And everyone expects us to have a response. Each situation, and each family, has its own perspective. As a veteran homeschooling mother I know from experience that criticism comes from different directions, and require different strategies to turn criticism into support. Family I do not know of a family that educates at home and has not had at least a little criticism from family members over the decision. This is logical, and happens over larger and smaller life choice issues.
Family is closer, and therefore more emotionally involved, than our friends and neighbors.
Our mothers can often take our choice hard. Choosing to do something different than she did can be perceived as a criticism of her choices. The more different, the greater the threat. Our parents may fear that our new lifestyle will change their relationship with their grandchildren. They may also fear that you are entering into a fringe lifestyle that they cannot understand or join into.