Too late to start homeschooling?

[MomOBrien]

My DD had an awsome elementary school experience, but started junior high this year and although she did very well in her classes and with her grades, I'm not happy with who she has become during this school year. She appears to be the same kid she was, but I have discovered some things that have me worried. Is it too late to start homeschooling? I asked her if she would like to switch schools and she said maybe. She isn't with any of her friends from elementary...she has made some new friends, but I don't think they are a good influence. I have just started kicking around the idea of keeping her home, but haven't talked to her about it yet. Would you pull your child because of the kids she is attending public school with? Thanks for any help.

[LauraLoo]

I might pull a child, depending on the exact circumstances, but peer influences will be everywhere whether she HS's or not.

Have you read, "Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers, " by Neufeld and Mate?
http://www.amazon.com/Hold-Your-Kids...4884090&sr=8-1

The title of the book is pretty simplistic, but there are ways that you can strengthen your relationship with your daughter so she's less susceptible to peer influence.

[MomOBrien]

Thank you Lauraloo! I will be checking that book out today. I know I'm a little panic stricken right now, but that is usually how it goes for me. Something goes wrong and I start beating myself up. Maybe I should have done this or not done that.

[AAK]

I would. In fact, my middle school years were bad enough to make me always expect to hs for those years. I was kinda in the middle of the social ladder--not popular, but not the constant target either and I still hated the experience. I did well in school, but my self esteem went down the tubes. I was an introvert though and just had a few friends. My sister was the opposite, and felt the need to be friends with everyone and as a result started drinking, etc. My other sister did the best, but was at a different school for the 2nd and 3rd year. She thinks that made a world of difference. The two schools (same district) were very different.

Anyways, I would definitly check out all your options and find something that works for you and your family.

Amy

[MomOBrien]

Thank you Amy for your reply. I don't want to rush into anything, but at the same time I want to protect my daughter. My two older children went to different schools (same district) and I didn't see what I'm seeing now. I already ran out and bought the book Lauraloo suggested so I guess that will be my reading for the afternoon. Thank you!

[lauriem33]

You know your daughter the best, and if you are seeing some things that have you worried, you should definitely listen to your instincts. We were in the same situation. DD1 went to a year of middle school and so much changed. We went from a relatively great elementary school experience to all of a sudden middle schoolers who are acting like mean girls and trying to be as grown up and "high school" as they can be. There were the negative influences, the trying to fit in with the "popular" crowd rather than their own great friends, loss of self esteem, a spacey aspect to her personality that wasn't there before, and absolutely no focus on the academics. It was like school only existed for the social aspect, which wasn't very kind to her.

Deciding to homeschool was absolutely right for us and I only wish I would have done it so much sooner. DD2 had only gone to K & 1st, so she's relatively unscathed by the whole school experience. I just feel bad for my older DD that I didn't do this earlier.

Definitely bring it up casually now towards the end of the year/beginning of summer and let the idea grow on her. What I did was throw ideas out there of how homeschooling would look for us to try and entice her. She was hesitant only because of missing out on the social aspect, but now I don't think she'd go back for anything.

[AAK]

Originally Posted by MomOBrien

Thank you Amy for your reply. I don't want to rush into anything, but at the same time I want to protect my daughter. My two older children went to different schools (same district) and I didn't see what I'm seeing now. I already ran out and bought the book Lauraloo suggested so I guess that will be my reading for the afternoon. Thank you!

You're welcome. After I replied I realized the my dh also had a great middle school experience. He went to the same school that my other sister had gone to. So, the school can make a big difference.

Amy