Question....

[lyngraphics]

What do you homeschooling Mom's say to naysayers? I have mentioned to my grandmother (a former grade school teacher) that I have contemplated this for my 3 y.o. and 18 month old... she just said she wasn't for it. She is a Christian, which is in my favor, but where can I get some statistics and such for her? I value her opinion greatly, and she values mine, so it would be really good for me to include her in this decision.
If you guys have any other suggestions- let me know! I will need more than stats! LOL!

[wife]

You can tell her that my husband who has a PhD in curriculum and instruction is all for it..LOL Cause he is....

The best thing that I do is in a nice way remind the naysayers that these are my children and I will make the decisions that are best for them. Tell her that you prayed about it and really feel that God is leading you to do this.

[Sealed]

Well, I have a few 'naysayers' in my family, and I just do not discuss homeschool with them. This just may be an area that you cannot share with your grandmother, unfortunately. But, as much as you love her and would like her support, you don't really need it. You never know, though, once you begin HS and she sees how great it is for you and the kids, she may change her mind!
I think alot of the people who aren't supportive really know nothing about HS.

[DebJo]

Go to Focas on the family ( family.org)
They had a great show on homeschooling today and tomarrow. Maybe if you listen it will give you good points to make. Maybe your Grandmother can listen also.
It was a very encouraging program.
Find other homeschoolers in your area. Success stories speak for themselves.
My MIL does not agree with our decision to homeschool, I don't talk a whole lot about it with her. Keep it generic. She does respect the fact that it is our desision. She gives advice freely, I listen respectfully then pray and go with Gods will. Homeschooling is not for everyone. So it's hard for others to see it as a good thing, because they couldn't do it. Pray! You have time on your side to help her get used to the idea. By the time you start she may come around and surprise you.

[lyngraphics]

My grandmother always tells me her opinion on things and then listens to me and my opinion. If she thinks my points sound good, then she goes for it... especially if it is better for the kids. She never gives unsolicited advice when it comes to them. (We have a neat relationship- she is pretty much my Dad LOL!) That's why I wanted to be well-read and studies up on the idea before I went to her.
I am very blessed to have a very supportive family in whatever I do... ever since I quit college to attend "art school" LOL!! I remember being scared to tell them what I wanted to do, and they laughed and asked why I would be worried.

[DebJo]

Sounds like you have an awsome family. I pray they will be the same with homeschooling.
One thing you can do to prepare is get the Before Five in a Row book. It is a literature based program. You read a book and pick out language, science, history and tons of other stuff. It is so easy, and the kids don't know they are being taught. You will never look at reading a book the same. Before Five in a Row is preschool aged, Five in a Row is ages 5-8ish as I remember. Check the Libary thats how I got hooked. I did Five in a Row for K. My DS loved the books. It is a Chrarlotte Mason based style. She was an Educator in the early 1900's who was beyond her years with wisdom. "Charlotte saw children as thinking, feeling human beings, as spirits to be kindled and not as vessels to be filled." from the 'Charlotte Mason Companion' by Karen Andreloa This book is great read. It will inspire you. Charlotte Mason is my hero!:yeah

[denny272]

National Home Education Research Institute

http://www.nheri.org/

http://www.nheri.org/NHERI-Research.html

NHERI gives fact based information on the academic excellence of Homeschooling.

Also, I would have to say that the education of your children is a choice between you and your spouse. Approval from other people is not needed. Would you need approval from your family to be a Christian if they were unbelievers? In the same respect, you do not need their approval to home educate your children.
If your family are really Christians they should understand your desire to "train up your children in the way they should go".

Proverbs 22:6
"6": Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 KJV

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Proverbs 23:24

[lyngraphics]

National Home Education Research Institute

http://www.nheri.org/

http://www.nheri.org/NHERI-Research.html

NHERI gives fact based information on the academic excellence of Homeschooling.

Also, I would have to say that the education of your children is a choice between you and your spouse. Approval from other people is not needed. Would you need approval from your family to be a Christian if they were unbelievers? In the same respect, you do not need their approval to home educate your children.
If your family are really Christians they should understand your desire to "train up your children in the way they should go".

Proverbs 22:6
"6": Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 KJV

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Proverbs 23:24

Thanks for the links, but as stated above, I respect my families opinion on certain things. I do not need their approval when I do things for myself, or my children, but it is nice when I can convince them of something I strongly believe in. They are very supportive in whatever I do, probably because I go to them with good reasons of why I am doing so. I actually have never had an instance where my Mother or Grandmother said "No, you should not do that."

[denny272]

Thanks for the links, but as stated above, I respect my families opinion on certain things. I do not need their approval when I do things for myself, or my children, but it is nice when I can convince them of something I strongly believe in. They are very supportive in whatever I do, probably because I go to them with good reasons of why I am doing so. I actually have never had an instance where my Mother or Grandmother said "No, you should not do that."

Wonderful! I hope the research info helps you. :hug

[lisaann]

Thanks for the links, but as stated above, I respect my families opinion on certain things. I do not need their approval when I do things for myself, or my children, but it is nice when I can convince them of something I strongly believe in. They are very supportive in whatever I do, probably because I go to them with good reasons of why I am doing so. I actually have never had an instance where my Mother or Grandmother said "No, you should not do that."

My family was not thrilled when we started homeschooling. Now, 5 years later, they see that it really is the best choice for us and are our biggest defenders. You may have to content yourself with the fact that they aren't going to approve until they start seeing results. :hug