We have hit summer vacation running. I am not working this summer We left immediately for vacation with ps ending (i work for the ps) Then my ds left for a week of away camp. I am sitting here thinking how wonderful it is not to have to go to work or think about school. Is that bad??? We went to an anniversary party yesterday and my ds was engaged in an conversation that I overheard about him wanting to go back to ps. (for 8th grade) He is entering 7th grade. I just paid over $1,000.00 for my children to enrolled in various classes for next school year. Now I am thinking did I do the wrong thing? Before I purchase an expensive curriculium for 7th grade. Can anyone shed light on this for me? Is this just exhaustion speaking? Does anyone else go through these thoughts at the end of a year? I am loving the break but I don't want my kids in our local ps. I know the summer is still early here. We have only been out for 2 maybe 3 weeks. The thought of a tight schedule again exhausts me. I would much rather quick working.:lol: Am I alone?
What is his reason for wanting to go to public school? When I homeschooled my two daughters the youngest would have gone back in a heart beat...but would it have been the best choice...no. She was only missing the social scene...the popularity game. I made sure my girls had plenty of activities, music lessons, going to the gym etc. I would calmly have a conversation with him. But I think you as the parent have the final say.
Remember you have your reasons for hsing. You are the parent and he is the child, right now you feel hsing is better for him and just because he wants to do something does not mean he should. I would sit down and talk to him about why he wants to go to ps. Then you can explain your reasons for hsing at this point, he may not like it but parenting is not a popularity game. Just treat him and his feelings with respect. As for not thinking about school...go for it. I spend at least a few weeks here and there over the summer not doing anything about school. You need the time to relax. Enjoy. I am not sure how you do it all with working but many Moms do. Don't worry about the fall schedule it will be here soon enough, just try and enjoy the summer while you have it.
I agree. Find out why he wants to go back. This will have an influence on your decision. In the end, you are the parent and have to do what is best for your child.
I can relate to your ambivalence. I feel homeschooling is a committment that everyone has to be on board with. Middle schoolers can be tough because they are definitely more aware about what is going on out there. I think it is important to know yours and your son's feelings are valid and important to look at. This doesn't mean you have to make any big decisions right now. It could also just be that a few adjustments need to be made to help him and you feel better about it all. I too have my feelings about h'schooling-it's a big responsibility that (at least in my life) cancels out other possibilities. The ps will always be there as an option. I guess that is a good thing?
I think he is missing contact with certain friends. Especially the "popular" ones. We will continue to talk about it. Our goal was to send him back for 9th grade. He really wanted to go for hs. I brought him home for numerous reasons. Most has been addressed and dealt with since he has been home. But the thought of him spending all those hours in school and wasting time bugs me. Then on the flip side I am ordering the teaching DVD's this year for their curriculium. I will teach them some but I wanted to be able to have a "helper" if I can't get all done in a day. Then part of me feels like I am leaving my children to do it all on their own. urgh... I know I am rambling.....
I totally am a take it day by day and year by year type of homeschooler. Don't think too far ahead Take a summer break, don't think of school a whole lot for a few weeks... I know I can't completely forget it, but I do need a I'm not worrying about it time.
After only one year of homeschool for 7th grade, my brother decided being home wasn't for him. Personally, I think my parents could have done a better job (he was in K12 virtual school for a few hours a day and then just watched tv and spent time on the computer). He begged to go to his friends' school, but it's not a good school and they aren't good friends so the answer was no. They are compromising and trying to get him into a different (magnet) school. He was originally taken out of one Christian school because of bullies and placed in another Christian school where he just ran into another set of bullies. I have my doubts that this magnet school is the answer. I think it's one of those "grass looks greener" things. When they're in school, they often times want to be home and when they're home, they think they want to be at school.
One of the "popular" kids is here hanging out with my son. This "child" is standing around as my son is teaching him how to make a bird house, shoot an air soft gun. I was showing him my son's year book which does have some pictures of learning things as well as pictures of the kids. There is one of an field trip my kids went on with my parents they were able to see mummies and different things with ancient civilization and he was amazed. I am sorta feeling bad for him as he stands there and watches. God is good, I guess I am getting my answer.... My son has become more well rounded in the few years he has been home.
Christine, it's also true that at his age, kids often don't really know what they think until they hear it out loud, and since people look at you funny for arguing with yourself, they say it out loud to other people to get their feedback while trying out an idea on themselves. He's got a whole 'nother year (7th grade) to figure out what he wants for 8th grade, and a lot can change in that amount of time at that age. Relax and enjoy your summer.
