Everything in this article comes from my personal experience. We have all had at least some of these conversations, of that I am 100% certain. I am sure you have your own experiences to share, too.

To be honest, I never expected to be a homeschool advocate, but I am continually being called upon to defend homeschool freedoms and educate those who are open to finding out more about homeschooling.

Homeschool freedoms are more and more at risk, and strong homeschool advocacy will go a long way to preserve the freedoms we all hold so dear. My best advice for answering questions and countering myths and untruths is be honest and kind. Each family’s experience is different, so keep your responses personal and relevant to your own family for the best reception.

With Strangers – Keep the conversation positive, be ready to share one of your favorite freedoms or success stories.

With Medical Professionals – Focus on ways homeschooling benefits your children. Examples: More time outside, developmental learning goals, one-on-one attention.

With Your In-Laws – Talk about how supportive (hopefully!) your spouse is of homeschooling. Share ways that homeschooling makes your family stronger.

With Your Parents – Highlight your children’s interests and explain how homeschooling offers time to explore those interests. If you’re comfortable, share positive resources about homeschooling: your local or state homeschool organization, HSLDA.org, NHERI.org.

With Your Siblings – Offer to answer questions they may have about homeschooling. Invite aunts and uncles on a homeschool field trip or outing. Support family members who are interested in homeschooling themselves.

With Anti-Homeschoolers – Don’t argue. Stand firm on your principles and beliefs. Keep the focus on the positive experiences your family has as a homeschool family: educational opportunities, natural career exploration, social events, family support.

With Your Spouse – Get them involved. Reserve time at the dinner table for your children to share with Dad (or Mom) something interesting from the day. Find a subject your spouse can teach or oversee: cooking, woodworking, coding, landscaping, foreign language, finance, etc.

With Your Church Friend – Share openly the blessings you have received through homeschooling. Point out the freedom that homeschooling offers to teach religion naturally, weaving it into daily life and lessons.

With Your Grocery Store Checkout Person – Is this just me, or does everyone’s cashier ask a million questions when you are out during the day with your child? Be polite, smile, answer questions with kindness.

Bonus: Teach your children to advocate for themselves.  Ask your children what they love about homeschooling. Help younger children choose simple phrases to share with others when asked about homeschooling. Model for older children how to answer critical and curious questions calmly, with a smile.

Have you found yourself in a position to advocate for homeschooling? How did you handle it? Was your audience receptive and curious? Did you feel successful? Let me know what happened!