There are many things that homeschooling parents fear, but one of the greatest fears is the dreaded question by NON-homeschoolers: "So what grade is Josh in?"

As soon as the question is asked, the air passage becomes constricted. You're about to answer when, nightmare of nightmares, the child whose name was mentioned speaks first. "I don't know. Mom, what grade am I in?" Or better yet, the said child answers like he has never heard the phrase before, "What do you mean?"

When that happens, the parent laughs nervously and goes for the quick recovery. "Oh Josh, you're such a teaser. You know what grade you're in." Not waiting for the child to answer, the now embarrassed parent answers for him, "Fifth ... yeah that's it ... probably."

I remember when one of my kids answered this question while I was right beside him. "I'm in sixth grade," he said to the guy who asked him. I looked at him like he was a liar. There is no way you are in sixth grade, I thought. Later, I found out from my wife that he WAS in sixth grade.

Here's the deal: grade levels don't mean diddly, but for embarrassment purposes, pick a grade ... any grade, and tell your child at the beginning of the school year, "You're in the _______ grade." Have your kids role play a few minutes by taking turns asking each other what grade they are presently in.

That way when someone asks, your child has an answer, and you don't have to go through the embarrassment of looking like your children have been raised by wolves.

Be real, but pick a grade,

Todd

P.S. I still have one little, itty-bitty opening in my fall speaking loop. If you live in the Dallas/Houston area and want me to come and encourage your homeschool group, now is your chance! I still have Oct. 13-14th available. Anyone ... anyone? Contact me now.