifice.