You know you're a homeschooler when...

I need to do a Letterman style top 10 list entitled, "You know you're a homeschooler when..." It'd have stuff like: You know you're a homeschooler when your kids take their spelling test in their pajamas. Or maybe, you know you're a homeschooler when you let your kid go to the store wearing plaid shorts, cowboy boots, and a hawaiian shirt littered with "Jesus Loves You" stickers - and he's 13 years old.

I think people who don't homeschool think that us homeschooling moms don't realize our kids are weird. We know. We are keenly aware.

I was talking to another homeschool mom about her first day at her son's football practice. She said all the other boys on the team had buzz cuts, and her son had longish curly hair. She said her son was dressed in Target brand clothes, head to foot. But the other boys were all wearing the same brand of designer shirts and shoes. Her son stuck out like a sore thumb, and she had mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, she wanted her son to fit in and be included. On the other hand she really liked that her son was different - totally himself, among the 8 and 9 year old football clones.

That's where the whole socialization question comes in. When people ask how our homeschooled kids will be socialized they are really asking, "Don't you think your kids will end up kinda weird if they aren't in school with other kids?" They aren't really asking if our kids will be able to function as adults and have healthy relationships. Homeschool kids do those things.

But are they weird?
Yeah, kinda.
We know it.
They usually aren't as hip.
They grow up slower, and use bigger words when they talk.
They might even be interested in mechanical engineering or sewing.

And for the most part - we like it that way. Our kids are growing up to be who God made them to be. They are unique; they are individuals. And a little weird is worth it!