I hate defending homeschooling!

I really just stink at it. What I love about homeschooling is the lack of pressure on kids, the lack of labels, the infinite number of chances kids have to be kids and learn academics later. I love that my kids can take their time to look at the bugs and not have to fill in a fact sheet about that bug.
I love that my kids can play and use their imaginations ALL day.
I really believe that their childhood should be about learning to love nature and pretending and climbing and running and NOT ABCs or counting.

Yet when faced with, "Oh how's home schooling going?" Do you guys use a curriculum? How do you teach math?

I get all caught up in school mind and talk about education and how Johanna can recognize words and is on the cusp of reading.
I talk about statistics and how homeschoolers are being sought out by high end colleges b/c of their ability to self learn. UGH!!

I want to say..homeschooling is great. We played Alice in Wonderland today. Johanna shared her Alice dress with Michael. I want to just say..."If you want to homeschool and are looking for help I would love to help you but if you just want to question what we do then please don't ask"

I don't.

and no we don't follow a curriculum and no we don't sit down each day at the kitchen table except to eat.
and no..I am not worried about college.
and to answer, "have you started?" yes we never stopped. From the day they were born we were teaching them. "do you stop for the summer?" No life and learning never stop.

I am amazed how indoctrinated people, myself included, are in the school mentality. I know what I am doing seems odd but truthfully if you look at the facts what I am doing is really normal. It's sending kids away that should be questioned.