ok. so most of you know my story...I never planned on hs, but had a kiddo that needed something and so home he came and we have been very happy for two years and absolutely no question about it, we are hs next year. (both boys: 5th and 8th grades) But: the question of High school is appearing on the horizon. I would be perfectly happy to hs through high school. I think I am doing a much better job that the schools ever did with middle school. My son (the older one, and this is the one in question, the younger one is going to be fine wherever he is.) so, My son is not socially adept. He is not a social misfit either...but he has his moments. I convinced my dh to agree to hs based on the academic stuff AND the fact that NO one (or at least neither of us) had any good social experiences during middle school. however, now we face high school. dh thinks that ds is a bit irritable around other kids and he worries that he needs to "learn to get along" (this is the same kid who faked headaches to go to the nurse for a 10-15 min break from the drama of the classroom) He is not a group sort of guy. If his friends come over to play, every so often I catch him curled up on the sofa reading while they play video games downstairs...I see this as a smart way to "break" from the group without loosing his temper...dh sees it as a problem that ds needs to learn to "deal with" I am not completely opposed to the boys going to school. Although I love homeschooling...I wouldn't mind getting to focus on my career for a change...but I do not want to do any harm. (or at least as little harm as possible.) Here is my thought. It would be much easier to "try" school and pull him again if it doesn't work, as opposed to starting high school at home and then trying to get him "in" at an appropriate level later. He himself is open to the idea of trying. "I kinda miss my friends." and there is the fact that the high school has a drama program which he is VERY interested in. I would be supporting my dh ideas...while keeping an eagle eye out on the emotional status of my child. I am not sure if I am wanting advice or just an ear...thanks.
I *think* most states allow you to participate in public school programs without enrolling full time. So he technically could do drama at a PS and study other things at home. Or do a couple classes at a PS and the rest at home. KWIM?
States differ on whether homeschoolers can participate in any ps programs. Sometimes even schools within districts can differ.
It's definitely one of those things that what ever you decide you will forever be wondering if it was the right choice. I know since I put Garrett in I have regretted it, now that summer break is here for him, I'm not sure if I want to bring him home or not. I have great pros for each option, and I have many cons for each option as well. I so know the weight you feel inside about the decision. You have a whole year to sort things out... don't let it be the focus of your whole year, but allow yourself to think clearly about it. You said you wanted to focus on your career.. the child that you feel should be home, will be done in 5 years.. you have had your career on hold for a few years already, a few more isn't going to make much difference is it? Oh, and definitely check your state laws, I know here in PA the schools have to allow homeschoolers to be involved in extra curricular activities.
I have no idea what I'd do in that situation. I have no advice, but I can offer prayer. Something to keep in mind, I know with homeschooling 'socialization' is a big deal, but honestly, some people are just more outgoing than others. Some people like large crowds and group activities, others prefer to sit on the couch and read a book There's nothing wrong with that, IMHO. My husband's aunt is not a big crowd person. She doesn't go to parties and showers and such. Never has. She'll come over for dinner when it's just us or just us and one other couple, but more than that and she gets stressed. She's 40 and she just started coming to parties and such. She only comes to stuff for our kids, as she says she feels she needs to cause she feels we are the only family she has ever had. I can tell at the parties, she is very uncomfortable, but is trying hard. And it means the world to me. Cause I know it's hard for her, it's just how she is. She functions fine in life. Holds a job well. Works well with others. She is even a supervisor at Habitat for Humanity. She has many friends. She just prefers to spend time with them one on one (well, or, couple on couple, I guess) rather than gather them all together at once. There is nothing wrong with her. It's just her personality.
We struggled with this in the past, too. My kids have taken turns in public school a time or two. It is such a difficult decision, and so much of it is based on emotion. I had to ask Dh to take over that decision making this last time because I knew that my heart was pulling itself in so many directions. In the end, it came down to digging out the mental list of reasons why we homeschool or not. If you have reasons to homeschool that will continue to be valid reasons, then stick with it for your family's sake. However, if the reasons you have for homeschooling are permanently behind you all, then public school might be right for you again. I know how difficult it can be. The good news is that nothing has to be permanent, and if you find that you make a decision that turns out not-so-hot, then you can always change your mind to make it work.
Homeschooling is not for everyone. You have given a lot of points that tell you that homeschooling is not for you. You miss your friends You want a career Your son is interested in drama etc. Homeschooling is like a VERY comfortable pair of shoes, they fit well and feel well. When we hs'd I was perfectly happy taking care of the daily educational needs of my kids and never felt as though I was giving up having friends, of course didn't have time to work. :lol: You have to evaluate your priorities and needs and make a decision based on that. We can share our experiences but that is about it. Now that my boys have graduated I realized I missed teaching, I volunteered at the local school as a teacher's aide. Then I obtain my Substitute Teachers License and now I am enrolled in college to get my Teaching degree. Good luck!:love:
I have friends now whose children do homeschooling 1 day - public school the 2nd day. They take a few classes at the public school and 1/2 at home (usually electives at the PS). These are my "die-hard" homeschooling peeps too So that might be an option that would allow you to work a certain # of days per week and then still homeschool. But it's not for everyone - especially at the higher grades - but it is doable. At a high school level you should also be able to leave him at home for periods of time and EXPECT he gets his work done etc. without you watching him every minute.
Yes. All true. The career thing is a bugaboo. I would be happy being at home, with the homeschooling. (I am not good at being at home with the kids in school.) But I love the homeschooling, however, it is not for me is it? It is for them, what is best for them. My dh wants me to work, but not if I am homeschooling and I think he is quite torn about the money. (I make good money) But if I am going to work, I want a career, not a per diem thing...that is what I am doing now and it is soooooo hard to go in every once in a while. (I quit my regular part time position because of burn out) I finish my school (BS) in December and that should open up different possibilities. But I would be willing to wait IF my dh would support it, without whining about the money. I would like to say that each of our discussions about what to do with High school starts with him saying that I have done a great job with the boys and that he sees and appreciates it. ds already does band at the middle school and can continue that, but he can only do ONE activity, so if he wants to do any sports...he would have pick. Drama is not an activity. it is a class. So I don't think he can do that, but he could take Drama at the University. (for free 2 classes at a time) If he goes to the charter school that I am leaning toward, no Drama...but again there is the University thing. sigh. Good advice though, to not make it the total focus of the next year. Thanks guys.
