Please pass the bean dip.
When I first started investigating homeschooling as an option for our family, I ran across an article on how one might handle those well meaning yet intrusive questions from family and friends. I found myself referencing this post again today almost 6 years later!
It is not uncommon for homeschooling parents to find themselves in the position of being questioned about their schooling choices…or for any parents to find themselves being questioned about their parenting choices, for that matter. The problem of unsupportive family and friends is not unique to homeschooling parents.
The problem isn’t really the unsupportive family and friends, however. The point where the problem really starts tends to be the point where we, as parents, begin defending our choices and trying to convince the other party that our choices are right — when we try to make them agree with us. The sends the signal that the choice in question is up for discussion or debate. If the choice *is* open for debate, then, feel free to go ahead and have the conversation with the opposing party.
However, if the choice is not open for debate, it’s time to pass the bean dip.