Who's Busier Than Who???

I belong to a group on facebook for homeschoolers; well, actually two groups.  One is always the best place to go to ask questions about curriculum or to get support.  The other one is, well, kinda silly, to be frank.  It asks things like:  "Hey Homeschool Moms!!  What's for lunch today?".  Um, who cares??  Ok, I am curious about what others eat for lunch sometimes.  Especially when I read that people eat out like 3-4 times a week for lunch...fast food.....holy cow!!  But, despite the silly questions they ask, I do find myself posting an answer if I happen to have a minute. 

The other day the question was this:  "Who do you think is busier?  Homeschool Moms or Public School Moms?".  Tacky?  I thought so, too!  There were quite a few responses, and I had a few minutes, so I scanned a few.  Some were ok, but some were downright rude and self-righteous.  "While public school moms are sitting on their fannies, I am doing this and this and this.....".  You get the idea.  I was pretty disgusted.  My response went something like this....."It is never a good idea to compare who is busier than who.  To answer the question posed, I think of it like this:  Our days are flip-flopped.  My mornings\early afternoons are busier, and public school moms' evenings\nights are busier ......".  I have no idea if anyone "liked" or commented on my post.    I am kinda curious but haven't been back on to see.......

A long time ago I learned the valuable lesson, that I forget sometimes and need to be reminded, that you never can say "I am busier than you".  What I consider "busy" and how or when I get "overwhelmed" is different from you.  Some people consider "busy" to be having every moment of every day filled with things, and to someone else, "busy" means having a few things occupying their time.  So, you really can't compare who more busy than someone else, right?

The other thing I have learned along the way since we started homeschooling, is this:  We as parents ALL want to do what is best for our kids.  We ALL think about it, pray about it, make decisions and go down a path.  My path may be different than yours, and that does NOT mean it is wrong.  We are all RIGHT.  We all can and should respect and support each other, not poke fingers and belittle each other.  I never want anyone to tell me I have offended them because I homeschool and they don't.  A friend set me straight a few years ago and I am grateful for her honesty.  I really am.

Yes, as a homeschooling mom, my daytime hours might be different than that of a public school mom.  But, I honestly start to sweat when I think of you public school mommas picking up your kids from school, helping them ALL with homework and projects, taking them to lessons, AND making dinner each and every night!  My hat goes off to you.  Dinnertime is the hardest time of night for most moms and you guys have so much you have to do during that time.

So, I want to apologize for any rude comments homeschoolers might make.  Hopefully they will come around.  If not, take it with a grain of salt.  We all aren't  like that.  I have met both kinds.  "Homeschooling is the ONLY way to go" and "Do whatever you feel is best for YOUR family" types are out there.  (Although if you DO want to homeschool, I will be happy to show you what has\hasn't worked for us....sorry, just had to throw that out there..... LOL!!). 

I have nothing but respect for moms that take their kids to public school.  We all have challenges that come with whatever path we have taken.  I hope that we can all love and respect each other.  You have my back and I'll have yours, ok??