At other times the proclamations of people on the street can be a gift - an opportunity to brag. Confidence in our choice to educate our own children is our greatest asset in getting support from family, friends, and public opinion. Projecting our confidence eases the concerns of those that care for us and stops short those that feel threatened by us. When we phrase our choice as a positive, rather than a rejection of institutionalized education, we elicit support and defuse criticism. Another part of confidence is letting it go when others are critical of our lifestyle.
Confidence also sends our children the message that what they are doing is positive and admirable.
When the inevitable peer magnetism makes them wonder about their lifestyle, your ongoing conviction can secure their support as well. Humility is necessary, too, in a society in which we are a minority and largely an unknown. The best parents I know are humble about their successes and not judgmental about others. Righteousness wins few converts. A good statistic goes a long way as well.