so what began your journey...

[lurve]

I have just found this subforum and it is amazing. My DD is only four months old but I already know she is not like other babies (she is highly sensitive, both physically and emotionally). One of my friends told me that at some point I would have to "let go" of DD and she suggested like at age 5 when she goes to kindergarten. When I heard that something didn't sound right. Why would age 5 be appropriate to "let go" to let someone else care for her for the majority of daylight hours? To do their agenda? To discipline their way? Teach their way? My stomach got upset.

Now I have to back up here and say that the true beginning of my journey began when I had trouble conceiving. That gave me a lot of time to think and research. I grew up VERY mainstream (both parents are medical doctors). But then I found these forums and everything felt so right. In the end I became a homebirthing, babywearing, cloth diapering mama, no vaxing. And now I see this next step as part of the continuing journey that attachment parenting has started me on. I feel too close and too connected to DD to just "let go" and let someone else have control over her and what she learns. Now my internal debate is whether to homeschool or unschool...

But I just wanted to thank everyone for all the information. It is so nice to be surrounded by such like-minded mamas

[blsilva]

It is so good that you know early! Good for you!
For us, we really thought that school was it until we started ds in preschool. The first 2 pre-k's were a mess, and, even when we finally found one that was an incredibly positive experience (largely due to the teacher- she is an incredible woman!), it was clear that school, in general, was not going to be a good experience for any of us.
We started wondering why we were trying to fit ds into the mold of formal school, how we were going to make it work, how could we find the "perfect" teacher every year, etc.
Finally, it clicked. We did not want to do that. We decided to homeschool, and are so happy about it. The more I learn about homeschooling, the happier we are that it we will be able to do it.
As for homschooling/unschooling- I am totally new to this, so you will likely get advice from far more experienced mamas, but I would see what works best for you and your dd when the time comes. If she (and you) need more structure, then you can provide it. If you are both happy to follow her natural curiosity where it may lead, then go with that.
You already seem to be well connected with your mommy-intuition. It will help you make those decisions.