why NOT to homeschool

The school year is almost upon us here. As most people are preparing their little ones by equipping them with duotangs and HB pencils, I will be talking to my girl about what she hopes to learn about this year and planning various activities that foster growth in these areas.

With this being our third year of homeschooling, I thought I'd impart some wisdom upon other parents who may be thinking of embarking upon this adventure called homeschooling:
If someone approaches you (usually family or close friends) after your child has had a temper tantrum, expressed frustration and anger when you eat their muffin without asking or refused to do what you ask with a simple "NO." and suggests that now is the time that your child is enrolled in public school so that they begin to learn how 'the real world works' or how to 'act', just know that these people are the brave ones. Everyone else just talks about it behind your back. ;)
I do wonder, however, what everyone says about children who DO attend convention school when they have a whopper of a temper tantrum, refuse to eat their greenbeans or repeat the 'f' word? Do they suggest that now is the time that this child is homeschooled???
Be prepared to go to homeschooling meetings ONLY when you are feeling good and confident about your parenting. These parents seem to be the uber, ultra, perfect parent. No one freaks out at their kids for giving them a wedgy while having a conversation with another adult. They get down to the child's level and explain why this is uncomfortable for them and request that they stop. Now I know that you school parents are rolling your eyes and going, "Oh, and I'm sure THAT works." But it does. Miraculously, these kids cease and desist. Everyone speaks calmly and does crafts with kids that AREN'T EVEN THEIR OWN! They play hockey with the kids while carrying a baby around in a sling and breastfeeding one child and doling out organic homemade muesli to another. Amazing! I watch them with amazement hoping and praying that my kids don't come up to me and apply the wedgy because my reaction will most likely be entirely different ("What the hell?! You're gonna cut me in half!" while performing the bum picking dance). And I will die of embarassment. They will KNOW that I am not one of them. I'm not calm. I'm not 'zen'. I don't do yoga (although I would love to do it). I'm testing the theory that the more I go to these meetings the more this serenity will rub off on me....I'll let you know how it goes....
Be prepared that your children are going to wear entirely 'inappropriate' outfits at times. Without the mocking judgement of other school-aged children keeping their wardrobe in line and homogenized with others, your children will feel free to put on whatever tickles their fancy...and sometimes you will wish that there were some scorn-filled children picking out your child's attire for that day.


*Both of these choices of headwear were Jeff's. I am just waiting for them to find his cowboy hat shaped hardhat!