Tell me I'm not alone. But today I was at the library and learned (very subtley but I got it) that the Children's Librarian Assistant is against homeschooling. I didn't realize - she was so nice to me.

But we were talking about how I learned our district is 3rd from the bottom as far as schools go in my state. (not surprising!) I asked this lady if she'd homeschool - she is a certfied teacher but working part time at the library - and she said no. She said she learned about homeschooling when she was in college. I pointed out to her she learned it from the NEA, who is militantly against homeschoolers and want to make homeschooling illegal. (you could add to the list, I know there's more about the NEA)

Well, the discussion really got going. She said she didn't feel "qualified" to homeschool - but she's a teacher! Does this make any sense?

I should explain, I thought this lady was actually my friend but now I'm seeing more that she's really not. She said it's not just what she "learned" from college, but most of the homeschoolers she met don't really follow their curriculum or do very well at it. (I've known other hs'ers who go to that library and they seem fine- wonder if they are the same ones she's mentioned?) She said her mom was a strong mom with her when she was growing up and fought the school system for 12 years about her brother.

I did suggest before really deciding everything, to really look up homeschooling and even try going to a convention. But she seemed satisfied with her decision. That's fine - I can't tell anyone they should homeschool, however it seemed pretty clear she was against it.

I don't do good with these conversations. I get so worked up over it and upset. It's even more so that this woman I thought was my friend showed more of her true feelings on something that's very important to me and my family.

How do you get over these things? I'm so upset I could eat a huge bag of chips right now. I know there's so much proof against everything she told me, even some I didn't mention here (it would be a book!).

The way I see it, there will always be people who will disagree with the way we choose to raise our children. Since we homeschool, there will be people who are against homeschooling. If we sent them to private school, there would be people who are against that. If we sent them to public school, there would be people against that. I don't think it's my job to convince anyone that homeschooling is right, or good, or whatever. I know it is best for my family. I know it is what God has called me to do. That's all I need. Yes, it would be nice to have other people's approval, but I don't need it. I don't even worry about trying to get it. I just continue to do what I know is right, and leave it at that. If someone asks my opinion, or wants to know more about homeschooling, I'm happy to talk to them about it. But beyond that, I leave them to their opinions and just keep doing what God has called me to do.

Thanks, Lori! You're right. I talked it over (and over!) with my dh last night. And I remembered how I was before kids - how I judged other parents, etc. This lady doesn't have kids yet - she was just married last year. But still, her decision is her decision. I won't be standing before her over my homeschooling or anything else. I'll be standing before God.