Homeschool Battles: How to Advocate for Your Homeschooler

More and more families are choosing to homeschool, and for good reason. Homeschoolers are often more well-rounded, do better academically both in school and in college, and are more independent than their traditional school peers. And then there’s the added family time and freedom to instill the values you hold dear into your child’s education. But, regardless of how many families are choosing to homeschool, the naysayers will still be ready with their barrage of skepticism and questions. How will your child socialize? What about higher level academics? Being a homeschool parent means you must be ready to advocate for your child and your decision to homeschool. That’s why we’re tackling Homeschool Battles: How to Advocate for Your Homeschooler. Because your decision is a good one. Here’s how to protect and defend it!

Homeschool Battles: How to Advocate for Your Homeschooler Within Your Family and Community

School District Advocacy: An effective battle strategy requires tactics. To ensure that you have the freedom to homeschool within your school district, you must know the laws and use those laws as tactics to advocate. Every state is different, so you need to be sure to research the specific laws and requirements that apply to you. Does your school district require a portfolio? An evaluation? Can you participate in sports as a homeschooler? You won’t be able to develop a clear strategy for advocating unless you first know what the laws are and how to use them to your advantage. Find out the homeschool laws in your state today!

Community Advocacy: Advocating for your homeschooler in the community starts with your attitude. That’s right, how you approach, talk about, and live out homeschooling will make an impact. Rather than being defensive and ready for an argument when you reveal that you’re a homeschooler, be positive. Resist the urge to compare homeschooling to other forms of education as this just creates an “us versus them” mentality. Instead, be ready to explain what homeschooling gives you, not what you’re running from in public or private schools.
If you exude joy in homeschooling while you’re on a field trip, at a co-op, or even at the grocery store with your children, others will see the joy and togetherness that it can bring. If you’re willing, live out homeschooling on social media or a blog. Post pictures, share lessons and even discuss hardships. This will give your community a better idea of why you homeschool than you ever could explain in a conversation.

Family and Friendship Advocacy: All good companies have a strong mission statement, a “why” they are doing what they are doing. Get together as a family and write down your “why.” Put it on paper, on a poster, or on your refrigerator. This will remind you each day of why you’ve chosen to homeschool. Then, share this with your friends and family when the topic arises. You’ll stay more focused on your goals when you know where you’re headed and why you want to get there!
Finally, the most important way to advocate for your homeschooler is to be encouraging and stay focused on your mission. Once your friends and family see how successful, well-rounded and mature your children are, you won’t need to defend homeschooling! Their lives and success will be all the defense needed.

If you are still wondering how to advocate for your homeschooler, or need help understanding homeschool laws, call us today at 800-863-1474! Our expert homeschool advisors at Bridgeway Academy will help you chart a homeschool plan that maximizes your child’s potential and helps you reach your homeschooling goals.