I have 4 kids ages 10,9,7 and 6 months. I am 90% certain my 9 year old has at least a mild case of ADD. NOT ADHD, but attention deficit without hyperactivity. For the past two school years, I have toyed with homeshcooling him, but he was doing well in school. I knew 4th grad would be a challenge, and it is. He's unorganized, frusterated, stressed out, etc. He BEGS me to homeschool him. I had a meeting with his teachers who are great. They agreed to try some different things to help him out. I made up a new planner, put post- its in his backpack, etc. We are all trying. We'll give it a month or so, but I'm nervous about the idea of actually taking him out. I don't doubt that he and I would be able to get along just fine and he would probably do well in the "school" part at home. My fears are for my 10 and 7 year old. My oldest is very much a social kid, who thrives on competition and I think would NOT do well at home. He agrees. My 7 year old is also a social butterfly and loves school. Does anyone homeschool one or two kids while others go to public school? I think there would be days where the 10 and 7 year old would be resentful that the 9 year old gets to stay home. However, there would also be days when the two of them would come home from school with stories of a great assembly they had or a great Christmas class party, etc. Even though I would make sure my 9 year old took part in activities with his "school" friends as well as make new "homeschool" friends, I think he'd feel left out. I've tried to explain this stuff to him, but he may not be able to understand it until it happens.
Anyone else in this situation? Input is greatly appreciated!
Not quite the same situation, but my eldest went to public high school at a ninth grader, leaving his siblings at home. His sister says she was excited at the thought that she might be going to school too some day, and took one class the next year as a seventh grader. Anyway, the at home kids didn't seem jealous of their sibling, and it also didn't escape their notice that he was suddenly sick a lot more.
I pulled my son from school when he was in 2nd grade, and my daughter stayed in public school for 6th grade. My daughter understood why I pulled my son but not her. She enjoyed, and did well in, school. So, she was okay with staying in school. At the time, I felt a great NEED to homeschool my son (who probably has a mild case of ADHD, and wasn't doing very well in school). I never intended to bring my daughter home, because she did great in all areas of school. As it turned out, though, she only completed that school year in school and has been home ever since. :o)
I would talk to the other children and have them be a part of the home vs. school decision. Have them weigh the pros and cons and decide what they feel is best for them. Then, if they have one of "those days", you can remind them of why they chose to go to school. Or -- maybe when they weigh the pros and cons, they'll choose homeschool. Regardless of their choice, I think that if they're involved in the decision, it will be easier for them to accept on the days they are wishing they could do what their sibling is doing.
No advice, but just wanted you to know, you are not the only one grappling with this issue. When considering homeschooling, it's my 10 yr old 4th grade DS that is first in my thoughts. Like your son, my son seems to have some ADD issues and I have seen him pulling further behind his class (albeit slowly) over the past 2 yrs. It would be so much easier if we were to pull BOTH boys out, but my 6 yr old 1st grade DS seems to really enjoy school and is doing great. I am at a loss over the decision to pull him out too or leave him be for a while.
Our situation is such that currently our boys are in a private school, about 25 minutes away - and I work there. If I homeschool one, not only do I lose my income, but we still have 1 tuition payment and I still have to drive to and from (only then it'd be 2 x's a day VS driving us all in in the morning and all home in the afternoon :-(
I think you have to try and do what is for the good of your family at the time. Things can change, and you always have options. Perhaps over time new ideas will surface that help make your decision easier!
