It’s inevitable that you, fellow homeschooling mom, will run into someone one day that does not understand you. I must confess, that I don’t always understand us either. In fact, I don’t get myself all of the time. Sometimes we dive so deeply into our world of homeschooling that we forget how to communicate with someone that is not in our own swimming hole. Let’s be reminded of a few things.
First, limit your homeschool lingo
Limit the use of terms and jargon that other people are not familiar with when conversing with others. If you want to share something, put it in general terms. Most people have at least a little familiarity with homeschool co-ops and a few other common homeschooling terms. So, start there.
Second, don’t speak poorly about another method of schooling.
Some parents want to homeschool, but can’t for a variety of reasons. Others feel that their local school is perfect for their child. These are all wonderful things. So, don’t discount their choices. In fact, ask questions like what they enjoy and love about their schooling choices.
Third, prove that you are more than a curriculum-supermom and talk about something entirely unrelated to homeschooling.
Ask about your friend’s sneakers or haircut. Ask about the new TV show everyone is talking about. Maybe she is a coffee or tea drinker and she could connect you with the very best cup in town—ask about that.
The secret to talking to non-homeschoolers is to prepare yourself.
Prepare yourself with information that is interesting to other people—much like being on a first date. If you get tired of talking, ask the other person a question about their self. And, if all else fails, claim your kid needs a diaper change or needs to be breastfed and calmly excuse yourself.
Lindsay Banton is a caffeinated mother to three great kids. She never expected to homeschool, but has found that it is a wonderful addition to their lifestyle and wouldn’t change it for the world. In addition to homeschooling, Lindsay works alongside her husband in campus ministry at a large university in Connecticut. She grew up in Virginia but has settled into life in New England, learning to love the long winters, cool springs, green summers and gorgeous autumns- and has built a boot collection to meet all the demands. She is currently blogging at www.oaksreplanted.blogspot.com.
