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Home ed

Find advice from other parents on our Homeschool forum. You may also find our round up of the best online learning resources useful.

Original poster

To not send dc back to school after holidays

335 replies

fernTaylo · 23/12/2018 22:50

Basically the school is too far, I don’t drive, public transport is stressful, busy and takes far far too long
No places at any schools nearer
The dc are tired , im terribly stressed and feel that home education would be better all round as we wouldn’t be travelling for a large part of the day, less stress etc
Socialising can be done at other activities they go to
I’m 99% decision made already as am just so tired

OP posts:
BittyCharleston · 23/12/2018 23:08

How long is the commute, OP? Why is the public transport stressful?

Your own stress about public transport should not, in itself, decide the kids' future in or out of school, imo. But there are clearly good reasons for homeschooling in certain circumstances. How equipped are you, how old are the DC?

It may well be the right decision, but I'm just concerned a lot of your post seems centred on you being stressed and tired, and not on your DC's education or the practicalities of the proposed homeschooling...

How do they feel about not going to school?

ineedtostopbeingsolazy · 23/12/2018 23:09

How long is your commute?

AppleKatie · 23/12/2018 23:12

Do you feel that you can rival the education they would otherwise get in 6 hours a day in the hands of a qualified teacher?

I don’t think you should Home Ed unless you are confident that your ‘product’ is better.

Booboostwo · 23/12/2018 23:13

Have you prepared for homeschooling? I would imagine that a fair bit of preparation would go into learning both the curriculum and different ways of teaching in order to be an effective teacher.

PinkAvocado · 23/12/2018 23:13

Has your area got a good HS network? Definitely something to consider-HS can definitely be the right answer.

Ginandsonicscrewdriver · 23/12/2018 23:14

You sound burnt out. I don’t think this is the answer. Is there someone you can reach out to for help?

PinkAvocado · 23/12/2018 23:14

I would imagine that a fair bit of preparation would go into learning both the curriculum and different ways of teaching in order to be an effective teacher

You don’t have to follow the curriculum and you can teach to your child’s interests and needs.

Fatted · 23/12/2018 23:15

Can they really socialise with other children their own age while all the other kids are in school? Do you have a support network of other home school kids and parents?

How far is the commute? How old are your DC? Is there really nothing nearer?

YoungLennyGodber · 23/12/2018 23:15

It may well be more convenient for you, but can you honestly say your DC’s education wouldn’t be impacted? Doesn’t seem like the best idea from your OP.

Learn to drive? Move closer to school?

MaisyPops · 23/12/2018 23:15

Home education can be a brilliant option for children for the right reasons.

I'm afraid I'm not entirely convinced that home education because we are fed up with the commute is the right approach or reason to home educate. Are you going to be bothered to go to educational places? Are you going to be bothered to go to home ed groups that might exist if public transport is so stressful? How are you going to ensure your children have a reasonable quality education (not just socialising in other places)?

Unless you can confidently say your children are going to be getting a good education then I would not home educate.

Original poster
fernTaylo · 23/12/2018 23:20

2 buses approx 30 mins actual travel but the stress and preparation is too much for me always has been I get easily overwhelmed
Can’t drive due to a medical
Condition

I just feel like all the dc see is me stressed and I want to stop that.
Education wise I could do that and the social
Side they have activities with children their age they are also only a school year apart so also have each other
I just get so so overwhelmed and struggle with the busy buses and the rushing each day and I would live that to be out of our lives

OP posts:
YoungLennyGodber · 23/12/2018 23:24

Sorry OP, I’m not without sympathy, but I think you’re being very selfish. That’s not a long journey but anyone’s standards and if the kids see you stressed and worked up, they’ll take their cues from you.

It’s not a good enough reason to disrupt their education - because you can’t do two buses. It really isnt. You’re the adult here. You need to get on with it.

Original poster
fernTaylo · 23/12/2018 23:24

There are 2 home education groups within walking distance of our home so it would be much easier than the journey to school
Its just not working for us how things currently are

OP posts:
Jeanclaudejackety · 23/12/2018 23:25

How many dc do you have? I understand its stressful but loads of kids have longer, harder commutes. Have you never had to commute to work? You may well be exactly the same if the school was a 15 minute walk away. In fact at my school the girl who lived literally opposite the gates was always the last in, most stressed out in the mornings despite being nearest, it didn't change that she was disorganised getting out of the house. What does your morning look like op? Would you not find it equally stressful if you don't drive if you had say, a home school meetup at 9am or wanted to go to a group or activity, would you not find that stressful too?

PinkAvocado · 23/12/2018 23:25

What do your children think about the idea of Home Ed?

YoungLennyGodber · 23/12/2018 23:26

No, it’s not working for you. That’s not your children’s problem though. Their education seems almost an afterthought to your problems.

whiteworld · 23/12/2018 23:26

But op, 30 mins is nothing. If you get stressed with getting the dc on their buses, do you think you would find it easy to HE the dc? Have you got lessons planned? Or are you just thinking it would be easier for you as they don’t have to catch a bus?

You need to be very sure you’re doing this for the right reasons. For the dc, not for you.

How old are the dc? Do they have exams coming up? What are your qualifications for teaching them?

Jeanclaudejackety · 23/12/2018 23:28

What if your home Ed group says they are going to a museum an hours train ride away. Will you not go because its too much? Are your kids not into hobbies? what is one of them gets really into something? I've a pal who takes her dd on the bus across the city to her football academy, big rush after school to get to the bus and get there, but they do it because its important. Sometimes you just have to do stuff you don't massively enjoy for the sake of the kids

JohannahTS · 23/12/2018 23:28

I strongly recommend homeschooling to anyone who asks. My (much younger) sister is currently homeschooled so that she can play tennis. She switched over to the American high school system to homeschool, and used the Laurel Springs School System. It’s absoloutely fabulous, and there are so many international students from all around the world. I’d look into it if I were you. It couldn’t have been better for her.

YoungLennyGodber · 23/12/2018 23:28

I’m sure my kids would jump at the chance of home ed. But that’s irrelevant- it’s not their decision to make. It’s not up to them to decide. I’m a well-educated person but still don’t think I’d be up to the task.

toobreathless · 23/12/2018 23:28

I think I would worry that if you find two buses/30mins travel time overwhelming ae you really up to the challenge of home education?

SushiMonster · 23/12/2018 23:30

HE can be wonderful, for the right children, with the right parents, and for the right support.

You want to HE because you can’t cope with a 30 min bus journey....

Do you really think limiting your children’s education to being taught at home by you is in their best interests?

You want to do this because of your issues, not for any benefit for your children. Come on.

starzig · 23/12/2018 23:30

If you are stressed at getting them to school I would be worried about your mental capability to educate them. Can you afford to employ a teacher full time?

Original poster
fernTaylo · 23/12/2018 23:30

Yes myself for school I felt the same and also when I worked it’s always been the same
I can’t do it anymore
Dc would prefer home education I think especially my older dc (yr 4) and I think me being calmer would be better and we are lucky to have ground v nearby I feel like home education and socialising/educational visits would actually be easier
It sounds stupid I’ve never been able to cope at busy times and public transport is too much. Taxis are a too expensive option and I’d rather home educate and save that money
I feel like I’m 99% decided like I said in my OP but I’m just trying to get opinions as I’m so stressed and sometimes feel like is that a good place to make a decision from but I need to do what’s best for us

OP posts:
SushiMonster · 23/12/2018 23:30

With the right support, for the right reasons - that should say