Quick panic attack

[YankeeMom]

I've sent in all the necessary paperwork for homeschooling this fall.

The school was quite quick in responding, which was nice kinda. Now they have until August 31 to tell me whether or not I'm "in compliance" I'm not too worried about that. That's all busywork IMO.

What I'm panicking about is....what if I can't do this?

I think I'd feel less pressured if NY wasn't such a "tough state" to homeschool in. It's not that they are overbearing, but there are letters of intent, independent homeschool instruction plans, quarterly reports, and yearly assessments that have to be done. I'd feel less stress if I didn't feel like we had to jump in & run full steam from the get go. I mean, I know we will have MORE than enough time to get it all in and we do not have to sit down and do it all in 6-7 hour stretches like they do in public school. We'll have all the time in the world. But I can't help but feel nervous.

I don't want to screw them up

I guess I'm most worried about being organized enough to get in all the stuff we have to get in. I'm also worried that they will think it's going to be tv and video games all day long. Even though I've already laid down the law about that. I know it will be a difficult transition for them. They are used to their time at home being "down time".

Oy.

I can do this.

Right?

[maryhannahkali]

Take a deep breath. You can do this. You'll find that it's not as hard as you think it might be. It may take a while to get into a regular daily rhythm, but you'll get there. And when you have a day where everyone is stressed, and arguing, and just generally on edge, that's a perfect day to close up the books and go on a 'field trip.'

[warramra]

Breath In...Breath Out

Bad news: This isn't the last anxiety attack along these lines you will have

Good news: As you continue they get less frequent and less intense

I always wonder if I'm screwing my kids up. But, I probably would too even if they were in school if my friends who send their kids to school are any indication.

The first years are the hardest and I don't doubt that you will have some rough periods and their might be times you are halfway down the road with the forms to re-enroll them. Some things to be aware of: (1) at least one of those great programs that you have picked out will not work with one or more of your kids - they will hate it, you will hate it...it will be like pulling teeth. It doesn't mean you are a failure or homeschooling doesn't work, it just means use something else. (2) You and the kids will get on each other's nerves at times...take a break, watch a funny movie, play a game, sit in totally different rooms for a little while and it will pass. (3) Periods of active learning will alternate with periods of "nothing is happening"...but you will be surprised at what your child comes out of "nothing" phase knowing. In our case, my children need these periods of 'no school' so that they can organize and internalize what they have learned. (4) And finally; don't push really hard, especially in the beginning as you and your children will burn out. Start slow, one or two subjects, and get used to the process of homeschooling and figure out the style that works, then add in subjects gradually until you have a full load.

A good homeschool online, secular group is Denim Jumper. There are a number of people who have been homeschooling for years in all different approaches.

[YankeeMom]

Thank you so much for the encouragement & words of wisdom.

I think doing too much at once is going to be my problem. I just have to keep telling myself that the state is not going to make my kids go back to school if I don't teach them the way they do in public school.

I'm fully prepared for some of the curriculum to not work. I purposely did not buy a full commercial program, but picked and chose an eclectic mix (and those that were the "best deal" online lol). That way I wouldn't be too disappointed when I had to try something else.

I'm just ready to get started & get over the speed bumps already

[dwallyfam]

You may also want to be prepared to have some outside activities for them. So they can meet other homeschoolers and so you can learn many things as well

[FrugalMomof3]

Take a deep breath and relax.... I am sure you followed the protocol so you should be fine. Until then have a nice latte or maybe a bacardi breezer

[frugalfriend]

You're gonna do great! Take it slow in the beginning and don't be too hard on yourself. We have lots of faith in you and are here cheering you on!

[danni]

It was nice to read your post and know that I wasn't the only one starting to freak out. I'm doing this for the first time too and although I'm excited too start, I'm also sooo worried. I keep telling myself I'll be fine and so will the kids and you and yours will be too. After all we are doing what we believe to be best for them and we are doing out of love.

Also thanks to everyone who replied because even though it wasn't for me it helped make me feel better too.

[YankeeMom]

Yay! Another newbie

We'll get through this. We'll look back next year and say "what was I so worried about"

[AmyBoz]

Heather...if anyone can make it work, you can!

[Starlight9803]

I think the first year brings on the most worries and anxieties, LOL. I just finished my first year home schooling and was terrified to begin with, but my child exceeded my expectations and things went great overall. Yes, we had days where absolutely nothing got accomplished. There were times DD and I couldn't stand the sight of each other another second. We had fights over the amount of work, or even the lack of it in some subjects. The greatest help I found were in online support groups (there are no homeschooling groups nearby), Hannah's former teacher (which was a surprise, but even she is appalled at our county's schools), and working into a daily routine. The daily routine (which you'll fall into eventually) really helped. Once we got used to things, school work went quickly and easily, with plenty of time to explore topics that DD was especially interested in.

Anyway, after writing that novel, I just wanted you to know that everyone worrys about whether they can really do it or not. Have faith in yourself, and don't be hard on yourself. You'll do great!!!

[MomToTwoBoys]

I think you're going to do great with homeschooling. Believe you me, the public school system in NY doesn't teach you very much anyways so yoiu're doing the kids a great service by teaching them properly.

Good luck!

[smk0817]

Breath In...Breath Out

Bad news: This isn't the last anxiety attack along these lines you will have

Good news: As you continue they get less frequent and less intense

I always wonder if I'm screwing my kids up. But, I probably would too even if they were in school if my friends who send their kids to school are any indication.

The first years are the hardest and I don't doubt that you will have some rough periods and their might be times you are halfway down the road with the forms to re-enroll them. Some things to be aware of: (1) at least one of those great programs that you have picked out will not work with one or more of your kids - they will hate it, you will hate it...it will be like pulling teeth. It doesn't mean you are a failure or homeschooling doesn't work, it just means use something else. (2) You and the kids will get on each other's nerves at times...take a break, watch a funny movie, play a game, sit in totally different rooms for a little while and it will pass. (3) Periods of active learning will alternate with periods of "nothing is happening"...but you will be surprised at what your child comes out of "nothing" phase knowing. In our case, my children need these periods of 'no school' so that they can organize and internalize what they have learned. (4) And finally; don't push really hard, especially in the beginning as you and your children will burn out. Start slow, one or two subjects, and get used to the process of homeschooling and figure out the style that works, then add in subjects gradually until you have a full load.

A good homeschool online, secular group is Denim Jumper. There are a number of people who have been homeschooling for years in all different approaches.

She is exactly right! The first year was absolutely the hardest. I pulled my kids out of public school midyear and there was a certain period of adjustment to be had by ALL of us. One thing Amy didn't mention is to make sure you have your "me" time daily or you will be the one to burn out, not the kids. I love mine dearly, but after seeing their precious little faces all day long I have to have some time to myself. My routine is after dinner each night I go outside with a good book and for atleast 30 minutes no one is allowed to bother me. I don't want to hear them, see them, smell them ...nothing. I sometimes think maybe I'm being a little selfish but seriously, it does me a world of good.

Stephanie

[peanut]

I have nothing to add, but wish you the best in your endeavour. My girls are both through homeschooling and one in university and one going this fall. I worried a lot, but they've told me I already gave them first year university at home. We worry more than we need to. Take a deep breath, enjoy the summer with them, and take advantage of the teachable moments that come along.

Jean

[Jamauk]

Heather, you are going to do great! I just know it and we're all here for ya when you need to scream & vent!!!