Support for former homeschoolers now public schooling - Page 5

[freestyler]

Hotmama---I think we all have worried to some extent about our kids' "levels" academically. I know in my case, that worry ended up being unfounded. After 12 years of unschooling, and I mean total unschooling, my 3 school kids are ahead in almost everything in their grades---and this is a "Blue Ribbon School" that is supposed to be so advanced, blah blah blah. In other words, I think half of what is done in schools tends to move at a VERY SLOW pace. I was really surprised by that, and also somewhat relieved. My kids have lousy handwriting, that's all, but their teachers don't seem to care. At all. So try not to worry---I'm sure the levels will work themselves out fine.

Hey Allgirls!! Nice to see you!! Did you know we had a fifth baby? He's gorgeous. : And thank you for the advice. Yep, our oldest is still pretty explosive. Sometimes I think something is wrong with her. But otherwise, she is healthy and normal and great with other kids. Parenting.....sigh....why don't people tell us it's gonna be this hard?

Well ladies, have a good day!!

[Charmie981]

Transformed, I'm sorry your DD is having a hard time. I'm really not sure what to say because while I had a 3yo in school 5 days a week a couple of years ago, he loved it. It was also a half-day program, though.

I'm supposed to be cleaning today for DS3s birthday party tomorrow (he turned ONE yesterday!!). I cleaned my entire bedroom and started working on the "front room" which is supposed to be a living area, but is really just a catch-all...it has a pool table in it, which has GOT TO GO because we never play because it's too loud with littles in the house and because we're going to be converting our "back room" (currently our living room) into a 3rd bathroom and 5th bedroom before little one #4 is here. ANYWAY...the front room also ended up being our landing zone for school stuff. I'm not getting rid of everything because DS2 is still at home and because I love having lots of educational books around, but WOW, did it feel good to toss the math and LA workbooks from DS1 and to consolidate all of the crayons, markers, glue, and pencils into a small pencil box for each of them. I'm not sad about that at all, which surprises me a little bit! ::

I'm looking forward to it looking less and less like we homeschool. I always strived for it not to look like we homeschooled (no timelines posted up around the dining room or anything!), but I had given in to a school-ish area of the house and honestly, the biggest clue that we homeschooled was the constant mess because the kids were always here. So yeah, I'm looking forward to getting things cleaned up a little more each week .

And I meant to say the other day that ITA on the validation thing. I homeschooled for three years. My kid is one of the brightest in his very upscale private school class. Give me some credit for that, would you? I mean, just because we're no longer doing it doesn't mean that you can laugh and tell me how silly of an idea that was (not that anyone has done THAT specifically, but I really get that feeling, like people think "oh, she came to her senses" when I say that we used to homeschool). I guess I do need to admit that it wasn't working and move on, but I do think I'd like for someone (besides DS, who has said it in a letter he had to write to last year's teacher ) to admit that we did a pretty darn good job, ya know!?

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by The Hidden Life

I am sort of dreading the first behavior incident at school--you know, the sort of thing that administrators or teaching staff will attribute to us being former homeschoolers.

This is my 11 year olds second year in school and nothing like that ever came up. The staff was always great. DD had a few times where she didn't realize what was expected of her, but her teacher would told her nicely, and it was never a big deal.

It's not like the other children are perfect.

Originally Posted by indigolilybear

The biggest change/challenge for ME is that after years of doing really only "whatever is best for the kids",

It sounds like you believe her being in school and you continueing your education IS what's best for her. There has been a change in my parenting of always defining "what make my child happy in the moment" as being the same as "what is best for my child." I used to think they were the same thing, now I don't.

It still feels funky when it comes up, but I'm not in the same space I was.

Though it does irk me (and I do clarify) when people make assumptions I feel are faulty about HS...What is shocking to me, is how passionately I felt about HS'ing and how I almost feel the exact opposite now. Anyone else experiencing this? I don't miss it at all.

I totally relate.

Originally Posted by Charmie981

I'm looking forward to it looking less and less like we homeschool.

I love coming home after dropping them off, picking up the breakfast dishes, wiping off the counters, and knowing they will stay looking just like that until 3:30!!!!! This makes me feel unbelievably happy.

I guess I do need to admit that it wasn't working and move on, but I do think I'd like for someone (besides DS, who has said it in a letter he had to write to last year's teacher ) to admit that we did a pretty darn good job, ya know!?

My DH has told me.

[kathymuggle]

Originally Posted by Charmie981

And I meant to say the other day that ITA on the validation thing. I homeschooled for three years. My kid is one of the brightest in his very upscale private school class. Give me some credit for that, would you? I mean, just because we're no longer doing it doesn't mean that you can laugh and tell me how silly of an idea that was (not that anyone has done THAT specifically, but I really get that feeling, like people think "oh, she came to her senses" when I say that we used to homeschool). I guess I do need to admit that it wasn't working and move on, but I do think I'd like for someone (besides DS, who has said it in a letter he had to write to last year's teacher ) to admit that we did a pretty darn good job, ya know!?

It sounds like you did a great job - and gave your kids what they needed when they needed it!

[SoCaliMommy]

Things I'm happy with:

1. DD seems so happy every time she talks about going to school again this year and being in 1st grade.

2. Our public school is wonderful. She had a caring K teacher.

3.Having free time to sew without trying to keep a eye on the kids or only sew at night after they are in bed.

4.Her attitude has made my 3 yr old excited about going to preschool for 2hours each morning 5days a week.

5.That i will get more one on one time with my 3 yr old

[freestyler]

SoCaliMommy---What kind of sewing do you enjoy? I make quilts. There are a lot of quilters up in Long Beach, I think.

My first grader likes her school too. :

[musicmamma]

so, i haven't finished reading the whole thread yet, but will keep reading as i can we homeschooled pre-k, k and most of first grade. my dd went to school for the last six weeks last year. i wasn't highly impressed, but hey is was the last six weeks, so there were many areas i thought would be better this year if we didn't switch to homeschooling.

now were in 2nd grade (by we i mean she ) and i'm not impressed. it's ok, i'm glad she's getting to be around other kids and have school friends. since the beginning of homeschooling we've moved often and it had been difficult to get involved with a group or in classes (which can also be out of our budget sometimes) so i had struggled with feeling like my kiddo wasn't getting enough other kid time, esp. since she is a social kid. so really that's the only benefit i see for her. i look at the material that comes home and the lack of communication ( that's how i see it, i'm used to being involved in every aspect of her education) and i wonder what they do all day.

another aspect of her attending school is it has been very good for me. i am at home with a ds who is 3. since marrying my hubby almost 9 yrs ago we've moved a ton and i've been pretty bad about being overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for my family and home. dd going to school has taken the pressure of schooling away (which was probably uneccessary stress i was giving myself) and i feel it allows more freedom to work on organizing life. oh, i'm also a singer and songwriter, not employed, but those are my passions, along with learning guitar and keys, and i feel like i have more time for that as well.

so . . . some good some bad, but i think overall it's where we need to be right now. i'm hoping that as i try to find balance in life i'll get to where i feel able to homeschool her again though i am feeling strongly that my unbalanced homeschooling crazy moving around life was a much better education. oh, and we may move again soon. i hope to know in two weeks if we'll go to hawaii or not . . . if we do i'm thinking i'll try homeschooling the rest of second grade.

well, i'm not sure i went anywhere with all that, but thanks for letting me share. i look forward to reading the posts i didn't get to yet.

[indigolilybear]

I think I enjoy the counter staying clean longer too, as someone else mentioned!! ANd that ONE meal of the day, I don't personally hear about. We try to do healthy but also fun foods, so I pack it in the a.m., and they eat it. Can't believe how much easier that is than getting 'feedback' on ALL the meals I feed them as well as the constant "Mom, I'm hungry" chant that happens all day.

How is everyone feeling? This is our first 'down' weekend. We really went gungho and usually have Sat. music classes, then our spiritual center on Sun. so that leaves no relaxed mornings...but this weekend, it's a three day one, we don't have music cuz of the holiday so since we traveled all last weekend, this is my first breather, though I start school Tues.

I feel, well, just drained. ALso realized between my itty bitty sister getting married last weekend, I am feeling a bit adrift....kinda like everything is changing so fast and big.....trying to give myself some time and space to absorb all this even if only to get through all the stuff we now do!

enjoy the weekend mamas....

[hipsands]

This thread has been so great to read. I don't qualify as a former hs'er--my oldest, a 5.5 yr old, started All day public school K this year. But my HEART was homeschooling/unschooling since he was born. Back then I was 110% sure he wouldn't go to K, but we'd take it year by year after that. So I was in hs'ing groups bigtime starting when he was 3, our circle of friends was almost exclusively hs'ers or alternative schoolers, and my dh and I even went to many board meetings for a Sudbury model school that opened last year, thinking if we went school at all, it would be unschooling for sure. But then ds's personality emerged, and I guess it was strong enough that we couldnt' ignore it...the thing is, *I* loved school. why am I so surprised he wanted to go? why didn't he love the sudbury model school (when we visited)? He BEGGED to be in a big school, ride the bus, have homework even!!, etc. I know loads of hs'ing families that either successfully diverted their kids ideas about wanting to go to school, or their kids never asked, or the kids always loved what they were doing from the start. MY kid was always begging to be surrounded by other kids, not at home. he craves routine and even following directions, doing dittos! after his first week of ps, I asked him, so do you like it? NO mom, he says, I LOVE It. He wouldn't even let me follow him (in my car) to school on the first day when he rode the bus, so I could be there when he got off it, and walk him to his classroom. NO mom, he says, I'll be fine. (So instead I stalked him and watched him from my car...I am only human!)

Anyway, I really needed to share. And read your stories, some of you have hs'ed for years. I talk to my hs'er/unschooler friends and feel such a tug at my heart when I hear the cool things they do. But my dh reminds me, things could be SO much worse!! My son loves school!! Really, its ok

Sande

[freestyler]

Hello, new faces! Yes, I think we all feel that school is where we need to be right now, for whatever reason. I agree that it is hard to process all the changes that are happening. It's a bit much.

[Pippi]

Interesting thread - glad to see it!

We start 2nd grade tomorrow. DS seems fine so far...we were there a few times last week volunteering to get classrooms ready and shelving books in the library. So he knows his way around and has met several kids who'll be in his class, so that is good.

I'll have our 4 yr old son with me during the day so its not like this is a break for me exactly - in fact, sort of the opposite since they keep each other occupied, for better or worse. But I am looking forward to some one-on-one time with our youngest since he's never had much of that.

I think the school will be good. There are things of course that will really rub me the wrong way and I'm expecting that, but in general I expect it to be a good move for him. I dunno. It is public school but is constructivist in nature and kind of alternative-y, and I did my homework before signing him up. Seems like a good fit, but not homeschooling is a real transition for me identity-wise.

Will keep you posted!

[hottmama]

Today was my son's 1st day of 1st grade! He told me he had a headache in the night and couldn't sleep. I know a lot of moms with kids at his new school, though, and supposedly his teacher is fantastic. She seemed very nice and energetic, and has been teaching since 1992.
Also, this is my first day at work since we got back from summer vacation, and my husband starts teaching again tomorrow (college) and my little one starts his 2nd yr. of preschool on Monday. It's a big week for us!

[The Hidden Life]

Tomorrow is the big day! Starting to get some last minute jitters here but once we get into the routine, it should all be fine. Early bedtimes tonight and lunch-packing. My husband is staying home tomorrow morning until they are all off and to make sure our middle schooler gets to her bus stop alright. It's the first year the bus stop will be out of sight of our house, several blocks away. She can also walk to school, it's just one mile, but the school recommends riding the bus for the first couple weeks to get to know the route better.

Planning on a barrage of paperwork tomorrow night. A dvd and a glass of wine (or mug of hot tea) should get me through it.

Also, I guess I should be planning on a schedule of after-school snacks and dinner for the rest of the week to keep me from going crazy with the "what's to eat?" questions after school. Time to get in gear!

[freestyler]

Hidden Life---Did I mention before, our kids are exactly the same age. Plus we have a baby now---so three girls and two boys. Busy, isn't it? I think I used to see you in the HSing forum! Welcome here!!

How's the week going, everyone? I'm enjoying the peace and quiet and no bickering. Gads, just the intensity of my oldest, even just the hour between when she wakes up and when she goes to school.....man, HOW did I last so long HSing?? Being around her is freakin exhausting. And she's a terrific person, very smart and enthusiastic and cool, loads of friends and a very, very loyal person. But she can also be a real challenge. I'm glad she's enjoying school----whew!

[transformed]

peace. and. quiet.

well...

except for

[SoCaliMommy]

freestyler~ just sewing clothes,purses mainly, would love to get into quilting.


Yikes this week has flown by Alex starts 1st grade on Thursday. I need to remind dh about it so he can hopefully take the morning off or all day like he did last year.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by indigolilybear

ANd that ONE meal of the day, I don't personally hear about.

For breakfast I'm making things they can grab and just eat (they won't sit down in the mornings, so I've let go of my image of perfect breakfast). This morning was turkey bacon and slices of apple. At least they eat something.
Lunch they either pack the night before or buy at school. I make a nice dinner.

But meals are so much easier!!! I'm no longer a short order cook and my kids are going into the kitchen getting random things to eat at random times, and leaving messes!

I really like having a schedule.

I feel so much more focused when I'm with my kids.

..trying to give myself some time and space to absorb all this even if only to get through all the stuff we now do!

yeah, things are different. I'm still just unwinding. My house is getting tidier and I'm finally organizing years and years of photos. I feel weird (and a little guilty). Yesterday I sat on my back patio and read and drank coffee. My DH says that this is fine -- I've really earned a break.

[The Hidden Life]

Linda, I totally relate. Today I made one breakfast, not six different ones, and they all survived (ha ha). It did take me quite a long time to pack lunches last night--six lunches and three snacks!--I figured I might as well pack my own and my 3yo's lunches while I was at it. But at least it is all done and now I can relax with my little one until 3 pm. Ahhhh. The table is clear (except for the Hot Wheels), the beds are made, lunch is ready, house is pretty quiet (Dinosaur Train, thank you!) and now I can put my feet up for a bit. I got up at 5:15 am as I couldn't sleep and spent some time labelling all the coats and bags that I'd forgotten to label. I also made some cute back-to-school cards for the kids that I put under the clear vinyl we have covering the dining table. They really liked them. I made bacon and eggs and tea, read my email and got them all off to school. Now I'm ready for a nap! Funny to think my 11yo is in her second period class already!

Have a great day, ladies! I have plans for so many things I want to get done around the house this year.

ETA: first day of school photos
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...0&l=857ef8d075

From post #1 to post #98, finally back to school!

[mom2ponygirl]

Originally Posted by Linda on the move

you list many, many positive things about how this is working out for your Dd, and yet your post is overall negative in tone.

If homeschooling had been working well, she wouldn't be in school right now. It really sounds like she's thriving.

Sorry to be so late responding, but major computer issues have kept me off for awhile.

You are right, most things are great, but the day I wrote that I was in a funk and needed a place to vent. I figured here was a much better choice than to my dd or to the school!

Dd is still enjoying school, although she is also enjoying only a 4 day week this week. She's learning a lot in her classes - not all academic but that is a good thing as well. She feels comfortable with her peers but has not really made any friends yet. One of the downsides to being part-time and accelerated - you just aren't around the kids closest to your age very much. She did have an 11th grader seek her out for math help at lunch though.

I'll post more later, just wanted to acknowledge that I knew I was being a bit whiney last time and I do want to focus on the positive.

Dd is looking forward to parent/faculty/scholar conferences next week. How geeky is that. LOL

[hottmama]

My boy's first day went great, the second day, not so much. He wants to quit.
He had a total meltdown on the way home because he had to go to the bathroom (we were walking, so it wasn't like we could just stop somewhere). Then he cried and cried over pretty much nothing when we got home. I hope he goes to sleep easily tonight and feels more rested tomorrow. He's a very emotionally fragile person and I think he is overwhelmed by school and also having a hard time sleeping which compounds it.