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The problem with many home-schoolers is they sometimes think they are a little superior in the parenting department because they take on this monumental task.

The problem with many who do not home-school, is that they tend to (needlessly) feel inferior when home-schooling is discussed. Like they feel they should be doing it but don't know how to or feel overwhelmed at the thought. In fairness, I might add, SOME home-schoolers (hopefully without realizing it) get a little pleasure talking about how much they do with their kids and how smart their kids are, causing some of these feelings in non home-schoolers.

I did the home-school thing for six years. Then I tried the public school for one year and then sent my kids to the private Christian school for the remainder of their school years.

I enjoyed the years I spent with them at home. I never thought any the less of anyone who did not choose to do the same. After six years of schooling them at home, I REALLY ENJOYED sending them off to school every day!

So I guess I've covered both sides. :^D

Currently my two sons 8 and 6 are attending a private Christian School. Thankfully the school is 100 yards behind my home. The class size is less than 16 students and their academic standards are fantastic. 90% of the student test 2 grade levels above their actual grade level.

I believe that every involved parent does homeschool; for us it is an ongoing everyday affair. After school and on the week-ends we spend time teaching them Latin, Biology, French and Spanish and other subjects. We have a nice size garden and other personal interests. Everyday lives can include many hours of teaching. Just from helping in the garden they understand a great deal about science, weather, biology, etc. When they have question about things like how car engines work, it is easy to go to the library, get on the internet and do a project to find out the answers to these type of questions. There is so much in everyday life than can be used as a teaching experience. Time with our children is priceless.

As an aside, my 6 year old was home with me today because of a sore throat. We went to pick-up some additional meds for him at the store and the cashier while commenting that he was a handsome child also asked his age. When I said that he was 6....she proceeded to ask if he attended school and if so why wasn't he at school!!!!!...as a stranger I was shocked at her noisy question. It made me wonder how many homeschool parents run across these type of comments!! I explained that he wasn't feeling well...but even now I am mad at myself for feeling like I should answer such a rude intrusion into MY business about MY child!!!

The homeschoolers who talk about how much they do and how smart their kids are drive me crazy -- and I homeschool. Especially when hearing about jr. doing calculus by the age of 7. If they can, great, but my 6 year old just isn't reading the classics yet. Oh well!
On the other hand, there are some people who have said all my problems would be solved if I just sent my children to public school. See, i have complaints for everyone. LOL!
As long as parents are sending their children to a school they feel is good for their children (and not just using it as a free babysitting service -- which sadly does happen at times) it should be up to the parent where their children go. I am for school choice. As long as everyone gets the choise. :-)