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Every once in a while I get a burr in my bonnet…and it’s usually caused by an unsolicited attack. I’m sure all of you know three things about me; I was a homeschooler for most of my education, I currently homeschool my own children, and I live like an extra from Little House on The Prairie. Because of these things, it always surprises me that people take offense at something I share…when I’m not shy about our life and my passion for homeschooling.

This all started after I shared a homeschool meme (of course) to my personal friend and family circle…who are a mixed bag of lifestyles and educational philosophies. The infamous meme (see below) was poking fun at both homeschoolers and “implied” brick and mortar school children, and in all honesty is largely true for many (not all) families. But one person had to unload some baggage that paints a bigger picture, one that I’m all too familiar with, since I’ve been in the homeschool community for a few decades.

Bitterness. Jealousy. Envy…whatever you want to call it, I see it and it gets thrown my way probably once a month by a disgruntled parent. For my family, homeschooling is a wonderful, beautiful thing. But we always planned to homeschool, I have a background in it, along with years of extensive research, and I’ve been supported by a loving husband who makes it all possible for our family. This is not the case for every family, whether for financial reasons, societal blocks, or a lack of interest. To top it all off, I have met many people who homeschool and definitely shouldn’t…but that’s not my family, so it’s not my place. However it becomes my problem when someone stomps on my family’s choices like a raging toddler. That’s when I take off the metaphorical gloves.

I’m not going to dox or screenshot, that’s not my style, but I will say that she mentioned how her children were public schoolers, she believed that parents should pick what is best for their children (unless you homeschool), her children didn’t relate to the meme (yea okay) and how dare I bash public school children with the meme.

By now you would have seen the meme, giggled a bit, and no shade to Stanley but I’m a Simple Modern gal myself. Here lies the glaring issue, when I talk to others about my life, share our content, write a post, whatever, it is never to bash anyone’s choices but to create content about mine….and yes, I am pro homeschool or else I wouldn’t be homeschooling. But when I see a comment or message that has derailed from the topic, all I can think of is “that is a person who is unhappy about their choices”.

Let me preface this next part by saying it’s a hard pill for most to swallow and it is triggering. When my children are grown and leaving the nest, I can sit back with years and years of memories from breastfeeding on demand, attachment parenting, being a part of every first, and literally being by their side as they grow and thrive. I chose to not send my children away for others to teach and raise from the time they were a few weeks old like many have deemed ‘normal’. As mentioned, I’m well aware that this life isn’t an option or want for everyone…but it was the most important decision we made for our family. However when people get extremely defensive about their parenting choices and take it out on others, I say “no”.

Every person is in control of their own actions and choices, including the consequences of those choices. If you’re watching your child go off to college and can’t cope because you chose to step aside during their childhood, don’t take it out on those of us who are sacrificing, striving, and thriving to be an active part of our child’s life.

Will some people not care either way, yea. Will their children be fine and not know any difference, probably? Will I get more hate from this post, I hope not. But don’t piss in my Cheerios and expect me to not throw the whole bowl because I am confident and secure with my parenting ability and decisions….and if you decide to be mean for no reason, I think you should reevaluate where that bitterness is coming from because you’ve already made your choices so don’t hate on mine.