I was getting my teeth cleaned by a new hygienist, and, typical of dental workers, she was asking me questions about myself that I could barely answer, being that her hands were in my mouth. Anyway, she asked how many children I had (4), and if I was a stay-at-home mom (yes), and then, if I homeschooled (yes). "Is there an organization for homeschoolers?" she continued. I told her about the myriad of options, both at the state and national level, as well as the local groups sponsored by many churches. "That's good," she said. "At least they get some interaction." I had to let it go. After all, I was at a great disadvantage, only being able to utter a few syllables at a time. But what in the world did she mean? Well, I guess I know what she meant, but how is it that people think that the larger the group of children, the better the interaction? When you're at a party, or a restaurant, or the neighborhood pool, how many people can you relate to at once? With how many people can you have a good conversation at one time? 25? And remember your childhood? Which field trips were the most fun and interesting -- the ones where you were herded about in a large group, or the ones where you got to explore on your own, or get personalized attention? Anyway, I just need to vent a little. Five years ago, I would have needed to vent a lot more. Now, I'm more amused than anything, and feel a little sorry for this 50-something-year-old married woman with no children of her own who means well.
2 comments:
That seems to be a very common reaction from uninformed people. What will it take to get them to see the benefits of homeschooling? I read an article last month that was so anti-homeschooling, it had me fuming! The arguments were so lame.
And why do they ask so many questions when their hands are in our mouths? Don't they know it isn't polite to talk with a full mouth? :)
Lell, thanks for hanging in there with me and posting comments on my blog. :)
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