Homeschool World Forum

[Quakeproof]

I am still debating about whether or not to homeschool my daughter next year in the 9th grade. I have to work because I am a single mom, so my parents would do most of the work. I am a teacher so I would plan her curriculum and lessons.

First of all, I am afraid of the repercussions I might have from the school system I that I am employed by.

Secondly, she does not want to home school.

The reason I am thinking about it is because I believe she is being affected by her peers regarding attitude and behavior. I feel like I am slowly losing her to rebellion.

Has anyone got any experience with beginning homeschooling this late in the game for the first time, and if so, how did it work out. Did your child's attitude improve or worsen?

[Theodore]

You are not the first public school teacher to homeschool her own children. The PTA might not love you quite as much if you homeschool, but you won't get fired or anything like that. If you let me know what state you're in, I can give you some links that will tell you how friendly your state is towards homeschooling.

As for your second point, it's not really up to her whether she homeschools or not. Right now she's used to goofing off with her friends and probably not having to put in much effort on her homework, so homeschooling is naturally not going to look like a lot of fun. But if she's being headed the wrong way by public school, then fun will just have to make way. Once she gets used to the new way of things, homeschooling won't seem so bad, anyhow - she can be done with her work for the day by noon, and move on to more interesting subjects and extracurriculars.
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The board game has sold over 350,000 copies worldwide, garnered many awards, is used by over 2,000 schools, and is used extensively by homeschoolers.

[Quakeproof]

I am from South Georgia... and I can assure you that I will not be the most popular teacher on the block...

[Theodore]

Georgia legal requirements for homeschooling.
You're right, not a happy place for homeschoolers.

Georgia homeschool groups.
But there are quite a few homeschool support groups in GA.
_________________
The Farming Game - Software Edition for PC, Mac, Linux
The board game has sold over 350,000 copies worldwide, garnered many awards, is used by over 2,000 schools, and is used extensively by homeschoolers.

[hummingbird]

I am not sure I would recommend homeschooling your child for the reasons that you give. Any person going through this time in life will probably deal with rebellion. Very few kids don't. Becoming an adult is a difficult period in life. If she doesn't want to be homeschooled, you might worsen her attitude. If the public school system is the problem, then maybe you could try private school? I think the most important thing to do is to introduce her to some better kids her own age. Have her talk to a counselor or some adult that could help her. Maybe if she is self-motivated, she will like home-schooling. I personally would have died being home-schooled at this age. I could not have kept myself motivated without a teacher talking to me and explaining the topics to me. There is nothing like having complicated subjects introduced by a knowledgeable adult. It makes learning a lot easier.

[phil-pod]

Hi....

I think you should homeschool your child. I started homeschooling about 3 months ago. I am in 8th grade and a "social butterfly" as my mom calls me. Mom brought up the idea...and I was completely againest it. I think that your child is afraid to go homeschooled for the same reason that I was. Friends. Your child probably doesnt want to leave behind the people she loves. I sure didnt, but I actully have more friends now than I did before. I talk to numerous people throughout the day. Just tell your child that everything will work out but, things can be very rocky at first.
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~*Hannah*~

I love Gerard Way from MCR!!!

[Calla_Dragon]

I agree. I think if you can and want to homeschool, your child will be better off for it - even if they don't agree right away. Go with what your heart is telling you regardless of what naysayers think - it's your child and your right and responsibility to decide what's best for them. Best of luck to you!
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To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.

[StellarStory]

I think there are two issues here.

One is that you feel like she is being influenced negatively. That needs to be addressed regardless. Most people don't seem to realize kids need to have their parents even more as they grow older.

Just because they are 14 or so people seem to think they are ready to go their own way. This leads to a lot of kids feeling lost and in part, that is why they go along with their friends, sometimes to their detriment.

The other is education itself. How will it be better implemented for your daughter if she is home schooled? What will she see as a benefit to her? What will she see as her trade offs. If it's almost exactly like public school that would not work well with my kids.

From the time my daughter was in sixth grade, we had to have more family meetings. Those meetings allowed her to feel that she had a voice and was listened to.

She helps me pick out her own curriculum. That way she knows what she is getting into and has less to complain about.

Just a few thoughts.

Stellar