Wednesday, October 29, 2008

home schooling... REALLY?

I distinctly remember thinking that "hell would freeze over before I'd ever home school any of my own kids"...

but apparently I'll be buying the next round for the entire populous in Hades... and soon!

We started homeschooling AJ in September for the first time... and since he loves it so much, within 2 months he convinced his 2 younger brothers to drop out of school and stay home with him. They all love it... and it's amazing how much they can accomplish!

As of this afternoon, the 3 of them have convinced my oldest son to get home schooled too!

BUT... wait!

I agreed to home school my 4th grader because it's the best thing for him.

I agreed to home school my 3rd grader and 1st grader because that's easy and the school they were at wasn't nearly academic enough. They REALLY wanted to get home schooled, and AJ enjoys having his brothers around to play with (most of the time); so we're doing it.

But, I'm REALLY hesitant to teach my middle-school son at home!

He's the "perfect" child... the "perfect" student... the "perfect" built-in tutor...

but the truth is... he's already smarter than I am in all the core subjects; and I'm not really sure I can do a good enough job...FOR HIM.

I don't know how we can tell him no though.

He's crushed because he thinks that I'm "trying to convince him to stay in school."

I just want what's best for each of them; and I wish that I knew exactly what that meant for each of them---

because by the time I finish paying their food bill for the next few years, and 4 sets of braces, and insurance for them to drive etc... I really don't think they'll be much left over for any counseling that may be need because I screwed up their education!

ha

18 comments:

Heather said...

I think homeschooling is great, especially for boys! Homeschooling offers them the ability to work at a pace that they have time left in the day to play and then still not have homework at night... what little boy wouldn't want more outside time! I think it also helps keep boys out of trouble.

I know of a few home school programs and I know at least one that has a dvd program. Usually for older children (junior high to high school) you can call (or have the student call) and get direct help with understanding a particular problem and it helps alleviate your feelings of inadequacy!

I know you will be a great home school mommy!

Tyne said...

How great! You will do an awesome job I am sure. Please do keep us posted... I am so curious about doing this myself.

Just wondering, when you were bound and determined not to homeschool, was it around the time that your children were babies and toddlers? My kids are 4, 2, 10 mos, and baby coming in March- I just can't imagine. It sounds HORRIBLE.

Karen @Snakes-Snails-Puppydogtails said...

My mom didn't START homeschooling me until I was in the 6th grade. To be honest I gave her a hard time that entire year, but IT WAS THE BEST THING SHE EVER DID!!! My jr/sr. years I was able to finish my school my lunch and have a job in the afternoon! I LOVED IT!!!

There are several curriculms that offer video classes! (Abeka and Bob Jones are 2 ... I'm sure there are more.) Plus if you check around most schools now offer homeschooler the opportunity to take lab and other classes for a small fee.

I didn't have the lab option but the local french teacher did trade teaching me french for 3 years in exchange for "baked goods" - she didn't have time to make them herself.
All three of my siblings (2 other girls and one boy) were home schooled. They have since gone on to college and done incredibly well.
I'm not trying to Convince you... but there are many options out there. I know for my mom there were times she just went and talked to a friend about mainly algebra problems she couldn't figure out. Pray about it... if he is that interested it may be just what he needs... My mom has never regreted it (even if she wanted to strangle us sometimes!!).
I know I'm rambling.. feel free to e-mail me!
outnumberedn06@yahoo.com

Miss Lisa said...

I do half homeschool with my kids--they go to school two days a week, electives one day a week and then I homeschool them the other two days.

I think homeschooling the 'perfect' child is the easiest of all my kids. If you are worried about him knowing more, you can look into private tutors for some subjects, on line guidance (or do what I do--the cheap way) learn it all with them (I am a nightmare in geometry something my daughter is doing now so I do some of the work before her and this helps me).

Middle schoolers do not homeschool the same way as younger kids--it is much more student directed.

I would love to share more and talk about the whole process--feel free to email me back ;)

And I so agree with Heather--standard schooling is not agreeable with a boy's mind.

Queen to my 3 Boys said...

Never say, "Lord, don't send me to Africa." You'll be on the first ship there!

*wink*

Blessings From Above said...

How that is a HUGE undertaking. Kudos to you! Very impressive! :)

new*me said...

You are so brave! I know a lot of moms around here who home school. For me, right now with the 2 yr old twins, I just don't see it happening.

BUT, I would LOVE to as they get older and easier to manage ;)

God bless homeschooling parents~!!

Kat said...

Wow! I'm impressed. Well, God bless ya. I think I'm the next one in line to say "when hell freezes over". I just don't know if I could do a good enough job.

Grace Acres said...

Well that is so great that your first son was having such a positive expierience with being homeshooled to convince the others. Do you also work outside the home on top of homeschooling? i am sure you are swamped with things to do. Good luck.

Patricia said...

Your 'perfect student' will be able to teach himself if you just give him the resources.

Just go for it I say. You don't want him to resent having to stay at school do you?

Good on ya!

Jennifer said...

Wow, Keep up the great work:0 Do you still work or just stay home with the boys:)

raising4boys said...

You're a good mom for homeschooling. I don't know how I would do it with my younger kids at home.

It is so hard to know what's best for our kids. And each one is sooo different. But I think Mom knows best and you will make the right decisions.

LBBlum said...

It's such a hard decision- I am always just one step away from pulling my kids out.

Sounds like you made the right choice.

Tammy said...

I have never homeschool any of my kids. But as a mom I have learned to go with what I feel is right and it normally is. So what does your gut say? You will do the right thing.

CFC Flames '04 said...

You'll do great and so will your boys. There are so many, many things to choose from! Your older one can learn A LOT ....different things than he could learn in school too. There are some great programs out there that can help you through it. Don't tell him no if it's something he would really like to try. DO find a homeschool group in your area - they can help put your mind at ease. Find one that fits your family style and you'll be all set. :) Good luck!

The Joys of having Boys said...

Wow, 4 boys homeschooling!! I know that you will be great at it. You love your boys and you want the best for them. You'll be able to do it, and I'm sure the boys will love it. You can see how it goes this year then re-evaluate next year.

Kristen said...

Never forget the fact that you are a teacher. Period.

You can totally do it!!

Hang in there!!

Can't wait to read more about your adventures!!

Anonymous said...

As someone who was homschooled for most of their school years I am now grateful for the sacrifice and decision my parents made- It creates a unique family bond, that is otherwise not cultivated.
Also, having used Abeka Video/DVD, I feel it prepared me well for college because of the classes they offered and the structure and self-discipline it required.