Homeschooling (note to HUSBANDS)

 

No matter how many times you hear, “This is not a contest,” it seems we are just too tempted to compare our children with other children who are also homeschooled.

 

Those haunting questions of “competence” can drain a mother over time.

 

Then, your wife comes face to face with another homeschool mom who has a shining star child, who does all kinds of things.  Your wife’s feelings swell up inside and the doubts creep in.

 

This sometimes happens at homeschool support group meetings.  Mothers rightfully want to brag about what their student does, and your wife might come away with the idea that, since she isn’t doing that, she is inadequate, she is behind, and she is not doing as good a job as that other mother.

 

If this seems to happen to your wife, gently point it out to her. You might even suggest that wherever she sees those other mothers -- stop going there.