Hi everyone. I am a new homeschooler to my nine year old son and we are just dipping our toes in at this point. I also have an eight year old daughter, however she is a very traditional learner who loves to get up and go each and every day so she is remaining in public school for now. I am a big believer in giving my kids what is best for them as individuals which means that everything isn't always exactly the same for them. We decided to homeschool after a really tough year. My ds has ADHD and everything I read, all of the research I was doing was telling me that public school wasn't right for him. As a public school teacher with over ten years of experience I knew that even the best teacher was no longer going to be able to accomodate his needs withing the limitations placed by state standards and sheer numbers of kids. We looked into Montessori schools but the closest one to us was an hour away and I knew this long commute would not work well for him. All of the books and websites were also recommending homeschooling but to me this seemed like a pipe dream. I would think to myself "Oh, wouldn't that be great if we could do that." I never really thought of it as a real option because of financial restraints. My ds was crumbling before my eyes and it was rapidly progressing. I knew I needed to something. At this point we had tried everything. We had medicated for a short time but weren't happy with the results and worried about the health issues. We tried vitamins (lots of very expensive vitamins), saw a reflexologist, a nutritionist, changed his sleep habits; nothing was helping. I prayed with each new tactic that this would be the one that worked. One night at my wits end I finally got on my knees and tearfully begged God to show me the way. I would do anything just tell me what I need to do to help him. I don't know how to describe what happened. There was no booming voice but instantly I knew, the words in my head, in my own voice but not my own thoughts said, "Homeschool him." I was instantly at peace with this. I told my prinicipal within days that I wasn't returning for the next school year. We have made some real changes to our lives to accomodate this but none of them have been difficult. I never worry about money or how things are going to work out because I know, without question, that I am doing what God wants me to do for my son. So here we are. Our approach is a very relaxed homeschooling environment. Not quite unschooling because I do make suggestions and try to guide him but ultimately the decision is his about what he wants to study on any given day. I know that was long and if you read it all, WOW! I hope to het to know you all better and we can offer each other support.
Welcome. I am so glad you are giving homeschooling a chance with your son. I am betting he will love it! Beth
Welcome. Making this decision isn't always easy, especially with a special needs child. So, I applaud you for your strength & determination. Both my kids have ADHD & the oldest also has ODD. Even with the behavioral problems we have (due to the ADHD & ODD), they are both doing much better here than they would be at ps. You'll be able to do so much better for ds then the ps could. I wish you lots of luck on this journey. I'm sure you'll do great!
Hi Elphaba Welcome to the board. We HS DS 10, DD9 and run after another DD 22 months. I am sure it will be a wonderful adventure for you and your son !
Hi Welcome! Like you, I'm new to homeschooling. You've come to the right place for encouragement, support and fun too. Everyone here is great!
I know your plight. I have a son with ADHD who will be 9 this year. He is high-functioning ADHD (very well could be lumped in the gifted herd but we don't go there) but there are still SO MANY struggles. Kindergarten was like a nightmare in real time. 3rd grade was great - except for the fist fights he seemed to always get into with kids who would no longer tolerate his interruptions. Just because HE can learn while talking about something else, doesn't mean others can! We also went the medicine route for a brief time after an incident in Kindergarten, but, like you, decided the minimal help wasn't worth the risks. I believe in the power of prayer and just as God has led you to homeschool, He did us as well. He worked slowly with me because when I first heard the option, I thought it was absurd. I have come a long way in this journey and know I have a long way yet to go. Glad to meet you!
Welcome! You will do a great job, I'm sure, because you sound like a parent that is truly interested in what is best for your children. Best wishes!
Yup! 11 year old with ADHD here too. He is great on medicine at home, but at school there are just too many distractions and temptations. Welcome!
