Should I go back to home-ed?

[montymoocow]

Home educated my boys for 2 yrs, and they're both now in high school (yr 7 and yr 8). My yr 8 son has mild autism and struggles with the lessons and hates school. He can't deal with the bad behaviour, screaming and shouting and has been attacked twice, although it was dealt with. My yr 7 son is quietly getting on with it but hates it. He comes home with heaps of work every afternoon which I have to bully him into getting done.

The reason I put them back into school was a) I'd had a baby (now 2) and b) I was getting worried about them getting older and exams getting nearer, and would I be able to get them to do any work now they're older.

I am constantly wrestling with the best thing to do. What's worse is that my yr 8 son has a best friend (really nice boy) who also hates school with a passion and is on anti-depressants and is threatening to harm himself. Not helping really.

I want to do right by all three children. My husband is supportive whatever, but feels I'd be taking on too much again.

Anyone got any words of wisdom?

Many thanks.

doesn't sound good.

Research it a bit this week, can you see yourself teaching them/guiding them through to exams with whatever coursework you decide on.

Then think out your rules. Give them the option, they can try it 1 year/6 months but if the rules are not followed (as far as sitting down and getting on with whatever is on their schedule or however you plan to do it), that's it.

half term could be the right time to take the plunge. Talk it through with them - say you have given it a try but it looks to you as if they are both really unhappy with what they have at present.

Talk about it not being easy at home - the family dynamics and it not just being an option to do nothing.

On balance though I think for them at present school is not doing them any good - and may well be doing them harm.

I do feel though if you feel worn out from HEing the boys two years,then having a baby, looking after that child at home etc and you feel overwhelmed by the thought of caring for an active two-year old and having them both at home again, working towards exams etc, it is OK to say I can't face it.

Home ed is a lot to take on admittedly, however doing the school thing is just as, if not more, emotionally exhausting. Just trying to get them into school in the morning with one or both of them crying, pleading or just plain refusing - that's all terribly draining for everyone. Then when they get home, hearing their stories (not good), battling with them to do homework when they just want to relax and do their own thing - that's very hard. What would be great would be to have weekends and evenings back to ourselves again.

As suggested we'll spend this half term in serious talks. If this is to work again then there need to be rules in place.

Thanks everyone!