Smile and Nod, Smile and Nod

Sometimes I just wonder when I will ever learn to just smile and nod and go on about my business. Saturday I went to a yard sale that advertised teaching materials PreK-5th. I recognized the seller as a teacher that worked maybe the first year or two at the school where I taught. Mistake #1: I reminded her of who I was. Mistake #2: I told her I planned on homeschooling BFG. I am such an idiot. I always totally forget that most public school teachers are brain-washed like I once was into believing that real schools are better and that teachers can help your child better than you can. It was kind of annoying too because when I said that I quit working to stay home with BFG, she applauded me and went on and on how wonderful that was and I'd never regret doing that and it's so important to stay home with them. But when I mentioned homeschooling, she sang a different tune (in a nice way though). I know I have to remember people have a different frame of mind than me and everyone has not been called to homeschool. (Although, I don't know if I've really been called or just really want to do it! LOL!) But someone tell me why it is so great to stay home with them when they are babies, but suddenly evil when they hit school age?
Anyway, she said, "You are certainly qualified, but I have to ask, why do you want to homeschool?" Yet another thing I get alot that irritates me. Yes, I am qualified, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't do it if I weren't. If anything, I have had to struggle to overcome years of training that goes against the homeschooling way of educating your child. In fact, I still struggle and find myself falling into a humanistic mindset easily when dealing with BFG. It's through the grace of God that I'm able to have some discernment and see the err of my past thinking. I guess I shouldn't complain because my degree does earn me a little bit of "well, it's not as bad since you are a teacher" from people. I probably have to defend myself alot less than other HS parents.
I keep going on a rant and getting of the story. I knew she was a Christian and replied that we were choosing to HS so that God and Jesus could be our primary focus in her education. She liked that answer and said she completely understood. Let me tell you, any Christian in the public school system should understand that. They know how bad it is when it comes to schools being anti-Christian. She said one of her friends tells her that she does it cause it saves all that wasted transition time of a typical "real" school day and she can have everything done by lunch. And she says she can see that too, but her face didn't look like she agreed. She shared with me that as a reading specialist she works with alot of HS families as they come into the school system. It's her job to test them for placement. Now, heads up HS moms, she says that typically HS children are deficient in oral expressive skills and non-fiction reading. I'm just not sure I believe that. From everything I've researched, most homeschool curriculum have in depth studies of history and use non-fiction books to teach it. And all the homeschoolers I know will talk your ear off and at a more mature level. I'm just thinking maybe some of the ones she's testing are coming into the system for a reason, like it's not working out at home. And you cannot tell me that every homeschooler she tests is lacking in the same areas. And she didn't tell if those are the same areas public school kids lack in as well. I bet they are and even more so. You have much less time in a classroom setting to practice oral language. Give me a break.
Lesson of the Day: Do not speak until spoken to or at least Volunteer no info unless asked point-blank.
Mama Said