Those common homeschool questions. You know they are coming. You’ve heard them all before—the questions. The same questions – again. You try and brace for them, but it seems like every social gathering you go to, you get asked the same questions—those questions about homeschooling. Maybe your friends or family members look at you like you are some strange creature from another planet. Perhaps they are debating about having you declared certifiably insane. Who knows – maybe they are just curious. But you just know that sometime over the upcoming holidays, at least someone will ask you all the common questions about homeschooling. Are you dreading that?
I have a brilliant idea for you: Plan out all your answers in advance! Think through all the questions people commonly ask about homeschooling and develop the best way you can answer those inquiries. Now! Before any upcoming get-togethers. I even have a worksheet to help you with this!
Tips for Answering the Questioners:
Be gracious in your answers.
You are not trying to score points. Nor are you working to make yourself look better than others. (At least, I hope you aren’t!) You don’t need to be defensive; state your answers to their questions calmly. Remind them that they do not have to agree with you, but you made the decision you felt was best for your family.
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossian 4:6
Be kind – always!
Even if your questioner is argumentative or condescending, be kind. Kindness goes a long way toward diffusing complicated situations. Be kind!
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Provide answers that are informative.
Sometimes the questions people ask about homeschooling are a result of a lack of information. If someone asks about the legality or legal requirements of homeschooling, you can inform that person about the laws in your state and how you comply with those laws.
…And be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason if the hope that is within you with meekness and fear. (fear meaning respect, or awe) I Peter 3:15 (A little bit out of context, but the principle of having your answer ready, and answering with meekness and respect still hold true.)
Please, be non-confrontational.
When someone confronts you with questions about homeschooling, please don’t assume that they are “out to get you.” Don’t look at every question as an accusation or some sort of censure. Don’t be looking for a fight!
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus 3:9
Don’t be arrogant or dogmatic.
Homeschooling is a wonderful choice, a great option for many families. But it may not be the best option or plan for others. We should never be judgmental towards those who choose not to homeschool. We need to encourage them and support them in what works best for them.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Common Homeschool Questions
What are the most common questions friends and family will ask you about homeschooling? Let me list some of them for you:
- Why did you choose to homeschool?
- What about socialization and friends?
- Are you able to teach advanced subject matter?
- What about electives and sports?
- Is homeschooling really legal?
- How will your kids ever get into a good university?
You can download the worksheet with these and other questions listed and use it to work through your answers. See below to get your copy.
Be Prepared
Let me encourage you to be prepared for questions before the holiday get-togethers.
- Know your reasons for homeschooling. This may be the most common question you will be asked. List out your reasons, think them through in advance. This will prepare you to give a good answer to anyone who asks.
- Think about all the other commonly asked questions. What are your answers? Have you taken the time to ponder your responses?
- Be sure your spouse is on your side and will back you up. Meeting with different family members may not be easy for you. Not every family shares a set of common beliefs or maintains common courtesy. Try not to let your education choices cause rifts or divisions among extended family. Having your spouse in agreement with you may help diffuse tense situations.
So, before the holidays hit and life gets more stressful or chaotic, take some time to prepare answers to the questions you might face about homeschooling. The time you spend thinking through these questions will help you stay calm and relaxed, assist you in answering with grace and kindness, and may diffuse some stressful family situations.
Get your Common Homeschool Questions Worksheet here to help you with the questions and your answers.
Are you looking for more information about homeschooling? Do you have questions about homeschooling? The following posts might be helpful for you.
Reasons You Should Not Homeschool
