I had exactly the same thought. Homeschooling does not equal infantilization. How condescending. And as for exposure to "the real world", you're right -- DD doesn't get exposure to drugs, teen drinking, music laden with very adult topics no child needs to hear at this age, peer pressure to be beautiful and rail-thin, and to conform to whatever trend spreads like wildfire. Bummer. My mother expressed concern about her being "sheltered from the rest of the world" as well. I assured her that I do let her out of the basement now and then.
Is it just me, or is CrazyMom really living up to her name? Now I'm sitting on my butt all day, complaining about ps, but too lazy to homeschool! Should we even bother telling her I have a homeschooler at home? Nah! She doesn't need to know we get up early each day to finish school on time to make it to various homeschool groups. She doesn't need to know I do all this with a toddler, that my "lazy butt" homeschooled a bunch of kids for six years (and counting) and that the public schools are begging me to keep my kids in because they are boosting their test scores (which shows I sure as heck know how to homeschool)! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. If only things were as black and white as she is trying to make them.
Is there a homeschool band or orchestra in the area, or a community band/orchestra? I know homeschool opportunities aren't always available outside of major cities, but thought it might fill the gap of doing it through PS.
I'm looking into it now... really hoping so. That would definitely help. I know we can do private lessons, but they can be quite expensive. That is part of the reason I am leaning toward K12 or Connections Academy... with the money saved on curriculum, we can put it towards the extracurriculars. It's so tough for me because I want them to have certain experiences that are hard to duplicate at home (band, orchestra) and also because I'm a little nervous about homeschooling for high school. I want the kids to have the same academic opportunities they would have in public school. Pre-AP/AP courses, scholarships, etc. DS just started playing a few months ago and has already skipped several levels of band. That's pretty impressive (if I do say so myself ) and I don't want to hinder that at home. They have each made some really sweet friends and I hope they can keep in touch with them even if they are homeschooled. There is a LOT I am considering here.
Loved this line: "The only way to deal with trolls is to limit your reaction to reminding others not to respond to trolls." Thank you for that gentle reminder. For all we know, she doesn't even have a daughter and has never homeschooled a day in her life.
"My children are different people! I can't stand their horrible behavior, their disrespect! Their very SOULS might be at risk!" "But they've got band practice and we're two weeks into school now...so I'm helpless and they have to stay in public school this year." Here's a little tough love....there are Two easy fixes: 1. Address your kids behavior and make public school work. or 2. Home School. Making a bunch of excuses for their behavior and blaming others for their choices is not going to help them.
Are you clueless? You still don't see the bigger picture? Do you even homeschool? Homeschoolers are usually capable of thinking outside the box. Lets first note that you "quoted" me, but instead of using my exact words, you changed them to your sarcastic summary of the situation. You are very manipulative, it seems. At least you realized there are two choices... that's good. Now, lets see if you can realize the solutions are not as simple as what "you" summed up in your first two sentences. Oh, that's right... you just like to argue. Have fun arguing with yourself... I need to converse with people who can actually follow along and give helpful advice.
Hermione, Faith, and OpenMinded - It's good to see that others have called CrazyMom out on her behavior besides Jackie and me. When she first showed up, I asked Jackie privately if CM wasn't a troll. My life has been so much calmer and I've enjoyed the Spot again since I put her on Ignore. She has a right to post whatever she wants to, but I have a right NOT to see it..
"I put her on Ignore. She has a right to post whatever she wants to, but I have a right NOT to see it..." Reasonable solution! Well done, Lindina
I am glad you said this. I've been thinking about the situation on here and I think the advice hermione310 gave was great (even though I responded after... my bad :lol. I did wonder if she was a troll... apparently, everyone does. I don't like arguing, especially online with people I don't even know. It's not worth it. I've decided that since I can't say anything nice to CM, I'm just not going to say anything at all. I've already come to the conclusion that she isn't being helpful, just inflammatory. Therefore, her opinion doesn't matter, so why bother? Again, thanks for confirming what I suspected... that she has issues with everyone.
Actually, no, I don't have issues with *everyone*. LOL. I have several friends here, as evidenced by my full PM box...with several delightful and pleasant conversations that the admin is welcome to review. A couple have even taken the time to thank me for standing up for viewpoints that have been met with hostility here in the past. Those varied opinions DO exist among the posters here at the spot...and there has been bullying in the past to suppress expression of those views. My intent is always a civil discourse....but being human, sometimes we misunderstand each other's intent. None of us are perfect, and many of us have passionate expressions of what we believe. That does not make anyone *a troll* LOL. My Grandma always told me.....when it comes to advice....take what you like and leave the rest. If you ask for advice, you get what you get. By the way, Faith, I do, in fact have a daughter. I did, in fact, homeschool her for eight years... and she did, in fact, attend public school for grades 8-12. She's at University of Michigan right now studying Cellular and Molecular Biology and is planning a career in genetics. Her hope is to do research that helps give doctors the tools they need to fight diseases and save lives. (By the way, I think you're wise to want to pursue AP classes for your kids...they helped Elle tremendously, gave her an edge with college admissions, and saved us quite a bit of money) I've actually posted several pictures of my daughter to this board. In the most recent ones, you can see her moving into her dorm at U of M She recently got a work-study job with a lab on campus that she's extremely excited about. We're going to parent's weekend this weekend. I'd be happy to post photos for you. I don't think this board is meant to be a popularity contest, and I'm not remotely concerned about public oustings, nor those who wish to stage dramatic witch hunts instead of simply ignoring opinions they don't care for. I DO care about keeping home school unrestricted and legal, and about supporting those who are considering taking that leap of faith that there is more than one way to educate. I do care about supporting that fledgling, terrified newbie who needs encouragement and practical resources. But frankly...listening to someone complain endlessly (for two years running) that the public school is the devil (whilst continuing to send her kids there)...strikes me as a little tedious and contrary to the concept of home schooling. I might have been more tactful...but as Grandma also said....Sh^t, or get off the pot! Too each, their own. I digress... I will continue to read everyone's posts, even those that might be critical of me...with an open mind.....and even a sense of humor I will take what I like...and leave the rest. Grandma was a wise old bird
My kids haven't even BEEN in public school for two years, so how have I been complaining about it for two years? Did you grandma ever tell you that continuing to "give your opinion" (not civilly, by the way) when it isn't wanted is considered harassment?
My kids haven't even BEEN in public school for two years, so how have I been complaining about it for two years? Did you grandma ever tell you that continuing to "give your opinion" (not civilly, I might add) when it isn't wanted could be considered harassment? Maybe you should look at the number of people you offend and go about things differently.
"My kids haven't even BEEN in public school for two years, so how have I been complaining about it for two years?" Last fall you were saying the same stuff....your children are different people, the school is causing their terrible behavior and attitude...disrespect...etc... And now...this fall....you put them right back in public school...and you're saying the exact same things. They're different people...woe is me...their behavior is terrible...woe is me....putting them in school is the worst decision we ever made....woe is me But you still put them BACK in public school. Two school years. Same complaints. Look...if you want to do this circular thing....I suppose it's none of my business. But if you post it on a public board and ask advice... well...you might get some.
September 2013-September 2014 = 1 year. I hope you had better math skills when you were homeschooling. :lol: I'm not interested in your advice or input. You've made your opinion clear. How about moving along now?
If you don't want the advice and input of certain members of a public online community....there are two very simple solutions. 1. You can choose not to publicly post about issues that you're very sensitive about. If you're asking for advice publicly....all members of the community are welcome to post advice. If this is too upsetting, you might want to talk about sensitive issues privately with friends who understand your situation and temperament. 2. If there's a particular poster who upsets you...it's very easy to put that person on "ignore" and the person's posts will no longer be visible to you. Pretty simple, no? Edit: I was going to post some instructions for you on how to put someone on "ignore" but I've never done this, and can't seem to find it. Lindina claims to have done this successfully. She might be able to help you.
You gave your input, though. I heard your opinion and completely disagree with your advice. I told you I do not agree. Why do you keep going? Do you like arguing? Are you trying to get me to agree with you? It doesn't really make sense. This is why people think you are trolling.
You don't have to agree with someone to be allowed to comment, or to continue to comment with additional ideas. It's a discussion board. I figured out the ignore feature. Here's what you do: Click on my name. Under my name there's a little tab that says User List Click that. Now click "Add to ignore list" There! Problem solved