Hello to everyone. I'm new here and have a few questions. First let me explain my situation. I'm the mother of 2 wonderful children ages 14 and 10. Over the last 2 years, my son (14 year old) has bullied and tormented like you wouldn't believe. He is a wonderful child, kind hearted and sweet. His teachers have even stated before that if they could have a classroom with 23 of him, it would be a perfect class! I've dealt with our school over and over again and the problem still continues. They supposedly have a "no bullying" policy, but they obviously do not enforce it. My husband and I both work full time outside of the home, it is not an option. My son has asked me in the past if he could be homeschooled. Well, I'm to the point I want to pull him out. I've done some research and have found some great resources and there are virtual classrooms that he could do from home. Now, even though we both work, I know that my mother-in-law would be willing to assist to make sure he does his work. Is there anyone here that works full time outside of the home that homeschools their children? I never thought it could be done, however I do believe that this IS a possibility I could do this. My son has become very depressed this year and has even made references to suicide. I've been keeping a close watch on him and I'm just becoming paranoid that all of this could drive him over edge. I just need some advice and encouragement. I do not want what he has gone through to change who he is. Now, he does suffer from ADD, however it is very well managed and most people are shocked when they find out he is ADD. He's quiet and shy, plus he only weighs 86 pounds and he's 14! Due to his shyness and size, he gets picked on so bad. It just breaks my heart, because I've always instilled morals and kindness into my children. I'm so frustrated and angry that the school continues to let this happen. I appreciate an advice from some seasoned homeschool parents!
First off - welcome to the Spot. Second - if my son was making ANY reference to suicide - I would pull him out of whatever situation might be causing it. There might only be 1 month or so left of PS this year - but I'd bring him home. Let him read historical fiction - start working on some basic math books and things like that. Start researching what the requirements are in your state (hslda.org has them all) I'm sure I'd say more - but I'm about to pass out..... and some people say I get grumpy when I don't sleep..... but I wish you the best and I'm 99.9% sure you'll get some awesome help from the people on this board
Welcome! I don't work, but if I did.. I would still figure out a way to homeschool my kids. Personally, I don't care for virtual academies.. mostly because they are public school at home and you have to follow their rules, schedule, etc. But if I was a working parent I would definately be more open to using one!!
My son was bullied starting in 2nd/3rd grade. It crushed his spirit - he made comments like "I wish I had never been born" "I feel invisible" - Save your son NOW! He deserves to be in a place (home) where he is loved and safe - that place is not ps. Schools have bullying policies, no tolerance, blah, blah...and it might look good on paper but in reality sometimes it just not dealt with. My heart breaks when I hear of a kid who has to be sent into the "lions den" everyday for 6 hours and just be in constant fear. We pulled our son out after 3rd grade- he's now 12 and homeschooling has changed everything. Jane
I am currently working...although not full time and I am very close to cutting my hours even more. But this has more to do with me than with hs. I think it is very possible to hs and work. I have talked to women who do it. (even single parents) I think your son would be the perfect canidate as he is interested in the idea. I also have a very small boy. It is heartbreaking to deal with, but we have pointed out to him that you "measure a man from the neck up." I have also discussed with my son that if he was big he would also get teased and for the most part kids will find something to tease about. But that being said. this issue, even though it had not gotten to your point is one of the reasons I am hs. I think a virtual acadamy may be a good idea. Especially if your son is doing well academically. It will give you some structure to explore hs and feel like you are getting things done. I too would take his expressions of self worth (or lack there of) seriously. I would definitely talk to him about suicide. It won't "give" him any ideas...he obviously has them already. Remind him it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. you also might take him to a Dr. to evaluate his size. It was helpful to my boys to know that while they are small now and will grow late, they will be normal adult height. (which we are hoping for 5-6) We also discuss that even if they are small as adults, very few adults get bullied because of thier size. (I know there are exceptions...but really, and we "collect" stories of successful small men.) Good luck and God bless!! Kari
Re working and home schooling, I tried part time out of the home and I coudl not do it all. But I am trying that again this fall so my dd can participate in a Drama class. As for letting grama help out with getting thework done, just make sure your son knows that he has to keep up with the program. I am sure it will work fine! Online schools are great for some not for all.. but worth the try IF you can aford that cost. refering to the both working part, you may be surprised how many at home jobs there are out there as well that you can do while you home school. There are whole web sites devoted to the idea! I would pull him too , if he is being bullied. I have a thin child too, and even coaches automatically worry that "he will get hurt" and project that image onto my child for the other kids to follow. My son is the toughest kid i know, but its how they are percieved by peers that we have to work to fix for them eh>? Teach your son what these gals have said-- the measure of a man is not in physical stature but in insides.. is he loving, kind, eager to learn, those things are whats important. He will make it and be okay you remaking a great choice!
I would take him out NOW and figure it out as you go. If he is even remotely thinking about suicide you need to get him AWAY from the source of his depression. I just finished reading a article about a boy who was bullied at school and things were put on the internet that humilated him beyond imagination and that boy killed himself. Ryan's story I think it was called. Do something NOW before its too late....not to be dramatic, but rather be safe then sorry.
There are parents that HS and work...especially since your son is old enough to be able to work more independently. Not sure if he's in 9th grade, so unlike some, I might recommend he finish this year to get the credits if he is...but that being said, you could award him credits on your homeschool transcript too....you'd want to check out the homeschool laws in your state (as Dana) mentioned. But as many others have said, if he's depressed, I'd probably yank him out either way unless you think reassuring him that he'll be homeschooled next year will be enough to lift his spirts to finish out the year. If he's in 8th grade, today would be his last day in ps Best wishes and welcome to the HS Spot!
I agree, pull him out NOW! He deserves to be in a place where he is loved and feels safe. Also, I don't know if he's on meds for his ADD, but some ADD meds can increase thoughts of suicide. Just check it out.
We do have some moms who work and hs on this site. They are not as much because they are busy but it is doable. I am in agreement that you should remove your son from school right now.
