Sono Harris, Joyful Mother of Children
For twenty-one years Basic Skills presented the Winter Home Schooling Workshop. Sono Harris was among the many speakers who made regular presentations. Sadly for us, on July 4, Sono passed away after battling cancer.
My wife Jenny and I met Gregg and Sono in the early 80’s when the home school movement was just beginning. While Sono was in the habit of saying “no” to a number of invitations to speak at various functions and events, she always said “yes” to our conference.
If you are considering homeschooling or are already doing it, you know it can be a pretty controversial decision. I am sure you have heard complaints from dozens of people and at least one has told you that keeping your child at home could damage their personality. You may have heard some crazy threats from well meaning teachers. And you are left wondering; “How do I defend my choice to homeschool?”
Your not alone. Most families that choose to educate their kids at home face these challenges from friends, neighbors, and teachers. But homeschooling is easy to defend. Allow me to outline very briefly a solid three part defense that you can use with anyone picking on you.
Do colleges teach you how to make a living?
I was talking with an industrial psychologist once about college and making a living. The psychologist said: “the only people who go to college are the ones that aren’t smart enough to make a living without it!” Well, I think that is a gross exaggeration but there is some truth in it. But everyone needs to make a living some time, and the sooner we learn it the better off we are.
As a homeschooler you have the advantage of teaching your child this yourself. It comes naturally to some, some learn it via osmosis from their parents, and unfortunately some never seem to figure it out. Focusing some time on it with your child early will make a difference. I suggest that you teach your child how to make a living by comparing it to how businesses do it. Done right, your child will learn both, and get equipped for either a job or an entrepreneurial venture when he grows up. Here are a few simple things to start with:
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