Does anyone here Homeschool?

[faithhope]

My husband and I have been seriously considering this. In fact pretty much made up our minds. We live in Largo, FL. Noah is just 10 mos, but time does fly by. Wondering what we need to do to get started. Who to contact, etc.
Thanks
Jess

[momofrussell]

Jess, I have a very good friend that lives in the Ft. Laud area and she decided to homeschool her children with a Christian based curriculum I do believe.... I would be glad to have her contact you.... PM me your email if you want

I think we have a few here that homeschool and there are a few on Downsyn too....

A.

[Pat]

I do, I do I homeschool all 3. If you want info PM me & I'll call you.
Pat

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

Ask your ESD people. I know here we have to register with them. We just have to fill out a paper "Intent to Homeschool" and once a year take the child in to take the state tests. Good luck Jess

[elizabethsmom]

Me too! (I mean, Joby and have ALMOST decided that we will homeschool Elizabeth and she is only 20 months old). We have talked and talked about it, but I think we have decided to do this, at least initially until she is old enough to "tattle" about things that happen to her when she's not with me. I'm not sure when you have to get involved with this type of curriculum though. Not until they are pre-school age? Later? Earlier. I could use some advice also!
Sheryl

[Chris too]

The laws vary by state.
In Indiana, we file no paperwork, take no tests until graduation (everyone has to take the test to graduate) and choose what and when to teach. I use a very eclectic style & set of curricula - picking what works best for each kid. I currently school 5 of my 6 in 9th, 7th, Th, 1st, and Kindergarten. Stevie goes to pre-school with special education for now since it sure makes it easier to get her therapies that way. She rides the bus, so I get about 4 hours 3 times a week to concentrate more on the little one's schooling. The learning for the older ones is mostly self-learning, with me teaching occasional lessons as needed (usually in math, but sometimes in grammar). We love it.

Stevie will eventually also be home schooled, but I'm not sure if that will start in Kindergarten or 1st grade.

[kellyds]

I've homeschooled all of our kids from the start. Joshua will definitely be homeschooled, also. I have done all of his "early intervention" myself. We belong to a co-op of other parents who homeschool (basically to get together for social activities, so the kids can exchange Valentines and have graduation ceremonies, etc.). There are several children with special needs in our co-op, and I've been so pleased to see how they are spontaneously included with the typical kids. This has been the best choice for our family.

[Jessie]

Hats off to all of you that homeschool. Seriously, how do you not need a break from your kids? I love my kids more than anything in this world and maybe it's because I've worked since I was 16, got married later in life (therefore used to having alot of alone time at home), etc., but I can't even imagine having my kids home with me all day EVERY SINGLE DAY. Am I a rotten person or what? Actually, just this weekend I asked my husband how people can actually stay home all day with their kids. His response was, 'because everyone else's kids are better behaved than ours'. LOL!!!

Hmmm, I just had a lightbulb moment . . . maybe if they were home with me all day they might actually MIND me because, a.) I wouldn't feel the need to spoil them rotten when they are home and, b.) they would listen to my rules and not live by the daycare rules . . . huh . . . I think I've just had a breakthrough . . .


Jessie

[carolyn]

Jessie,

Your honest musing cracked me up. I am a mostly stay at home who would not even dream of homeschooling, as I just am not disciplined enough to do it. I am so impressed with those who do it, and really give them my admiration as at times I wish I had their patience and organization.
On the other hand, I stayed home for 15 years with the kids, I now work part-time as a substitute teacher, and I do not regret, not for one minute staying home with my kiddos. I have loved being able to live what for us is a peaceful life- a bit broke at times, but at a pace that makes us all happy. I think you know what makes you a great mom- whether at home or at work, but I'll bet your kids are wonderful.

[kellyds]

I'm always a little embarrassed when people congratulate me for homeschooling. It's no different than what the rest of you do on a regular basis . . . you do what you believe is best for your kids.

I do have standard replies to a couple of things that were mentioned. If you think you don't have the patience, aren't organized enough, or lack discipline . . . you don't need to have those things to begin with. Homeschooling is excellent on-the-job training to help develop those character traits. I've always said I learn more from my kids than they learn from me. Think about it. Did you know everything you needed to know to parent before that first baby was born? Of course not. You learned by doing.

As for needing a break . . . yeah, I certainly need a break sometimes. I arrange for a couple of hours to myself on a regular basis. All day, five days a week, would be more than a "break" for me. I can't imagine being away from my kids that much. As they get older, mine are gone more and more anyway. I'd probably NEVER see them if they weren't here for school.

You do have more time to work on character issues with your kids, too. Mine are sure not perfect , but I would describe them as well-behaved.