In The (Homeschooling) HOT Seat by Janet McKay

As all 7 pairs of eyes stared at me, I began sweating uncomfortably and I couldn't help but think of my sister. You see, she has been home schooling for seven years in Indiana. I had just started the week before in Massachusetts.

My sister had just called me the day before because she couldn't decide on which of the seven possible co-ops she should enroll her children. I, on the other hand, sat here, in the education capital of the U.S., trying to explain to seven curious women why I had decided to home school my second-grade twins.

We had had a great first week, and that morning I decided to take my daughter to a church breakfast. Since it was September, the inevitable subject around the table was school. Eventually, a friend of mine asked my seven-year-old daughter in a very loud voice, "So!! How's HOME schooling going!!?" at which point--I'm ashamed to admit--both of us wanted to hide under our chairs.

You can guess the rest. Each person at the table asked question after question, during which the gazes grew narrower and narrower and the room temperature grew hotter and hotter. And although I know the women had no ill-intent, it was my first "a-ha" moment when I realized that even though home education in Massachusetts has grown exponentially in past years, it seems we homeschoolers still have a bit to go before we're accepted as something other than odd.

I had spent so much time talking to my sister that I assumed (or hoped) the climate in Massachusetts would be as embracing to homeschoolers as that of the Midwest. I'm guessing those of you who are seasoned home educators are nodding your heads. This is old news to you, I'm sure!

I'm still new at this and have lots to learn, and I'm so thankful I have a wonderful support group in my area that has monthly meetings and plans frequent activities. So, while I don't have seven co-ops to choose from or millions of friends who home school, I know it's just over the horizon.

About the author:

Janet McKay lives with her husband and four children in Beverly, MA, and has just begun home schooling her second-grade twins.