S
homeschooling families must
deal with on a daily basis. It is
thrown their way at dinner parties,
family gatherings, church functions,
and grocery stores.
Soon the family’s response to this
word becomes routine, which should
be expected after giving the same
answer for the one hundred and
fifty-third time.
Before I was even old enough to know what this word
meant, let alone pronounce it, I knew that “S” word
was something that people brought up when they had
something negative to say about me being homeschooled.
Slowly I began to learn that those people who used that
“S” word were concerned about how well I was able to play
with other children, talk to other people, or function in a
large group of people since I did not attend school with
other children my age. Looking back now, perhaps they
had a point. I was not socialized like other kids.
THE PLAYGROUND
When I was growing up, one of the most exciting outings
was a two hour drive to visit my cousins, a visit that often
when the mall expanded and added a play place for kids
such as us.
Sponsored by the local hospital, it contained a large
tunnel shaped like a doctor bag, an oversized mint green
jar of cotton balls, a large teddy bear, and other such
items. Most importantly, at the entrance to the play place
stood a posted list of rules, height regulations, and so on.
The first item on the list was clear: No climbing on the
toys.
As we began playing, we were a bit cautious, having been
warned to follow the rules and be respectful of the play
place. All went well until I started noticing that most of
the children in the play place were climbing on the toys,
running, roughhousing, and generally breaking all the
posted rules.
Having been taught the importance of a good example, I
continued for a while to play and follow the posted rules.
A COVERT MISSION
Soon, however, my patience was wearing thin. After
upwards of probably ten whole minutes, my good example
was getting me nowhere. I decided it was time for an
organized mission. I gathered my three cohorts – my two
LAURA WHITEHEAD
20
