We have 4 kids.
We have 4 kids with special needs.
We have 4 kids EACH with their OWN special needs.
We can’t meet all those needs. Â We keep trying, but it’s just not happening.
This year, I’m not homeschooling the oldest. Â He’s starting at the local high school for his Junior year. At first I wasn’t thrilled with this decision, but I’ve accepted that I can’t continue to meet his educational needs. Plus, as his therapist keep reminding us, we need a bit of distance. Â I think having a break for about 7 hours a day might be a very good thing right now.
I am continuing to homeschool J2(14). Â His educational needs are the greatest and it seems to be working for him.
I was planning to homeschool J3(10) this year too but I just can’t do it. Â There is simply not enough of me to go around. Â So, today, Hubs is going to the local elementary school to enroll him.
If you are a homeschooler, you are probably screaming at your monitor and wanting to write me a long email about how we are making the wrong decision. Â But please don’t. Â I respect your opinion, but we’ve discussed this off and on for months. We’ve been praying for direction and peace. Â I’m not 100% at peace with this decision (maybe 90%), yet I know it’s the right thing to do right now.
I don’t want to homeschool because it is popular among my friends or because I want to call myself a homeschooler.  I want to do what is best for each person of the family.  That includes me.  Homeschooling ONE special needs child is a challenge many of you are familiar with.  Homeschooling FOUR special needs children at the same time….that is proving to be too weighty a burden for me and my husband.
Good for you Amy for making a decision that you can work with! I’ll pray for you guys and for the kids going off to a new sort of school, as well as those staying home. Every child is different and each one will benefit from different learning experiences! Hope your day evens out!
Amy, you have to do what is right for you and for your children. Going to public school is probably a better choice than having a stretched to the limits mom/teacher who cannot provide the education you want them to have. I’m proud of you for making the best decisions for yall! Love you much!
Amy – sounds like a great decision. I know what you mean about the “needing the distance”, too. I sent Ryan everywhere I could this summer, just to have him not in my face. It’s hard, but it’s best.
You have to do what is best for you and your family. As for us, this may just be Jared’s last year at home, as we’re seriously considering a charter school for the high school years (if we can find transportation until he’s 16 and can drive himself). I’ve had people tell me how THEY would never do that to their kids, but Jared seems happy with the decision…
Best of luck to you and your family! *hugs*
I’m all for homeschooling but ONLY when it is right for everyone. As the parent, you have to do what is right for you and your children; you don’t need to worry about what others think. I’ll be praying for you as you deal with these difficult decisions. Hold on to God, Amy. He will be your Rock!
Amy: I commend you for not giving in to the pressure that you ‘must’ homeschool……each family has different needs and I applaud the parents who recognize those needs and strives to meet them in the best way possible.
I enjoy reading your blog and keeping up with your precious family. Hang in there….sounds like you have wonderful support!
sharon in alabama 🙂