In the 15 years of formal teaching at home, we've had to deal with superintendents, teachers, counselors, principals, the police, and hard-nose conservatives, who demand "get them kids back in school". Even during confrontations, we've NEVER let them intimidate us. Here's how.

1. Don't second guess yourself or let anyone else to it. The decision is made. Forge ahead! The fact that you've come to this decision at all shows you're responsible and will go to great lengths to do what's best for your child.

2. Keep the reasons for your decision handy, because some public educators will feel it's their duty to question it. This will help you stand firm and sound confident when confronting objections.

For example: We all have our individual reasons for initiating the idea in the first place. But for us, the decision was made when:

One night our 2 oldest boys got to bed after midnight because of the usual bout with their homework (from public school). They fell into bed knowing they'd have to wake up at 5 a.m. to finish. Minutes after we said good night, my husband and I stood at the threshold of their room. From there, we heard the gnashing and grinding of their teeth. It was horrible. We looked at each other and said, "That's it!"

We took them out of the public school system, and haven't heard the gnashing since, a fact we're proud of. Having reasons like this assisted us in overcoming the obstacles officials may have wanted to toss our way.

3. Be on time for appointments with the required paperwork in tow. Be respectful of officials' positions. Be pleasant, and you will show these people the different atmosphere you plan on creating for your child at home: an environment of stress-free and varied learning.

If, however, you note signs of a 'debate committee' forming, and you don't have the time, simply state that the meeting was not called to discuss the decision. You are there only to take care of the legalities of excusing your child from the public system.

4. Be ready with ALL the answers. This will show officials the amount of time and thought that went into your decision.

The 3 most popular objections we received (even from 'friends') were:

1. What if your child wants to enter college?
2. How will your child learn to get along with other people?
3. You are not certified.

The philosophy behind the answers require more space than I have here, but will be addressed in future columns. Just make sure you are prepared with intelligent, personal (not textbook) answers.

Meanwhile, we're still homeschooling our youngest. If I hear an objection I've never heard before, (this hasn't happened in 15 years) I'll listen, and proceed to state why the home-schooling decision was the BEST we ever made.