Well, I finally have to throw in the towel. I am so sad, but the same "light bulb" that clicked on in my head when I was pregnant with my first child nine years ago, that led me to homeschooling, has clicked on again but this time with the strong feeling that I just need to put the girls into school for now. I haven't been on the forum lately, because so much is going on. Many of you know that I had a neighbor report me to human services last June, and I finally had enough and yelled at the little social worker over the phone, including a few "shame on you" comments said in a very stern tone, and lectured her about the 1st and 14th amendments, etc. and she simply closed the case. But the stress took its toll nonetheless. Also, some of you may remember that we were considering bankruptcy. Well, after talking with a reputable credit counseling agency as well as an attorney, we have decided we have no way out except for bankruptcy. Because we have recently moved from Ohio to Michigan, we are on limited time to be able to file in Ohio, which is more favorable than filing in Michigan. So, this past week, which has been spent scrubbing our new place preparing for our furniture move next week, has made me realize that it will be several months before I can truly settle down and HS properly. After the chaos of this past year, the girls are really lagging and my nerves are not the best right now. Hsing should be NOT be angry, impatient, etc. but that's how it is right now in my house. I cannot continue to let them fall behind. While I embrace the idea that children will pick up concepts when they are ready to, I nonetheless cannot deny that I have been neglecting my end of the HS bargain and the girls are not where I would like to see them in terms of math and reading. So, off to PS they will go. . .for now. Honestly, if I could wave a magic wand and have everything settled by next week, we'd still HS. I told the girls that by next year we should be settled in and they can decide what they'd like to do. If one, two or all three of them want to return to HSing, I'll be so happy. But if they don't, I won't force them unless I see some clear-cut issues arise that I don't agree with. But the boys will be starting kindergarten next year (hard to believe!!) and there's NO WAY I'm ready to send them off to PS. So, I WILL be HSing next year, even if it's only the boys. I only pray that I'll be able to do with the boys what I could never quite achieve with the girls. And I pray that I'll get another chance with the girls. . . .In any case, I'll still pop in on the forum because my heart is still into HSing and I would miss those of you I've come to know if I didn't check in from time to time! Please pray that I'll continue to receive the guidance I need to make whatever decision is best for us.
Oh Hon! You don't have to explain a thing! You just plop down and off-let on us and you KNOW we will be here..... Don't forget about us!
None of us are in your situation. We CANNOT know what is best for you and your family. If you feel this is what's best for now, then go ahead and do it, with our blessings! Of course, you don't have to leave us completely; you're still welcome whether you homeschool or not. And once the financial situation gets turned around, you may once again feel that homeschooling is the best choice for you! AND GOOD FOR YOU IN TELLING OFF THE SOCIAL WORKER!!!! Bet that felt GOOD!!!
It does sound like you put alot of thought and are making the best decision for your family. You haven't given up on HSing, you have just taken a different direction for now. Things will settle down. They always do. when that happens you can reevaluate again.
You have been in my thoughts since we hadn't heard from you. Even my husband shock his head about your story when I shared. We'll be here when you can come back.
Also, just wanted to mention that you are still "Directing the Education of Your Children"! You are still choosing what you feel is best for them and THAT makes you an awesome mom!
No one can judge you here. ((hug)) You have really put thought into this and I know you are doing what is best for your family.
My comment … this old Native American quote says it best: "Don't judge someone until you have walked a mile in his or her moccasins." All the best!
Jackie, said what I was going to post. I enjoyed meeting you and your children. I hope that you continue to hang out here. We will miss you if you don't.
Kyzg, I've wondered, too, how things were going in your life, and I hope for a season of restoration for you. Blessings to you, and do keep in touch!
Good luck to you and I hope that you find peace in this season of your life. Just know that "That which does not kill us makes us stronger". Good luck to you and I'm sure that your kids will be right where they need to be. Just think, homeschooled kids are usually ahead of the ps kids anyway. So them being behind is really probably right where the rest of the ps kids their age are. Try not to stress, it gives you wrinkles! And who needs that on top of everything else, right! LOL
kyzg, sometimes we just have to regroup before we can start over. You are continuting teaching your children by showing them that concept. This is a learning experience for the girls in how life throws you curves and you deal with them as best you can and go on. Don't look at it as throwing in the towel but moving on to the next challenge in learning.. after all that is what growing and living is, and remember that adversity builds character! You are getting to be quite a character it sounds like! ( grin) I will be praying things work to the good as the Word says! Be blessed knowing we all will be holding you up and keep us all updated! that way we can keep our prayers on task!
You do what you have to do in the best interests of your kids. So that might be ps for now or all the way through. You are ultimately in charge of your kids education and I think that it is great of you to put your kids educational needs ahead of your desire to have them at home. Once things have settled down you can take a fresh look at everything. God bless and stay strong!
