I answer some of the more common questions I get about homeschooling. And offer some snarky answers too.
Homeschool families sometimes share teaching for beneficial group learning.
1. Is that even legal? Yes, homeschooling is legal in every state. But Big Brother keeps a closer eye on homeschoolers in states like ND, PA, NY, RI and MA. Each state has its own regulations about home education. Be sure to check your state’s laws so you know what may be required of you. A good place to research your state laws is at HSLDA’s website.
2. Why don’t you want them to have friends? Homeschoolers don’t need friends! Actually, I love that my kids have friends, and am very thankful they do!
3. Do you get to stay in your pajamas all day? Of course! Mom doesn’t like to get dressed much either. No way, not in this house! I like everyone dressed before they eat breakfast. PJ days DO happen, but usually only if one or more of us isn’t feeling well.
4. When are you going to quit controlling them? When they learn how to pick the locks. We don’t control our kids. We do have some control over their environment, but that’s no different than any parent in any household. The kids don’t run the house.
5. Where do you get your books? Books? We don’t need no stinking books! Don’t you have to read to use books? We get our books from a variety of sources such as the public library, Heritage History, Hearts at Home, and Amazon’s Kindle Store.
6. Does someone tell you what you have to teach? Everyone has their own opinion about what kids should be taught. It comes down to the 3R’s: Riflery, Resistance, and Recon. Oh wait, those are the wrong R’s. The State of WA has a list of 11 required subject areas we are supposed to cover over the course of a school year, but the details are up to us.
7. How can you teach your kids when you’re not a certified teacher? The majority of what teachers get from college (I’m told by several teacher friends) is how to manage a classroom, lay out lesson plans, and deal with all of the state testing requirements, or benchmarks. In my 13+ years as a home educator, I have discovered that nearly anything can be taught if you have a teacher’s manual, and for those things which require more expertise, I’m not above outsourcing to a co-op class, grandparent, or tutor.
8. Do you have to follow the public school calendar? The kids punch a timeclock each school day. Not in WA. We are required 180 days per calendar year but we determine when those days are. It’s a good thing too, because we take 3 one-month breaks to give us a good breather and come back refreshed.
9. How can you stand being with your kids ALL the time?! I can’t! Somebody save me! And that is sort of true. Sometimes they get on my nerves. Sometimes I need a break. People do that to us, especially those who know how to best push our buttons. They also enjoy their time with me and I with them. We’re a family. It’s just what we do. I love it and wouldn’t change it for anything.
10. Who will teach them calculus?! Oh no!! They have to do math??!! (My uncle actually asked me this question, when my oldest 2 students were 5 & 7. Needless to say, I hadn’t thought that far ahead quite yet. My response: The community college. And you know what? My then 5-year old is turning 18 this week and has almost completed her AA degree at the community college! 
No worries there.
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This post is part of the 10-in-10 series over at iHomeschool Network.com!
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Yes, I get that a lot….How Can You Stand being with them all day and HOW do you do it? Some days….I hide in the bathroom a lot…no, not really. We're all human…but those snuggles, hugs and laughter…that makes the difficult moments worth it!
Rebecca recently posted..Did they ask the Pioneers that Question?
That one is actually really sad to me… that a parent "can't stand" to be with their kids! I mean, why did you have kids then? What I do usually say is that I love my kids and we enjoy being together. Sometimes that gets eye rolls!! Often the next thing I hear is (wait for it…) "Well, you must have patience of a saint because I COULD NEVER DO THAT!" That seems to be a universal reply. How sad is that?
I love PJ day in our house! We get asked these questions too:). The friend one is big.
And books:) actually our city schools got rid of text books and got lab tops for all kids, I was thinking about going back to high school!:).
Great questions!
Haha I love that Susann! Good answer!
I used to wonder how I would handle my kids all day long – I looked forward to sending them to school, especially when my strong willed first child resisted learning anything from me, whether it was potty training or learning to tie his shoes. Learning to get along with that personality has been the most beneficial part of teaching him at home. What a sanctification process it has been! I'm glad I didn't listen to my fears and send him to someone else who could "handle him"! People who have these questions are really just voicing doubts and discouragement in their own hearts. I try not to take these questions personally, but hear the aching heart behind what they are saying…
Jennifer recently posted..Top 10 Questions People (Really) Asked Me
Oh yes Jennifer! I remember (when we had four under 6) SAYING "I can't wait till they can all go to school and I can get my life back!" Cringe. God really does have a wonderful sense of humor, and I am so glad he does. We've homeschooled for over 13 years and I don't regret it at all. This IS my life.
Love this list! you are so clever.
Angela recently posted..You before me
LOVED the answers to your most popular questions! Outsourcing is where it's at when you get stuck. I currently outsource piano lessons and art lessons. But calculus here we come (when we are older of course)!
I was curious as to how homeschooling works. Thanks for sharing this Q&A. I don't think I can do what you do, I just don't have the patience! lol
love these answers!
priest's wife recently posted..An August Daybook