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Special Words for Special Needs ~ and then there was one. Feeling like a Special Needs Homeschool Failure

12:17 PM, Jan. 1, 2007

First off, I want to wish everyone a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!. I am one of those folks who believes in a Christmas seaon, (At least until Epiphany,) so it is still Christmas at our house! Along with holiday festivities, we have had a lot going on around our house lately. Couple all that with computer problems and there was no column from me last Monday.

One of the 'things' going on at our house over the past two weeks was making the descision to send out fifteen year old son to school. It seems to be the best solution for us at this time. He'll be going to a small, private school, so he will get the help he needs in certain subjects as well as guidance in transitioning to 'school life.' ...And I feel like a failure.

I had dreams of homeschooling both of my children through their highschool years. Oh yes, the challenges would make it more difficult, but I could do it. Well ,reality hit this school year. Our children have grown widely apart academically. I used to be able to teach them together, and we could do many hands on activities together. But one child is working at a tenth grade level now, while the other works at a third grade level. Our son is not a very good independent learner, and his ADHD tendencies leave him with a need to be redirected often. Our daughter needs directed teaching for all subjects. My gift of bi-location hasn't surfaced yet, so it's impossible to work independently with both children and get all work done. Both children, (and Mom) were feeling the frustration of the situation. It was time to come up with a best possible solution.

So after prayer, and long talks with family, friends and professionals, this coming Tuesday morning our son begins his brick and mortar school days. We, the parents, are nervous. Our son is nervous, and our daughter thinks that it is cool that her brother gets to ride a school bus!

I can't help feeling like a failure. I know I shouldn't, but I do.

Remember to laugh...even when you don't feel like it

Janice

Janice is the mother of two special needs children. This is her 10th year of homeschooling, but everyday is still a new adventure! She tries to keep that sense of humor going even in the rough times.

Posted in specialneeds, 3 comments, Link
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Comments
No words... just a cyber hug

12:29 PM, Jan. 1, 2007, posted by OurHomeSweetHomeschool

((Janice))

Special Needs

1:04 PM, Jan. 1, 2007, posted by Gina

Hi Janice,

This is my first time reading your blog. I was really touched by your story and what is on your heart right now, I suppose, mostly because I too had dreams (notions) of homeschooling my children through high school. After 18 years of homeschooling 4 children, I am left with only one taught at home (one in college, one at public school and one at a charter). They left my homeschool at 16, 15 and 14 years of age. I don't know what's with the pattern but yes, my youngest will be leaving our homeschool at 13 at the end of this summer.

What I really want to share with you is that sending your son for education elsewhere does not make you or your efforts a failure. For him, it is time for a different environment which does not constitute yours was the wrong one; rather it had just come to an end.

I've come to realize that even though homeschooling them through high school was the 'perfect' way; it wasn't the 'best' one for our family and home. I hope you, like me, will learn to rest on all that you have done so far in not only teaching him but preparing him to learn even more. And pray. Pray that it would be a positive experience and wholesome associations with other students, to derive all the knwoledge he can from his teachers and that he would have discernment as well.

May it go well for him (and you) in this new year! :)

Untitled Comment

10:28 PM, Jan. 1, 2007, posted by txhsmomof2

I have to say that I understand your stress in making this decision. As the parent of a special needs little guy, I am constantly second guessing myself as to whether or not I'm meeting his needs. I applaud your courage in stepping out and taking the step that you feel will best serve your son. I hope I have your courage if it comes time for me to make the same decision.

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