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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The Smithsonian staff has ruined many a trip for my (homeschooling) family.  My kids have grown accustomed to being treated in a dehumanizing manner, no matter how well-behaved they are.  The art museum is the worst.

OP, I would politely, but formally, complain.[/quote]

Well, OP, you have to imagine what it must look like for the Smithsonian staff -- charged with protecting some of the most priceless art works in the world -- when a gang of 6 or 8 homeschoolers walks in.  Sorry to perpetuate a stereotype, but there you go. If I was on staff there, I would stiffen up, too.[/quote]

What us it about a homeschooling family that sets off alarm bells?  I am honestly curious to know.  The fact that we made the effort to do a family field trip would seem to indicate we are eager learners and honored to be there.  I never understand the hostility.

For the record, my children have yet to do something to actually get in trouble at the Smithsonian.  Our problem is the preemptive discipline, done in a hostile, demeaning tone.  This treatment has led to an association between DC museums and mean adults, which is the exact opposite of my hope for such trips.  It is not just unfortunate for my kids, but draining for me.[/quote]

The lack of integration into society.  But, really, if you are getting a lot of "preemptive discipline," I would bet quite a bit that the children are not fully under control.  We go to the museums quite a bit, and my child never has any interaction with the guards at all (other than to hand her bag over for inspection at the door).  But, then again, we usually require her to hold our hand in the museum, or at least stand right by our side.  When her school goes, they all have to hold hand or a rope.  You should probably reexamine your methods.  How far do you let your little ones stray?
[/quote]

They don't stray.  I wear the baby, and the toddlers are in the stroller.  My big kids have a buddy to hold hands.  They don't run, or try to touch anything.  If the babies fuss, we go outside.  They know the rules.

The assumption is that we are there to destroy, or that we are stupid.  As soon as my little entourage arrives, someone snaps, "stay back!" or "no pictures!" or "quiet, please!" when no one is being loud.  Sometimes it is not what is said, but how it is said;  other times, we are shadowed like criminals.  I try to have a sense of humor about it, but the kids get browbeaten.

As for the dig about "lack of integration," well, here we are in our nation's capital, correct?  And schoolchildren who attend institutional schools and spend the entire day with same-age peers are more out in society than my kids, who are out and about and interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds every day?  The logic escapes me.

But it is good to have a reminder that my kids need to be always on their guard, in order to represent homeschoolers positively.  I just wish people would be more pleasant and friendly when we do venture out of our survivalist compound.[/quote]

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