I'm torn...but its too late to turn back now

United States
January 17, 2009 12:22am CST
As many of you already know, I am a homeschooling mom of four. Since the beginning, I have always planned to take it year by year, assessing the needs of my children, keeping up with the national content standards, and allowing them the freedom to chose their own paths. Well...one of my children has chosen a path, without me teaching. It makes me happy to know that she knows herself well enough to make a big decision like like this. We have been talking about all the ins and outs for several months. She has a load of friends, both homeschooled and public schooled, and remains herself no matter who she is with. She has a solid foundation on her own character, and is comfortable being herself. This is just amazing to me, and makes me feel like a successful homeschool mom. On the other hand. She is so confident in herself, that she thinks a public education will be better for her than what I can provide. I believe this too, but it is still hard to digest. She will do fine, but that is part of what I'm scared of...if that makes any sense. She thrives on competition, is a social butterfly, loves the lime light, and needs to be around people. I can give her all she needs in the way of curriculum, but I can't give her the schedules, deadlines, strict grading, peer compitition, and social network that she desires. Back to the other hand. This child has a sensory issue. She's super sensitive to sensory input. When her senses are over stimulated she shuts down or exploads(mentally). If the teachers and staff are not sensitive to this, she may end up having discipline problems that should never be in a discipline category...or she could end be labeled with all sorts of learning disability crap. I know who she is, how she works, and what to do in this situations. But strangers have no clue about her. I'm beating myself up over putting my child in the care of complete stranger for 7 hours a day. Trusting them with her health, welfare, and education...without knowing them at all. But then I start beating from the other side, saying I'm being selfis, and only worrying about my fears. Instead I should be greatful that she is strong enough and confident enough in herself to voice her opinion, share her ideas and dreams, and critically talk out the options. I mean, we made bar graphs pertaining to her friends and their ages/grades/maturity, we've talked about social issues, schedules she'll need to get used, expectations she'll need to get used to, discpline procedures she may experience. All of it. We've also talked about committment. I explained that this isn't just a whim decision. She knows she can't quit once she starts. She has to give it a full semester. And she's fine with that...for now. Oh, my...what a long rant. Thank you for reading it. Please share your thoughts, ideas, concerns, advice, on this issue!!!! Hae you ever made a decision based on the lesser of two evils or the better of two goods? After you made your decision, did you have second thoughts? How did it turn out for you in the end?
4 people like this
3 responses
• United States
19 Jan 09
I think you have done what you can. I am sure she will be fine. It is very hard to trust people with your children when you don't know them. I think I would sit down with her teacher and explain her sensory issue. Then just help her deal with things once she is home. Good luck with her decisions.
2 people like this
• United States
30 Jan 09
I did just that. On the first day I walked with her to her classroom, and took a minute of the teacher's time. He was very receptive and understanding and said he would keep an eye on things. She gives me a daily report on how things went. I think she is doing great, and has shared a few moments where her teacher is really doing a great job.
1 person likes this
• Canada
17 Jan 09
Wow...Im still in awe that you homeschool all four of your children...thats crazy! I definately wish I had your patience! My youngest will start junior kindergarden in september and my oldest will be in grade one and I CANNOT wait to have a full day to myself every other day! LOL. But anyway, nobody knows your daughter as well as you do, and of you say that she has a good head on her shoulders then she will be fine. It is a really good thing that you are doing by letting her have the choice with what kind of education she gets, and your definitely being brave by doing so. Let her see what it is like to be in a public school, it may do her a world of good, and if it doesnt then you know that you always have the option to take her out of public school and homeschool her again. Good luck!
• United States
17 Jan 09
Thank you! Your words are very encouraging
2 people like this
• Regina, Saskatchewan
31 Jan 09
Hey sweets. Your daughter is in third grade correct? In your shoes (and believe me with my youngest I had to do this every semester), I would talk to the principal and ALL the teachers that will be involved in your daughter's time at school. Make them aware of her sensitivity, but also make them aware that she is not to be treated any differently, just given a little more observation. At the first sign of trouble, or harm to your precious child, no matter what commitment she has made, YOU are still her mother; you are not selfish and you are definitely not stupid, so you WILL make the best decision for her continuing in a public school if the sensory overload is too much. She is only 8. As grounded and 'mature' as she is, she IS still a child who under intense pressure is going to look to YOU for guidance and support and the relief of stress and just plain old mothering. She will NEED that from you. And I have no doubt that you will do what is best and do it well. Let us know how it turns out PLEASE! You're very brave you know. And that is obvious in the courage of your children....
1 person likes this
• Regina, Saskatchewan
31 Jan 09
Mother's of certain age all begin to sound alike if they have paid attention over the years! LOL I'm flattered at the comparison. I hope your Mum is too! Thanks for BR btw. Higgles.
1 person likes this
• United States
31 Jan 09
higgles
2 people like this
• United States
31 Jan 09
Hey Sparks, Now it's you who are sounding just like my mother :) There's a good reason why we all get along so well. Thanks for your encouragement!
2 people like this