When your kids say they want to go to PS

[mamato2boys]

and you're insecure about HS yourself.....

I'm sure this will be long and rambly-be prepared

Over the summer we seriously discussed pulling my 9yo out of PS due to a few things at the school that we were unhappy about as well as the knowledge that I could offer him so much more at home (we already do a lot of extras at home to suppliment PS) He really wanted to go back to school and that, combined with my insecurities lead to him returning to PS this year. He has a fabulous teacher this year and all the issue we have had have been resolved.....but he's still bored at times and could following his own desires at home, and learning much more.

HS has still been on my mind, especially since my 4yo would be scheduled to start kindergarten next year. We've talked about him staying home and he gets really upset, and is adament that he "has" to go to school. I realize that it's b/c he's been indoctrinated into the belief that all important learning must be done at school--how do you change that????

I'd really been thinking that we would send him next year...he would do well at school really.....I'm mostly concerned about my spirited 3yo attending school, but I figured we'd cross that bridge later....well, last week I learned that the school down the street maybe closing which would mean bussing to outlying schools and he wouldn't be attending class with friends and neighboors. I hate the idea of bussing, we chose to live here b/c the school was close, I can walk the kids to and from school every day, be more involved in the school, and I know a good amount of the families that attend the school---that would all change, and it doesn't feel right to me to send him to school if this change occurs. And part of me feels that the universe is trying to send me a message with the school closing...

Now that this dramatic changes has been thrown in my lap, I reaize how unsure I am about my abilities to HS. Homeschooling three kids that are dramatically different seems really overwhelming to me. I worry about my lack of patience already, how much more am I going to struggle with that when all the kids are with me all the time? Will I be a good enough mom with this added responsibility? I'm really comfortable with the current flow of our day and I don't do well with change....I feel like I have so many worries and concerns, it makes it difficult to sell HS to my kids J/K?

That all aside though, I know that my kids would learn so much more at home (both book knowledge and general life and communtiy knowledge)


ARRRRR, am I making this more difficult that it should be? I hate this unsure feeling, it's hurts my head and belly...I suppose I'm feeling like this is such a major life changing decision for our entire family and it's all on me to decide........
_________________

[yitlan]

How does your 9yo feel about the school closing? Could that be an impetus for discussing HSing as a very real possibility for him?

If he is doing well in school and determined that he HAS to go, you do sound like you supplement at home and that he is able to follow his interests somehow, which is great. I think lots of kids either don't even both pursuing their interests if they don't fall in the realm of school or even if they try, their parents don't really support it and the kid just watches tv instead!

And, as far as HSing different kids, your age spread sounds great to me. Your oldest is old enough to work independently a good deal of the time so you can focus on your younger ones when need be.

Really, though, it sounds like you'll be OK whatever you choose. And if you're not, you can always change things. Your decision is not permanent, so if the new school stinks or HSing isn't working, you can switch things around.

Also, do you have a good HS support system in your area? Seek one out, as that will probably help with your insecurities. Good luck!

[Jae]

just my 2 cents

I am new here but wanted to give you my thoughts on this.
1st his is my 8th year of homeschooling my kids, I love it and would not change it for anything. Its not always easy but its worth it. This is also the 1st year I have been totaly 100% comfortable with it all. I have bounced around on curic, tie, schedule, methods and many other things til this year. So the unease is totaly normal.
2nd In my house its not up to the kids, a 5 year old has no clue to make that decision, an 8 year old really does not know enough about school, education and life to make the decision either. My kids are able to voice opinions on it but in the end the decision is mine and my husbands to make. I would not allow my children to tell me if they want to homeschool or public school. Some things in life they decide, others they dont and schooling is one they dont.
I know alot of people wont agree with me but thats ok
If your already supplementing its not much more to do it all, it seems like it is, it seems overwhelming but you can do it if you choose to.
as far as ages and age spread well I have 7 children they range from 11 months to 15 years old. They work on their own for some stuff and as a group on other stuff. It takes more planning on my part but its not really harder then when I only had a couple of kids to educate. sometimes older kids help younger kids as part of school. Maybe a trial run? But even then its not always possible to really know how it wotrks in a short time, or if the child knows it will end.

[mommy68]

In our family we've homeschooled (first and foremost), used public school and use private school. They've all worked for us thank goodness, no problems with any of them. But I do let my children have some input on what type of schooling they prefer. In the end their dad and I make the final decision ofcourse.

When my oldest voiced his opinion on trying school outside the home last year I was up for allowing him to try it. Both our sons are going this year and loving it. So sometimes you have to factor in their feelings too since they should be able to have some say in it when it comes to their lives. Perhaps your child will want to go outside the home for school and atleast try it. Then if they (or you) don't like it you can always pull them out and bring them back home.