According to conventional wisdom, I have a second grader, kindergartner and preschooler. I don’t care much for the labels, but it helps when people ask the question – “What grade are you in?”

I think it’s important that my children have an answer that non-homeschoolers understand. If Susan answers “I’m in second grade,” then the person asking the question has an idea of what she is learning and how old she is.

Oftentimes I want to launch into a speech about how labels are more of a hinderance to learning, in place to help the teachers and administrators with crowd control. But I don’t. I know the mom in the park is just making polite conversation and really doesn’t care a bit what I think. That’s okay. I know when to shut up, offer my opinion… or save it for the blog.