You are not crazy at all!

As a writer, I was given the assignment to write several articles on home schooling. For that reason, I did a lot of research. What I found out really opened my eyes.

Yes, there are some people who 'home school' their children and do a bad job, or whose beliefs prohibit them from giving their children some facts or alternative explanations of things. I truly belief a child should get ALL the facts and theories and make up their own mind

But I digress.

What I found out is that home schooled children tend to test at higher grade levels than their peers. Even colleges are eager to admit students that they know have been home schooled!

Rather than being 'unsocialized' as some critics think, home schooled children, through field trips and group events, are not only well socialized, but even more mature in their behavior toward people who are older or younger than them. Bottom line: They learn to deal with situations better, because they get more 'life' experience with people from all walks of life.

I say go for it, Kryslalee. Do a lot of research, talk to other home schoolers, and trust yourself to do what is best for your child.

*gentle hugs*

kryslalee . u r so smart and brave and just the fact that u want this so badly will most likely make it work out . he is a lucky little boy to have such a determined mom who loves him so very much . I m proud of and for u .. extra good luck and many prayers . it will only get better with time . most of all have down time and don't forget to take care of u . u will b of no use to either of u if u exhaust yourself . u do have the freedom of setting the hours and tweaking the curriculum , I would imagine . many prayers 4 both of u . he is a lucky boy and u r lucky to have a son . ppl sometimes dont realize they have gits in having a child . sounds like u r doing all the right things . don't get overwhelmed . sounds like u have found a special solution and he will probably blossom !! keep us posted ..

Hi kryslalee. You might want to check to see if there is a homeschool organization in your community. My brother and SIL homeschooled their three kids but it was done in a homeschool community with about 30 kids and with parents who could teach various topics. My SIL is a history teacher and my brother is a math teacher. Their kids are so happy, super smart and well-adjusted. My oldest niece is finishing last semester of college (she's 21) and has been on dean's list every semester. Looks like the other two kids are going to do the same.

Go for it. Shortie is a year and half away from kindergarten but I've seriously thought about it except the whole split custody & having to see her dad more. The whole "no child left behind" really screwed over the good kids.

I was homeschooled in high school and it really allowed me to learn at my own level since I was advanced as well! I would encourage you to look into homeschool groups or even co-ops so you and your son can get support and social interactions! There are a lot of resources out there! Best of luck!

I just want to add to what Joyssis said about homeschooling groups that here, they often are able to pool resources to arrange for field trips as well as art, PE, and other classes, sometimes in cooperation with other local groups.

There is a lot of support and you won't have to do it alone.

You are not crazy! We started our 8yr old and our 6yr old out this past school year at home.

Different reasons, but still the same, we're home. And it's going 810% better than the previous years. No regrets yet, LOL. I still doubt myself at times being a 'teacher' though.

I have fibro and some rather intense anxiety and I'm homeschooling two kiddos with autism, ADHD and sensory issues.

The biggest thing you're going to have to get used to is "unschooling' yourself. It takes my boys a total of 2hours of school work each day vs their 6hr school day they had before. I was almost going crazy trying to make sure they had all they needed done for the day done until I unschooled myself.

And don't get me going on Common Core! Once you realize what that is, added to the bullying...you'll be twice as glad that you pulled your son out of school!

You can do this! What curriculum did you go with?

Echoing what everyone else has said... There are many resources available to help you, from free curriculum online to co-ops and local organizations! The support is there, and you can do it!

Hi , Okay first did you get all the school books and what you are to study. There are special home school courses, and usually they give you a list of other parents who home school and get together for field trips. \I home schooled my son for fivr years and it worked great my son was being abused bullied with no help from school a broke arm and split lip boys will be boys. But my boy has a disability he can only see ten %percent.I found ten other parents we took turns doing classes so that we each got a break.It worked good Just keep all your paper work in case he goes back to regular school my son did for ten 11, 12, and aced everything because he was so well trained they said . There will be times when your kids don't want to write up a contract . They cannot quit and either can you.It works I am here if you need to talk I am not a teacher okay.isabee

I don't really know anything about this subject but, I wish you the best of luck with it.

Ya'll rock! Thanks so much for the kind words, hugs, support and sound advice. No, I have not chosen a curriculum yet, I will do that this weekend. I will start with a free one and work up...I want something computer-based, since that is his favorite way to learn.

I did find a local homeschool group, and have made contact. I hope to be hearing back from them by this weekend as well.

Timmy goes back and forth from being absolutely gung-ho to worrying about missing his friends. He does not, however, ever talk about missing school itself. He does not like school at all and seems very relieved that we have found an alternative. So I am hoping it will go well. I am sure it will take time to adjust for both of us.

I only work two hours a week, and my boss is cool with him tagging along! So that is one hurdle down already...

So, I am officially in the planning stage. :) Let's get this thing done.

There's an online free public school I saw advertised on TV. www.K12.com

As far as missing friends and stuff, I know there's other home-schooled social activities, and there's always church youth groups and usually some type of town little league sports teams. That could be a way for him to socialize.

YOU CAN DO IT. You can do whatever you put your mind to. I admire your bravery. I want to homeschool my children but I am not in a position to.

There is a saying, "God takes care of babies and fools."

Even if you are a fool for attempting this, between you and your son, God has you covered on both ends!

No, seriously, just take it one day at a time. In the moments that are overwhelming, stop and take deep breaths.

Good luck!!

You're not crazy! I'm a Kindergarten teacher, and I seriously considered homeschooling my own kids. It didn't work out for me to do that, and I get envious of others homeschooling their kids. Just make sure you find a reputable school and keep him socialized with other kids. Good luck! Also, if it doesn't work out, you can always send him back to public school. You can even look into a scholarship for a private school.