Homeschooling?

[diggitydot]

I know we have some pretty amazing homeschoolers around these parts, and I'm curious -- what was your impetus to begin? Our youngest is 9 y/o and I'm considering homeschooling him for various reasons. What were your reasons to "pull the trigger"?

[PrincessFiona]

Wendy, I think if you want to pull him do it now instead of later. I took Amanda out last year due to continued academic issues that had culminated in true failure. She felt so badly about herself and it showed in everything in her life. I had considered homeschooling her for years but had lacked the courage to just do it. I regret it so much. Now that she is 15, she is just no longer receptive to me. Last year was great, but this year she has really dug in her heels and is not as willing to work. There are some great resources available for homeschoolers. We are currently using www.globalstudentnetwork.com They have an elementary program too. It's nice to have curriculum right there.

Kris

[Deebs]

For the record, I have one little kindergartener and she is in public school, so take this for what it's worth. There are way too many times we ignore our instincts because of our own insecurities, what others will think of us, etc. If there is enough going on that you are considering this, before half way through the year, I'd take this time before break to get as organized as you can, and start homeschooling when break ends. you have great resources here to get you started! Good luck with this tough decision.

[v-girl]

We did it for financial reasons, but I don't see us going back. DH actually asked why all doctor families don't homeschool.


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[diggitydot]

I've toyed with the idea, off and on, for years. With the little dude's language disorder and ADHD, we frequently run into teachers (typically, older ones or classroom assistants) who want to second guess our developmental pediatrician's dx and try to get us to "admit" that he's autistic. It's a really weird dynamic that becomes infuriating after repeatedly correcting their misinformation. Truly, I'm not worried about which dx he has, just that he has access to the appropriate services and is treated appropriately by his educators. Add on top of it that his class this year is full of rotten little shits, and I'm really considering at least pulling him for the remainder of the year until we move.

His current teacher is pretty amazing. I feel awful that she has such a rough class this year. She and I have talked pretty extensively and she understands our little guy really well, but the social aspect of his class is crazy. Every time the teacher is not watching the little assholes like a hawk, they start picking on someone. DS is the most recent target. One of the rotten little fartknockers who is joining in on this is the son of a gal that I know well. She and I do some volunteer stuff together and I'm not looking forward to talking to her about the new dynamic. I really just want to tell her son that while I realize DS doesn't shut the hell up sometimes, "shut your pie hole" isn't most effective response.

DS is a pretty sweet, loving kid. Who, unfortunately, has some social habits that make him an easy mark for bullies. He's funny, silly, says the most hilarious things, all of which make him loads of fun for bullies to fuck with. Due to his difficulty with the ADHD and his language disorder, he has previously had issues with anxiety and self-esteem. After starting him on Strattera a couple years ago for his ADHD, his anxiety and self-esteem issues completely disappeared. The bullies aren't making him second guess himself or his self-worth, but they're interfering with his day, everyday. As he says, "they're annoying".

[bobk]

We homeschool because the other options are unappealing. The public school is a racially charged, un-reformable nightmare. The Catholic school is ok, but the majority of families only use it to avoid the public option and could care less about the Catholic part. The private school nearby costs about $17k a year. Even if we could afford that, I'm not sure it's a good value.

Homeschooling has worked out well for us so far. Because so many families are in similar circumstances around here, there are many support groups and co-ops to get involved with if you need some help.

[houseelf]

I have considered the option briefly and will always keep the option up my sleeve for myriad reasons.

I truly thought this was such loving, accurate, sage advice:

There are way too many times we ignore our instincts because of our own insecurities, what others will think of us, etc.

[fluffhead]

I've considered it, and especially now when social issues at school are getting hairy. But honestly, I don't think I have the patience. Before having kids I thought I could do it, but in reality, there's just no way.

[SoonerTexan]

My siblings were homeschooled for 3 years because the schools in Mississippi sucked. They went back when we moved to Texas.