Parent Teacher Conferences

I have to say I was not prepared for the difficult parent teacher conference. For the regular one, I did just fine. I used positive, encouraging words and involved the parents in the conversation. But, during the difficult conference, I was discussing with the parents the strategies I would use to help their son John. Well, I talked about using hands-on materials and manipulatives. The mother flat out asked me, "Can't I just do this at home?" I was floored. I didn't know what to say. Even though this was a mock situation, I cannot think of a better question to have asked. And honestly today, I still do not know how to answer this. I was home-schooled from 7-12th grade. I had 14 brothers and sisters who were younger than me, and I home schooled them as well. So, why couldn't the parent do this stuff at home? What's the difference between them and me? Honestly, I don't see a difference. They could teach this at home. And I used to want to teach my own future children at home. However, since I have been "in the world" and now go to college, I am not going to home school my children. Why not? because I have decided the social aspect of education is a huge help to children in finding and discovering who they are and want to be. But that still does not adequately answer the mom's question. While she could teach him at home, how do I as a teacher say something about my education? I know from my own home schooling experience, it is MUCH better for the parent/caregiver to have the knowledge I now possess to help in their education. Reflecting on my home schooling years, I taught myself how to learn,  but if my foster mother had known what I know now, my education could have been amazing. But how do I say that to a parent without them feeling that I am slapping my education in their face? Hm...food for thought...