So how do I homeschool without loosing my mind!

**mylittle4** · 09-29-2003, 06:07 PM

I will not lie I enjoy the time I have when my 3 oldest are at school, but that public school has finally driven me over the edge. I can not send my children there any longer. If we do not move (because we do not know for sure yet) I am seriuosly considering homeschool. Any tips points of veiw or warnings are welcome. I knew this would be the best place to come for opinions so give them to me ladies!

**bamamomto4** · 09-29-2003, 06:10 PM

I don't have any advice. Just wanted to say I admire anyone who homeschools...I love my kids but I couldn't handle that allday everyday. I sound like such a bad mother

Good Luck either way

**Darlene** · 09-29-2003, 07:46 PM

Wishing you the best in teaching your kids what you want them to learn.

**homesteadmamma** · 09-29-2003, 07:47 PM

First, before you do anything go to http://www.hslda.org/default.asp and see what the laws pertain to your State.

Second, homeschooling isn't for everyone. Before you jump into hs, are there other alternatives? Are there private schools, other public schools in the area or Christian schools? They have problems at times too, but its something to look into.

When your with your kids 24/7, at times its not easy. So you will need to look for alternatives, where you can have some time to yourself, where you can find some interests they might have that doesn't involve you. You also should look into hs groups, where kids can get together and it gives the parents a break.

Is your dh in favor of it? Its very difficult to hs if you don't have a supportive dh. Are there families members who can help out when you need a break?

Are your kids old enough to buck the system if you hs? It helps when they are in favor of it?

I've hs now for 8 years and wouldn't have it any other way. I believe totally in hs, but I always suggest to others to look into ALL aspects of schooling before jumping into any type of schooling.

HTH If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. There are also some great links stickied at the top that will answer some of your questions in regards to hs.

**heavensent_7** · 09-29-2003, 08:26 PM

Oh

I found myself homeschooling for nearly 2 years, which shocked me LOL.

Almost EVERYBODY here sends their children to school, I was never even aware that there 'was' another option. I honestly thought homeschooling (which incidently I'd never even HEARD of) was illegal.

I threatened to take my child out of school just before they 'kicked' him out and found them thanking me profusely and packing his stuff and the next day I was a homeschooler!

We don't have groups and things like you do as nobody HS lol. And that was really hard, but I have to say it wasn't as scary as I imagined it to be, I did really enjoy it at the time and I learnt LOTS about my own son that I didn't even know before because I had missed out!!!!

He flourished and learnt LOADS and the whole thing was very positive.

BUT - I do really feel for you - because my son is now 10 and next year he is 'meant' to be going to secondary school, but he got turned down for a statement of special needs and I honestly don't think he will last a week at a secondary school without one

So it keeps coming to my mind again - but HS an 11 - 16 year old is ALOT different to HS a 5 year old!!!! And I'm panicing again now. I honestly don't think I can do it.

It's such a hard decision ESPECIALLY 'before' you've actually made it!!!!

and more

**SewCrafty** · 09-30-2003, 05:16 AM

Angelee,

Are there any homeschoolers in your area you could talk to? That might give you a better perspective on it all around and you would be making some valuable contacts for the future if you choose to go that route.

and good luck in whatever you decide.

**guest2** · 09-30-2003, 01:34 PM

Hi,
First off, I think you have gotten some wonderful advice and insight here already.

Ladies!
At this point, I too would recommend looking a the legalities and regulations of homeschooling in your state. Also, go to your library and check out all the books you can on homeschooling. Do an internet search on homeschooling and you will find lots of homeschool links! Hook up with others that homeschool in your area and ask them questions, go to a homeschool support meeting, etc.. Believe me, having that support is a huge help when you are trying to decide on curriculum and also just need that encouragment and support!

Our family has been homeschooling for 6 years now and my only regret is that we did not do it sooner! We pulled our kids out for 4th and 5th grades and have had them home ever since. I joined a support group and now head that same group. We have added a co-op now for teaching various subjects (2nd year now) and some of us in the group also get together to team teach other subjects with another family.
I won't sugar coat things and say it is always fun or runs smoothly. There are days I have to call my husband and say "remind me why we are doing this". There are also days when nothing seems to be going right and we have to stop and regroup. However, the majority of the time, the schoolwork gets done and I can see the growth in my children. Personally, for our family, this has been the best experience and one that I am so thankful for! BTW, I used to think that I could never homeschool my kids because they would drive me nuts. The more time I have spent with them, the more I have gotten to know them on a deeper level and I really enjoy them now more than before. We all have a much tighter bond and can talk about anything! I love it!