Decision time

[jomidmum]

Hi, I think ours is a pretty common scenario! I really want to home educate DD aged 7. She's been having difficulty at school for a long time, I won't go into all the details, but she struggles with the academic side of things which has the usual knock-on effect on confidence etc.
But my DH isn't sure enough for us to do it. He totally understands why I think it's the best thing to do but feels that the commitment would be tiring for me. I would willingly give up anything to see DD happy and thriving.
His other concern is DS who is 9 and would carry on at school, as he seems to like it although he does get bored.
Any advice greatly appreciated!

I am coming on to your thread to listen as I am in a similar position except it's me with the doubts and not my DH!

My DD is 7 too and she doesn't like school much at all. There are aspects which she enjoys but she's not enjoying her dialy life whilst she has to go to school. However....ours is a new school and she was ok in her last...it took her a whole year to adjust t her 1st school so I am trying to wait and see if it's the same here.

I don't mean to hijack....what are your DHs man worries about HE? Mine are her social life and also the dreaded "What will people think!?"

I shouldn't' care what people think I know...but I do! HE is still regarded as "a bit weird" in the UK isn't it?

I have a 4 year old DD who I suspect will be just fine at school....so I would probably continue to send her....is there a reason why your DH thinks it would tire you? Do you have health issues?

Hi, thanks for joining in! It's good that someone else is at that decision making time too.
My DH is working overseas for a number of months, so he's concerned that I won't get a break :) However, DD is so easy-going and lovely to be with, I don't think this would be a problem. It would certainly be a big change, but I think for her to be de-stressed and more relaxed, it would change the amount of energy I need. She's also incredibly clingy with me, but I think this is mostly because she doesn't like being left at school. She's fine at her beloved dance classes and brownies.
Another of his concerns is what it would be like for DS (9 years old) as I may have to take her to watch sports day, assemblies, etc.
We've just had a good chat and he has agreed that we need a very good reason not to home educate her :) I don't want to persuade him, as I want it to be a decision we make as a family, as it will affect all of us in different ways.
Like you, I don't really care what other people think! Does your DD do any other activities? I think their social life is different, but isn't as manufactured as school is.
Keep in touch! All the best.
It's not easy making such big decisions sometimes, is it?

My DD is not keen on any activities atm. She is exhausted by school but has done gymnastics in the past and I am putting her into a sewing club no Thursday for the first time.

I worry about social side of things because there is not a lively HE community in my city....if there were then it would be a simpler choice.

WHy would it be difficult for your son if your DD were to come to assemblies etc?

I have deregistered my 13 year old son from school 2 weeks ago he has aspergers its been the best decision for us after nearly 2 years of no help and it was makinghis anxieites worse worrying about everything.......

Where do you live jomidmum and AwkwardMaryHadAnEasterLamb?
Maybe we can help find HE folks for you?

People were forever telling me that it must have been hard home educating three children-but my reply to everyone, is that sending unhappy children to school is hard.
the change in these children when you take school out of the equation is amazing, they are so much happier.

I've heard so very many stories of people wishing they had home educated sooner......I've never heard anyone say they wish they had left them in school for longer........

Self confidence is just about THE biggest thing, I think for people to have. If you are self confident, and have a real self belief, you'll be able to go out and get whatever you need in life.

You could always set your self a decent amount of time to trial home ed-say from now to Christmas? Then review how you all feel?

Thanks ladies! I went along to a local home ed group a few weeks ago and met and chatted with a few families, which was lovely.
Decision now made for us!

Hi, Is there any mums from gwent area south wales who home educate.....cant find any groups online near me.......

lindy20 try asking [[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/swhen/
'South Wales Home Educators Network']] there's also a list for 'Little 1s Wales' which is aimed at children aged 5 and under-but the front page says "please just ask for links to lists catering for older children"

I have tried these groups but dont get a reply or confirmation.....he is nearly 13 .......it was more for myself to meet or chat to other home eds........

Hi Lindy :) The group you need to join if you live in Wales is Ehew - its a yahoo group.
Ehew
There is also HEcymru

SWHEN doesnt function anymore (so I hear)
I have never heard of little1s Wales - looking at the messages page I dont think it has been active for a long while.

Welcome to HE (if you decide to join us!) - Best decision I ever made :)

Thanks for info will have a look.......do you live in gwent......

No sadly! Our paths may cross eventually though :)
I'm sure there are loads of HErs near you. you just need to find them!

Feel free to pm me if you want to chat/meetup - I'm always keen to try to help newbies (and I love talking about HEd!) :)

Hi, Thanks for your help.......i have joined the welsh group left a message ....

I will wave at you :)