Seeking Advice About Homeschooling

Hi C.,
I'm a SAHM of 7, and I have been homeschooling for 5 years now. I will never send my kids back to school unless I have no choice -- it has been the best decision I ever made. I too have a degree in El. Ed, but let me say that it's not necessary at all. There are so many great resources out there now, because there are so many homeschoolers now. You will be questioned by a lot of people, but ultimately only you know what's best for your children. My hubby was not into at first -- he gave me a trial year to "prove" myself. Now he will be the first to admit that I was right. The socialization argument is probably the most common one you will get, and actually the most ridiculous. Where else besides school will our kids ever be isolated just with others their own age? Nowhere! Also, do I want them getting the kind of socialization they get in school, or would I like to be able to control somewhat who they socialize with. Kids are in school so much that they end up being raised by their peers, and we get them at their worst, when they're exhausted from school and activities, and that's when we're supposed to form them?! Wasn't working for me. If you'd like to get some more input, feel free to email me and I'll give you my phone #. As far as getting in over your head, it's pretty easy to school the younger grades. Kind. is 20 minutes a day, no kidding! First grade is about an hour. So if you're going to do it, I'd start now, because you can ease into it. It's a huge decision, but remember, it's also not a permanent one -- you can always try it and if you aren't happy with the results, you can change your mind. Good luck, and feel free to contact me if there's anything more specific you'd like to know.

Here's a good site too with a lot of information:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/index.htm

Is there a local homeschool support group you can contact? Have you looked on Yahoo Groups for a group at all? Maybe the library knows of a group or does something in conjunction with them. I would look for current information and articles to present to your husband and mother. You can do it!

Hi C., I was homeschooled grades 1-6 and I am sooooo glad I was. My mother chose to because of the school systems in the area...They were not great. I remember loving it so much! I did not lack anything socially, I played sports through the city or town/ rec leagues and I had tons of friends from our church and of course cousins! If my dad had put up a fight I really would have missed out on a really great experience. It gave my mom and I a wonderful relationship and when I did enter the school system, I was put a grade ahead of where I should be. If I were you I would envoke my motherly control and say we are doing this...Maybe make it like a trial or something? after the first year, review and see how everyone feels. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

There is so much out there on homeschooling, that it can be mind boggling. I homeschooled my children from 1st grade until they graduated and my son started his own business when he was 15. That business is very successful. My daughter, husband and I work for him and we have several employees. So.......if your husband needs success stories, e-mail me and I can detail what we did.

One of the mistakes I did do at the beginning, was to "do school" at home. To much stress on everyone. We then moved into an "everyday was learning" philosophy that worked much better. Just as a new mom teaches her children from birth...(every mom homeschools-they just don't know it!!), this is what we did. Using every day circumstances to teach new life skills and using the world around us to expand our horizons, we instill a love of learning that hopefully will carry them through their entire life.

Everything from a slug to world famine is learning. You are already homeschooling each and everyday. Just continue what you are doing and you will be fine!! A good Scope & Sequence is always a helpful guide to show that you are doing a good job.

My mom homeschooled all her kids off and on depending on the school situation and some of my relatives are big homeschoolers. So long as your kids have activities with other kids (sports, music, dance, gymnastics, etc) they will have plenty of socialization opportunities. Some school districts also allow homeschooled kids to come to school for a couple classes (gym and art are ones I've heard of, for example), so you could talk to your school about that option. Here are a few sites that might be helpful:

http://mhla.org/information/gettingstarted/index.htm
http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=MA
http://www.homeschool.com/

Also, one option that might be a compromise between you and your husband (besides the option of attending your public school for some classes) is to see if there is a home school coop in your area - I know there are some scattered throughout the state.

Good luck!