I am "that" homeschool Mom...

I am "that" homeschool mom.

The one who doesn't fit in homeschool groups,

because I have a child in public school. 

The one who doesn't fit into public schooling groups, 

because I homeschool.

Yet, I do not consider myself a "public school mom", 

because, I homeschool. It is just what I do. 

One of my children goes to public school, to receive some education.

That being said, I think most of what she learns comes from her time here at home.

Why do I even care about "labels"?

I don't have a clue. 

But the fact is, I do. 

I shouldn't want to fit in (and in many ways I don't).

But still, I do wish that I didn't feel so alone.

In the homeschool community there is often a stigma associated 

with those who have children in public school. 

I guess it is a sense of superiority because "we" believe we have 

chosen the best way to educate a child. 

I know this is true, because I have seen it.

I have also been guilty of it.

I am still guilty of it.

Even though I have a child in public school, 

I think it is beneath her and the inferior way for her to be educated. 

Why is she there then?

Well, that story is long. 

I will save it for another day.

It has to do with her desires,

and my husband's (and my) desires to not make her bitter. 

I often find I am ashamed to admit that I have a child in public school. 

No one has shamed me, 

but because I believe it is best to keep children home for their education,

I am ashamed of myself for allowing one to be away.

Now, I said there was a stigma in homeschooling circles about public schoolers.

That is true.

However, I believe it to be more true in general public.

They don't understand homeschoolers.

They still think they are "weird",

even though more and more people are discovering it is NOT weird.

In fact, it is very natural. 

We teach our children every day, regardless of where they get their formal education. 

There it is, just a confession from "that" mom.

The one caught in the middle.