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Friday
Jan292010
Two Secrets
January 29, 2010
I've been up to my elbows in my book all day, and can't bring myself to upload photos. So I'll tell you two secrets:
1. I love the smell of burning cow dung. I really, really do. Every time I whizz by it and smell it, I think aaaaahhhhh (a long sigh, not a scream) and then I think, that's India.
2. If one more person that I've only known for two minutes castigates me for homeschooling my children and harangues me about their socialization (and I mean harangue, not express interest, or gently debate) I'm going to jab them in the chin with a fork and say "How's that for socialization?"
There are limits.
1. I love the smell of burning cow dung. I really, really do. Every time I whizz by it and smell it, I think aaaaahhhhh (a long sigh, not a scream) and then I think, that's India.
2. If one more person that I've only known for two minutes castigates me for homeschooling my children and harangues me about their socialization (and I mean harangue, not express interest, or gently debate) I'm going to jab them in the chin with a fork and say "How's that for socialization?"
There are limits.
Reader Comments (24)
seriously! I will hand you the fork. I don't understand why people fixate on socialization. The kind that goes on in school is artificial and potentially dangerous. There's a case right now in Mass about a girl that was bullied til she hung herself-an extreme case, but not out of the ordinary.
And your kids are living in a foreign country, as missionary kids! How could they possibly be more well-rounded? Jeez.
In fact, I envy you for homeschooling your kids. I could not do it, don't feel capable of doing it. But school? It's the most horrible place where a child shoould be, for when they start school is when they abruptly become aggressive and starting saying NO at every single thing.
You go then!
Rae, All four of my daughters attended public school, and I am so thankful they survived! If I had it to do over again I would homeschool. I am so proud of anyone who takes control of their child's education. Aren't you amazed how complete strangers know what's best for your children!?
Ha!
I so totally agree with your choice to home school. Your children are wonderfully socialized - if they were more socialized then watch out! It's interesting that so many people think that they have a right to speak into other people's lives, even when someone is not asking for advice. It would be good if you had a apt come-back for it....something that stops the advice without shoving a fork in their chin, if you know what I mean. Hope you're still enjoying yourself!
oh yes, I know what you mean. I've just stopped talking about to other people.
I have just discovered your blog.. and your life and was up until 2 a.m reading!! So, I'm now a fan and will be linking to you on my site!!
Thanks so much for writing this.
peace and turtles, Mary bb
.-= mary´s last blog ..http://myturtlelove.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-posted-on-my-other-site.html" rel="nofollow">I posted on my other site.... =-.
i have no idea what that is at the bottom of my comment.. sorry.
Socialization?!! That cracks me up. Your kids have seen more of the world and its varied inhabitants than most adults.
I would just laugh at the critics, because that really is hysterically funny!
.-= Eleanor´s last blog ..http://eleanorfromthecommentbox.blogspot.com/2010/01/ah-yes.html" rel="nofollow">Ah. Yes. =-.
I agree with your sentiments, and admire your use of 'castigates' in an everyday sentence. I love unusual words.
I love your blog.
I like public school. And all of that.
But must all children do the same and be the same? All families and mothers? That wouldn't work out very well.
I wish that I had the opportunity to socialize my children the way you do with yours. I think (not that anyone asked) that socializing kids is schools is a good idea. Because for most of us, it's the best we can do, to show them a little bit of what goes on outside their own family. You have certainly surpassed that by miles, socializing your kids to the world. How much better off things would be if we all had such a beginning.
I always respond, "If by socialization you are referring to my children mainly learning how to behave from a bunch of other children their own age then no, I prefer not to have them socialized at all thank you very much. I'd like for them to model their behavior after people who are grown up and mature."
It shuts most people up, or at least gives them the chance to consider whether the socialization that happens in schools is actually beneficial.
.-= carrien (she laughs at the days)´s last blog ..http://shelaughsatthedays.blogspot.com/2010/01/secret-to-extraordinary-life-say-yes.html" rel="nofollow">The Secret To an Extraordinary Life? Say Yes =-.
You go girl. I hate the way people attack those who homes school. It's laughable, the concern about socialization. It's really a criticism expressed--disguised--as a concern. I think they feel threatened by those of us who are independent enough to educate our children the way we believe is best. I didn't home school, back in the day I didn't know about it..but mine were educated in a Christian school. I wanted their education to complement our Biblical beliefs. And I didn't want to be treated as an interloper by the typical public school system here in the U.S, which basically stiff arms any parents who question the school teachings.
People in India mention the socialization or N. Americans?
"How's that for socialization?" verrrrry funny. I laughed. You would fit in with my group of friends very well.
Oh, and the missionary kids I've met who were home schooled were some of the loveliest little souls you could have met. And for the most part had very healthy, happy, friendships.
.-= The Confused Foreigner´s last blog ..http://sorryicantunderstandyou.blogspot.com/2008/04/hope-for-helpless-rest-for-weary-and.html" rel="nofollow">Hope for the Helpless, Rest for the Weary, and Love for the Broken heart =-.
This is a funny post. A fork indeed. Seriously though I think you should nod and agree and say yes it is a travesty and that your children might grow up to be socially inept. And then ask them, BTW- were you homeschooled?
i am homeschooling and have been worrying all day about if my son should go to school next year (we just moved overseas) and just reading this before i bed ..it was a nudge from Jesus to stop trying to make everyone have life the same. Take one year at a time. School here is too expensive and he is learning so much at home:) thanks.
oh yes, that is right, because sticking 30kids in a room with one adult is healthy socialization,,,,,,I almost forgot......
oops, that was a little sarcastic. People telling me what it best for my children tend to bring that out in me!
Be blessed my friend!!!!
.-= Cristal´s last blog ..http://offtoohk.blogspot.com/2010/01/today.html" rel="nofollow">Today =-.
LMAO I don't homeschool, but I support the stabbing! ;) People are so outspoken and "know it all" sometimes. I hate when people assume they know what is right for my family....
I do not condone your urge for violence, but do support your stance on Homeschooling:) I home schooled my children until they were each 8 and think made a huge difference in their enthusiasm for learning. (they still have it!) My biggest concern about the educational system IS the socialization! Take it from me, I am teacher. You re doing a great job!
.-= kim´s last blog ..http://kimberlymoore.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/walking-into-2010/" rel="nofollow">Into 2010 =-.
Amen to that sweetpea... on both!
.-= Goddess Leonie´s last blog ..http://www.goddessguidebook.com/my-mama-is-amazing/" rel="nofollow">Reason #13897 my mama is amazing =-.
"Socialization?!! That cracks me up. Your kids have seen more of the world and its varied inhabitants than most adults." Right on, Eleanor! These arguments get so silly when you challenge them. It's as if everything a child needs in life takes place within school hours, within a school building, with kids of the same age and general background, 180 days (or less) per year. The other 185 days and all of the other hours on school days kids are locked in closets, presumably?? It's generally not worth the discussion, though.
Each parent makes decisions about what's right for each child and their family each year, and no one else has the right. Period.
Over the past, difficult years I have become painfully hyper-aware of people's arrogant willingness to view your life through the lens of their own, presume that they know the whole picture, and judge your life accordingly. And I am done with it.
Try to keep clear of any forks in the area next time this happens... but I sure would understand if one just jumped into your hand!
Yeah but what about there socailization Rae? I mean really, public school is a hub for learning.
(I kid)
I meant their...
I'm there with you! Soooo annoying when people bring up the issue of socialization. It's not like we keep our kids in a locked closet, sheesh! Let's worry about THOSE kids.
In my experience, people who ask about socialization don't really know anything about homeschooling. Somewhere they heard or read something about that word. Because who REALLY, in their normal heads, pays attention to whether kids are "being socialized"? I have never been asked about socialization by someone who uses comparably complex words in conversation; someone gave them that word to throw at me and they rarely understand what they are doing. It's like the people who respond to finding out someone is Muslim by saying, "But don't you oppress women?"