So, you've decided that you want to homeschool your kid(s) for whatever reason best fits your family. Maybe your kid is bullied at school and you fear for their safety. Maybe you are not disillusioned by the inadequacy of government run school. Maybe you just want to have your kids with you. Whatever the reason, the decision is made and it's time to let those around you (family, friends, acquaintances) know your decision. Do you make your announcement with excitement or trepidation? Will you be met with pats on the back of encouragement or will you be met with discouraging words and actions? You will, likely, be faced with both reactions and hopefully the scale will tip more towards the encouragement side.
Sadly, the world feels like it has to put it's two cents in on how you decide to raise your children. From birth, you have likely been told how to and how not to do every aspect of taking care of your child. Don't feed him this, feed him that instead...no don't feed him that, feed him the other thing. Don't discipline....discipline (rod)....etc. There is nothing more polarizing than the decision to homeschool. Everyone has an opinion and most opinions veer strongly one way or the other.
There is value, in my opinion, in hearing the opinions of both sides. It can help to better shape your decision and give you a lot to think about. But, once you have made the decision, it is yours to make. There is nothing worse than making that decision and than having no support, especially from the ones who you rely on for support. I hear, constantly, about friends of mine who choose to homeschool and than have parents are not supportive....and it tears them up. I am lucky. My in-laws have been encouraging me to homeschool since my kids were very young and danced an internal jig when we decided to pull them out of school. I do not think my dad would have been quite so supportive if he were still living, but he would have respected my decision as parent.
I have faced a lot of negativity from friends who have cautioned me against the dangers of "sheltering" my kids from the world (course, I am a "modern day homeschooler" so we allow more of the "world" in than they may think). The negative comments can be hurtful and dig down deep if you allow it and I cannot imagine how it must feel to get this treatment from those closest to us.
Homeschooling is a big job with tons of pressure and a lack of support can be detrimental to you and your kid(s). Even if you do have support from family and friends, I encourage you to join a support group that will be filled with like minded families for you to lean on for advice and support. It has done me and my kids a world of good to be surrounded by these wonderful people who can help us when we need help and give encouragement or just be plain fun (Mom's Night Out is the BEST thing EVER).
When you're decision is made, hold your head high even when faced with adversity. Be confident. Respectfully disagree with the naysayers and respectfully ask them to keep their opinions to themselves. One of the most harmful things I have seen/heard is when those close family members openly mock homeschooling in front of the kids. This is where support groups come in handy. Your kids need to be around other kids, especially kids who are on the same page as yours. When Sierra decided to be homeschooled, she independently made the decision to leave her school friends behind. She de-friended them on facebook and stopped texting and calling. It took time, but she now surrounds herself with girls (and boys) who are homeschooled or a part of her Youth program at church. She feels safe and has something in common with those around her. The incredible wealth of security and information I have gained has been overwhelming and has muted the voices of those who were so against my decision.
Having a support system builds confidence in you and your kids and makes for a stronger venture.
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