Oh, But you're a teacher...

Playing in the playground today and chatting with another mum the question of school came up, as it invariably does. The usual replies to finding out we Home Educate include "Oh....really?" or "I could never do that, my kids don't listen to me" or (my personal favourite) of stunned silence followed by  "So... you know...what do you DO during the day?"


Although it does get a bit old, hearing these kind of responses day after day, I don't really mind.  It's natural for people to question something they have not experienced before. 
Trying to see it as an opportunity to expand someone's ideas regarding Alternative Education, I usually answer honestly about our personal experiences. Usually... But not always! 
Somedays I truly can't be bothered to explain my parenting choices to a complete stranger. Somedays I fight off the barrage of insinuating questions by equally questioning their decision to school. And somedays I just lie and say she's in K3. 


A lot of the time, these conversations seem to continue even though I'm doing my personal best to avoid them. Being chased around the playground by a curious mum or two is not a one off event.
Why the intense interest? Do they know something's up? Are they looking for answers too? 


When conversations about Education do continue, it eventually comes up that I'm a teacher. Then some mystical penny drops, their faces light up and they say "Oh...NOW I understand", looking incredibly relieved. 


Honestly, being a teacher helps, a little, in the beginning. Like my experience as an electrician would help when I decide to rewire my house. But it isn't essential, the knowledge is out there for anyone who wants to find it. Sometimes I wonder if it's even beneficial. There is so much training, so many preconceived ideas that need to be let go of in order to teach your own. 


We are all teachers. Even my two year old has the ability to teach. If you have experienced something that someone else hasn't, you share the knowledge, then stand back and let them get on with the serious business of learning it. The less input the better. It's about support not control.


We've all heard that parents are the number one teachers of their children and it's true. Why should it stop at 2 or 3 or 5 or ever? The unconditional love and support a child gets at home is the perfect place to grow and learn. Where it's safe to make mistakes or say something silly and just be yourself. School does not, could not, ever replace that. Nor can any teacher. 


So, I say to those mums chasing me around the playground, stop thinking about what a teacher can give your child that you can't and start thinking about what you can give your child that a teacher can't. No one is more invested in your child's success than you.