Mar. 27, 2009
To homeschool or not to homeschool? Advice?
I am very new to this site, this is only my second post. My first entry was VERY long, but I received no comments. I am still trying to find my way around the website, so I am not sure I did it correctly. I'm going to try to give a condensed version this time. I homeschooled for 3 years before deciding to enroll my children in public school. I thought they all wanted to go, and I got a full-time job. I was completely burned out and there were no local support groups at the time.
They have had a few good things come from public school. While I don't think they need to sit at the table for 8 hours a day, I do see now that they needed more structure than I was giving them. Three of my four children beg me to homeschool them now, but my oldest (7th grade) is really unsure about all of it. He is "established" in his school and doesn't want to lose all of his friends or miss out on all the fun stuff they do. However, he also doesn't want to be exposed to all of the stuff that he knows is not appropriate for his age...I was appalled when he told me what was going on there.
I guess my question is, should I homeschool the other 3 and not him, or should I homeschool him as well even if he truly does not want to. He is not one that will refuse to do the work...he is a great kid and will do whatever I ask of him. I just don't want him to be unhappy. I feel more capable of homeschooling now, and I have discovered several support groups, co-ops, and athletic programs for the kids. I am just unsure what I should do.
Any advice is truly appreciated.
Thanks!
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Comments
Mar. 27, 2009 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by 4sweetums
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Hi,
Welcome to homeschoolblogger. Well, you pose a hard question. I guess it comes down to how you have raised your children. If you have raised them to be part of decisions than you probably need to really talk with him about coming home but let him help decide. I would try to find a support group/activities so that he could see that there would be things for him to do and he would not be isolated.
We raised our children the other way. They do not get to make decisions about their lives right now. (Of course, we let them make suggestions about their interests and such but we make the final choices). They are on my time and I am responsible for getting them to adulthood. When they are adults they can decide what they want to do. I worked in the public school system in three different counties and two different states and it is crazy what is going on out there.
I hope this helps! Keep posting entries~it takes a while to be noticed. Also, if you comment on others blogs they will come look at yours.
Blessings,
Dawn
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Mar. 27, 2009 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by Chelelew
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I went back to read your first post - I don't know if you attend church, read the Bible - but I was instantly reminded of the Israelites when they were living amongst the people God didn't want them to. They knew how they should behave (obedience) but living among the other people and their idolarty caused them to sin. They were worn down. I wonder if that would happen to your son overtime if he were to remain in public school.
Any of my non-homeschooling friends, including my mother in law, will jump at the chance to tell me that it would be best to send my boys to public school. But they've never walked in my shoes as a homeschooling mom. Yes there are challenges, struggles, loss of patience, and burn out. But I don't see where I'd be any better w/my children in public school. So when I have a bad day, week, month, I make sure not to complain to those that wouldn't begin to understand as they've never walked in my shoes - so to speak.
I believe it's our job as parents to protect our children. While you say that some of his innocence may be lost because of what has been heard, maybe even witnessed, wouldn't it be best to put a stop to the possiblity of having more of his innocence lost? With the taunting of the kids in school, your son could end up being a vitcim -- involved in a fight.
We'll be praying for you and your family.
Chele @ homeschoolblogger.com/chelelew
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