[Babyruth348]

Hi all,<br><br>
I am really considering homeschooling this year but I don't know where to start. I have 2 boys the oldest who is 14 a freshman in high school and a 7 year old a 2nd grader. The reason I am now considering it is I have become really fed up with public school and untill recently I didn't really consider homeschooling an option. My oldest son has also started reading the book "The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to quit school and get a real life education". He has been really pushing me to homeschool him and his brother.<br><br>
I have no idea where to start. I am worried that because my boys have been public schooled all their lives we will have a really difficult time adjusting to homseschooling. I also worry that the major adjustment will be difficult for me to handle with my youngest who is 6 months. I'd like to give it a "trial run" this summer and see if it's something I can do. I need to do a lot of research on the topic so that when I sit down with my DH I will know how exactly homeschooling will work for us.<br><br>
Where are the best places to find resources on how to start homeschooling? Have any of you tried pulling your kids out of public school and started homeschooling? Those of you who have teenagers who homeschool, how do you manage the days when your teen is hormonal and cranky?<br><br>
I know it's a lot of questions, but any direction I can get would be much appreciated!!<br>
Thanks so much!!

 

[Geist]

Ok, I just did a quick google search and found the following link which might have some useful resources for you. Remember, I didn't read any of these so I have no idea what they contain!<br><br><a href="http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/olderkids/OlderKids.htm" target="_blank">Homeschooling Older Kids</a><br><br><a href="http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/directory/Beginning.htm" target="_blank">beginning homeschool</a><br><br>
Between the two, there should be some pretty good information.

 

[alatexan68]

<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/" target="_blank">http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/</a>

 

[mom2ponygirl]

I would suggest searching locally for a homeschool group. They can be a wonderful source of support and great for finding out about local resources. It can take a while to find a group that 'fits' but it is well worth it to start looking as soon as possible.<br><br>
Check out yahoo groups like hs2coll dedicated to parents preparing kids for college thru homeschooling. You will find lots of different approaches and lots of inspiration.<br><br>
Finding local resources will be very helpful in dealing with teenage crankiness. Other parents to vent with, sources of local co-ops or classes to help take mom out of the equation occasionally, and social or sport activities to release some teenage frustration.<br><br>
There are so many options out there - great curriculum, online classes, chances to just follow your kids interests and let them design their own studies. It takes a little while to find what fits for your family and your kids, but it is okay not to have it all figured out right away. It sounds like your son has made a great start with the Teenage Liberation book. Having some brain storming sessions with him should get you well along your way. Once you have some more solid ideas of what he wants to learn and how, we can help you find more specific ideas or resources.<br><br>
Good luck on your exploration! I have a friend who started homeschooling with her then 14 yr old, 12 year old, and 7 year old boys. They are two years in and doing great!