Originally Posted by Cybrarian

I am a media specialist in a Christian school, just want to make you aware of some things to check into. I don't know if this is a law in all states, but in Florida homeschooled students have the option of playing sports, being involved in band/choir, or taking a class [especially high school] that a parent doesn't feel confident in teaching. There are some fees, but it is a great way to combine both worlds if it is feasible. I'm not sure if this is true with public schools or just private, but we have several homeschooled students involved in various ways. We have a very strong parent homeschool association in our area, and we are also partnered with a university model school that combines homeschooling and private school. I know this isn't what you're seeking now, but down the road it may be something for you to consider instead of all or nothing private education. I do want to say the Internet is very important for homeschooling; going to the public library for this is one solution, but having it at home opens a wealth for both you & your husband as the teachers and your children as a curriculum and curriculum support tool. In our area, and I believe most public libraries have databases that are available to their patrons. These can be used at the library, but many offer them to their patrons from their home computers with an active library card. Really investigate the Parent home school association aspect as this is a tremendous resource in many ways. From exchanging curriculum materials to field trips, to inforamtion and contacts. One more thing, be sure you are connecting with a school to have your kids participate in testing each year. This helps validate what you are doing at home, gives you an unbiased record if you ever have your children re-enroll in a private or public school, and gives you a comprehensive snapshot of your child's academic progress, strengths and areas to develop. You want a school that uses a national testing program such as the SAT [Stanford Achievement Test-this is not the same as the SATs for college], not one that has been developed by the state you are in because schools teach to the test for those. You will always be glad for the time with your children and so will they!

Originally Posted by AngieS

Our oldest is still in a private school but our other 3 boys the twins (10 years old) and our 7 year old are in public school. They are around kids that have horrible mouths and have said things that I didn't hear of until I was married! Seriously! Even the principal that we talked to about some other things was amazed at what these children do and say.

The part of them changing that bothers me is the I don't care about anyone/anything mentality. I want them to care about their brothers and their sister. They have gotten mean and hateful. They are just so different than they were. It is hard to be around them some days. That is sad. I want to get them back. :cry:

Sorry.

Originally Posted by bearisgray

There may be other things going on in their lives that you may not be aware of?

My kids were all born in the 1960s - and grew up in a "family" neighborhood - but even then, I learned MUCH later that one of the neighbors had pot - maybe even available to the kids. I was (and still am) so naive in many ways.

When I look back at what we had to start with - and at what people seem to think they need now -

It's amazing how little we actually need to survive - we do need a bit more to THRIVE, though.

Wishing you and your family well on your journey - you are thinking it through - - -

Originally Posted by AngieS

Thank you. I think that a lot of it is because they were so use to me being home with them all the time. I did all the housework, cooking, cleaning, caretaking etc. Now, I am working, tired, they have to help out more-which isn't bad but different, I think they miss it being like it was. They have mentioned that several times to me-each one of them. They miss how it use to be they tell me when I was home all the time. :-( So, I'm hoping if we can get that back then maybe they will feel better too. I know I will.