[Mischka]

Hi all.

Just a quick question... Do any of you homeschool? If so, how do you handle homeschooling and "mental illness" at the same time?

Reason I am asking, is that a number of months ago I made the decision (after much deliberation and research) to homeschool my two girls (11 and 12). Every one is pretty much on my side when it comes to this, except for my mental health workers supervisor... My worker said she doesn't agree with it, but, she said she will support me regardless as that is her job! But her supervisor is making her write a letter to my Pdoc. I haven't seen him since May. (long story short.. no transportation to his town as I no longer drive).

The Education Act here in Canada doesn't include "who can't and why not's" it only states that the home educator must provide "satisfactory instruction" and that can only be investigated by the Board of Education in who's territory you reside. So, legally I don't really have to worry, but I am worried regardless.

Any thoughts on how to deal with this possible situation?

Blessings
Mischka

[AAAAA]

When I homeschooled my twins, I made sure that they had the very best materials out there. I've got OCD, so I was organized to a fault, but I also made provisions for those days that I was having a bad day. On those days, the boys would read one of their novels, or work on math (Teaching Textbooks have lectures on cds so they could watch at their own pace).

Luckily the bad days were few and far between. It was really a joy to spend that time with them and hear their opinions on things. While doing history for example, what if this had not happened, how do you think things would change.

Or, as I mentioned in the gifted thread, look into virtual schools (I'd avoid K-12, just my opinion). You have the best of both worlds, kids getting an excellent education while being at home working at their own pace.

[jacqueline1110]

I home schooled my daughter her 10 years (she got her GED 6 yrs ago)...people's views were pretty positive because it is well known that good parents home school for the right reasons.

I do not know enough about your situation, but if you stay positive, upbeat and sound competent and responsible, it may just make you look like you are making progress.

Maybe choosing an online course, or buying the books is showing them that you have a plan would be helpful. Just be confident. You are raising your children, you are teaching them everyday and taking a positive step in the right direction of your kids education. Have a backup plan in case it gets to be a bit overwhelming. Of course some days will be, but I found it much more fun and less work than getting up early and getting her off to school.

Also, it is not a 6 hr day like in school in case you are being told that. I spent a couple of hours and then let her do her homework. In schools it is that long because they have 30 other kids all moving at a different pace.

Let me know if that helps or if you have any more questions. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Hello from a homeschooler

I homeschool my three boys - 11, 8, and 6 - all three of them have always been homeschooled. We've homeschooled through my dad having cancer for a year and then dying, through me starting therapy and all that that entails, through a TON of testing and eventual diagnosis of my middle son with aspergers - through anything and everything! Life happens, and it does affect our day to day schooling.

The great thing about homeschooling, for us, is that we can take breaks whenever we need them. We do school year-round, so if I have a couple of terrible days mental-health-wise, we can take a break. If my aspie son is off the wall for a day, we can take a break. If it's a beautiful fall day and we just want to hike and play, we can. There are 365 days in the year and according to the law (in the US where I live), we have to "do school" on 180 days - we do that easily, and have time for whatever life throws our way at the same time.

(((((((((((((((((((( Mischka )))))))))))))))))) Best of luck to you! Homeschooling is a wonderful journey!

[AAAAA]

Good point Earthmama, our state also has hour requirements so if we discovered something interesting and spent several extra hours on that, we were able to "earn" days off.

I kept very careful notes in an excel doc that stated exactly what we were doing and how long we were doing it. Our state is very relaxed in the home school laws and I was never audited, ever. I didn't even ever speak to an actual person. Called an automated line to get the form telling the state I was homeschooling; that was the extent of their involvement.

The textbook companies were more strict than the state. To get the Teachers editions I had to sign an affidavit stating that I would not allow the students access to them.

[Mischka]

I am lucky in that in Ontario we have very relaxed "laws" regarding HSing. We don't have to log hours, or follow the government curriculums, if audited you have to show "satisfactory instruction" and that's basically it. I am doing a combination of unschooling and textbook work. We access our local schools library once a week to do "outside research" also it is a way to be seen in the "school" community hehehe.. and it's free, and a 5 min walk vs a 9$ bus ride to the local library!

I am so happy about the HS routines now, in fact, this morning I decided to let the girls wake up when they were ready to wake up versus getting them up at 8am to start the day. My oldest is up now, eating breaky, my other one is still sleeping. lol.. I however have been up since 6am ish. and been on pc all morning.. lol..

I am keeping a log of attendance basically logging the days we spend "learning" something.. but, I suppose one could log everyday for that as we generally learn something new daily, dont we? heheh... and I have an "unschooling weekly log" I got from homeschoolmoms website.. they have tons of freebies.. actually I found a great website that does freebies mon-fri that you just download.. great resource.

there are so many homeschooling resources on the web it was daunting at first when I started doing heavy research into it. But I have many book marked.

We can actually download the Ontario Curriculum from the ministry of ed's web site, I think I will get it, just as a guideline so to speak.. but I doubt I will actually follow it, one of my reason for homeschooling was I didnt' feel comfy with the rigid classroom structure, and I don't want to recreate that at home, it defeats the purpose doesn't it? I guess some like it, but it's not our cup of tea.

My oldest was dx'd depression/adhd. however, since discontinuing her meds, the adhd doesnt' exist and depression is history.. however, she fits the model for NVLD which is aspergers in a lessor form. I am not however going to pigeon hole her into that... labels are good in one way, but can be limiting in others.

However, I'm rambling on here..

Blessings
Mischka

[AAAAA]

I’m glad you found your niche. I knew my boys would eventually return to mainstream school so I kept things right on schedule with their peers. We also enjoyed the freedom of sleeping in. But as I said, the virtual school my son attends is awesome as well. 90% of his classes are honors classes. He’s kind of bummed as we speak because he had to read then watch Midsummer Night Dream. I’m not a Shakespeare fan, hubby is though so he knows a lot more about it than I do.

And you’re right, the internet does provide tons of information, worksheets even. I don’t know how it is there but our library offers ebooks too.

[xletxherxgo]

Well I just switched from public school to online schooling. Of course, I’m 16, but I’ll give you my perspective on it. I don't hate it but I defiantly don't like it either. I would much rather be in school. I miss all my friends. But I can't because my depression & anxiety and the whole works is just outta wack. So I’m doing online till I can get back on track..whenever that may be. Isolating at home isn't good, people need to get out & breathe fresh air but coming from me it doesn't mean much because I’ve been in complete isolation for all of summer & now this school year. It’s complicated but I’m hanging in there the best I can..but I'm slippin pretty fast. Anyway I am able to concentrate a little better at home because I’m not distracted by other kids but I still feel alone. I would suggest you to take you're kids out alot if their spending all their time at home..

[Mischka]

Hey there,
Both girls currently (and we all know that "currently" is a moment to moment thing) do not want to go to highschool, they want to HS right the way through. However, they are only in grades 6 and 7 (although my 7th grader is doing grade 6 work as she missed grades 5 and 6 - long story for another thread). I don't know if my 12 yr old would manage well, or at all, in a highschool environment, my 10 yr old would prob be ok. But we will cross that bridge next year or so. My feelings on it is HS them until college/university.. .what with drugs, guns, knives, police patrols, security guards, metal detectors, and then the general mentality that goes on between peer pressure, social biases, lack of respect, so on and so forth (note I said general, not all... I know there are decent, respectful, drug/alcohol free, anti-gun etc kids out there... )

Anyway....

I am going to look into virtual schools and see what we have in Canada/Ontario. It would be interesting.

OOO Shakespeare... I have ALL his works. I hated it in school, but like it now. However, being made to learn anything when one is not ready for it (on whatever level) is frustrating, agravating, and causes a lack of retention and usually sets kids up for failure as they have no interest and have difficulty memorizing for tests, and then future areas of study that are the same or similar are met with fear and dislike so it starts all over again... IMO at least.

Rambling again
Mischka

Originally Posted by AAAAA

I’m glad you found your niche. I knew my boys would eventually return to mainstream school so I kept things right on schedule with their peers. We also enjoyed the freedom of sleeping in. But as I said, the virtual school my son attends is awesome as well. 90% of his classes are honors classes. He’s kind of bummed as we speak because he had to read then watch Midsummer Night Dream. I’m not a Shakespeare fan, hubby is though so he knows a lot more about it than I do.

And you’re right, the internet does provide tons of information, worksheets even. I don’t know how it is there but our library offers ebooks too.

[Mischka]

Hi there,

Thank you for your input on this. It is appreciated. Really. We actually have a very active social calendar with the girls, which also includes walking over to my 10yr old's old school at 3pm to visit with her chums once they get out. Plus we have them over, go to their place, yadda yadda. So the socialization aspect is well covered. Don't forget, my girls had the choice in this matter, I explained, offered, answered questions, and left it up to them.

It must be hard for you to be in your current situation. Missing your friends, stuck at home as you say... If you ever want to chat.. pm me. I'm all ears. (well I have two of them, if I were actually all ears I would not be typing this as ears have no fingers... )

Take Care of yourself

Blessings
Mischka

Originally Posted by xletxherxgo

Well I just switched from public school to online schooling. Of course, I’m 16, but I’ll give you my perspective on it. I don't hate it but I defiantly don't like it either. I would much rather be in school. I miss all my friends. But I can't because my depression & anxiety and the whole works is just outta wack. So I’m doing online till I can get back on track..whenever that may be. Isolating at home isn't good, people need to get out & breathe fresh air but coming from me it doesn't mean much because I’ve been in complete isolation for all of summer & now this school year. It’s complicated but I’m hanging in there the best I can..but I'm slippin pretty fast. Anyway I am able to concentrate a little better at home because I’m not distracted by other kids but I still feel alone. I would suggest you to take you're kids out alot if their spending all their time at home..

[Hope4u2b]

Originally Posted by Mischka

Hi all.

Just a quick question... Do any of you homeschool? If so, how do you handle homeschooling and "mental illness" at the same time?

Reason I am asking, is that a number of months ago I made the decision (after much deliberation and research) to homeschool my two girls (11 and 12). Every one is pretty much on my side when it comes to this, except for my mental health workers supervisor... My worker said she doesn't agree with it, but, she said she will support me regardless as that is her job! But her supervisor is making her write a letter to my Pdoc. I haven't seen him since May. (long story short.. no transportation to his town as I no longer drive).

The Education Act here in Canada doesn't include "who can't and why not's" it only states that the home educator must provide "satisfactory instruction" and that can only be investigated by the Board of Education in who's territory you reside. So, legally I don't really have to worry, but I am worried regardless.

Any thoughts on how to deal with this possible situation?

Blessings
Mischka

I used to homeschool my daughter before we moved because the school district where we used to live was horrible, anyway I have to admit it was hard on me because Being home all day I felt cut off from the world, but on the flip side I loved spending the extra time with my daughter. Now that she's back in school, I find that I enjoy being a mom a little better. I have more patience with her, but only because we moved did I put her back in school. I definitly feel that you know whats best for your kids and what you can handle, but don't be afraid to evaluate yourself every couple months and make sure your still up for it. There is nothing wrong with changing your mind. :-)

[Perna]

So what did your mental health worker's supervisor have to say about the whole thing; why didn't she like it? Was it for you or for the girls she was concerned? Do have friends and get out and see them, etc.?

[Mischka]

Hey, thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it.

As for my workers supervisor, all I know is that she is not supportive of it and doesn't agree with my decision to homeschool. No concrete reasons as to why she feels this way, my worker didn't say.

However, I have lots of supports in place, between friends, neighbours, other homeschool families and single mums, as well as email groups and local support groups, not too mention you folks here at PC.

Regarding getting out and meeting people and such, not only do we go to our local school to use their library once a week (right now, might go twice later on when get into a good routine), but we have weekly wednesday "playdates" with some of the girls friends, and my daughter will go to the local school at 3 to meet up with her friends there to play. Plus we go out on the bus alot, and walk in the park or to the stores and such and visit the community at large. So sometimes being out cuts into "class time", but, really there are 365 days in a year, only approx 180 are for "in school" time, so a day here or there for fun stuff and trips etc is not a bad thing, or even a day off for down time...

We are new to this so we are getting into our own rythym where this goes.. but no big glitches as of yet (no negative thinking here... we wont' have glitches.. lol)

Blessings
Mischka

[AAAAA]

Good for you! Keep up the good work. I found that my boys had quite a lot of socialization while they were homeschooled. We have several youth centers within walking distance and they met school friends there every Friday.

[missboots]

I just want to say I was HS and I think it is so wrong!!!!!!!!!!! No one person can take you all the way in each subject. Teachers have different ideas,thoughts,etc.. as well as peers. Peers aren't just friends they are people we do not see at home different race/religion/etc.. I only saw the christian view points and no other way. I became a nanny and lived with famlies who were Jewish, Budists, now I am married to a Muslim. My parents sheltered me and I grew up later than most. I never went to prom and felt cheated out of so much. I know you say your kids have the choice. I do not think kids should have a choice! Life is all about getting along with people we do not like or learning to live in peace with others agree to disagree. I do not understand if You can't get hired to teach in the public schoos how the h#$% is it ok to teach at home? with out a teaching degree I am sorry if I offended anyone but consider the kid when he/she is an adult like me and looking back at not having a GPA 4.0 to get into a GREAT COLLEGE!

[romanjames2004]

Thats great that every one here has positive feed back. I am studing to become a Social Studies teacher. I know how the school system works because I have taught Pre-School, middle school, and highschool. there are usually people who like home schooling or people who hate homeschooling. For me, I was never homeschooled. i think that it totaly depends on the situation.

If my children were to have certain learning choices that the public school can't always support (physical, mental, learning), then i would keep them home. However, You have to make sure that they are able to socialize well with other people. I had a friend who was home schooled his whoile life. Once he went to college, he did'nt make as many friends as he wanted. He said 'it's all new to me'. Home schooling is also more work for the parent. I think one of the reasons why I was neer homeschooled was becasue my mom worked too much. She also is the type that would never keep track of anything (LOL). I don't feel against it nor for. I think that it depends on the student and the situation. It seems you guys know what your doing. I give my whole congratulations to you because raising kids is har much less being thier teacher. It takes a good parent to know there child.

Good Job!

Roman.

[happysappy]

Hi! It is nice to see others have seen the advantages of HSing. I have been doing it for 6 years, and sometimes it can be hard, but most of time I have fun with it.
As far as socialization, it is a myth the HS students don't become socialized. My kids are in the community every day with people of all ages, not just their own. They have friends like any other kid, etc. Most HS kids are not at home all day with no interaction. In my area, homeschooling is popular, we have sports, proms, band, special educational programs taught by teachers who teach more than what they can in a public school.
My children have the option of going to public high school if they want to.
What I like is that my children are getting a well rounded education, we have time for music, art, field trips, etc.
As far as being able to teach without being a licensed teacher, if you look at what kind of college classes that are required of them, they are very watered down in difficulty. Most of their classes are on how to teach, not so much as actually getting educated themselves in college. Where I go, I am required to take foreign language, college math, science with a lab, and many more. The ones in the educational program do not have to do any of these things. To me it is like they are learning a trade, like building houses, only they learn to teach large groups of children. My husband was a teacher before going into business, and he see's the benefits of what homeschooling offers.
Now if you the teacher are having personal problems, you can still teach, maybe not as intensive. There are a lot of mediums used for teaching. Some teaching, can use the internet, documentaries, etc., so not all teaching is hands on with a parent, some can be independent work.
4C4B42F1-387C-62F8-DD37-2AA55E6B6CBC
1.02.05

[Mischka]

Update:

Things are going well on our new trek in homeschooling, a little slow in getting into a new routine as it is new for all three of us, however we are definitely making progress, and what is very nice to see is the fun the girls are having with it as they learn new things.

Being out in the community is great too, I rarely get questioned as to why they are not in school, or the "no school today?" question. Which is nice really. I love hearing from people, like neighbours, and store keepers for instance, saying that my girls are so well behaved, polite, etc.. proud mummy moment!

We are now even going to our local public schools library once a week to do work there, research, saves us a bus ticket to the local library as we can walk to the school.

And.. my 11 yr old just got her first babysitting job too.. she goes to the school every day at 3 to pick up a grade 2 student and brings him home to watch him until 5. So when she goes to the school to get him she gets to see some of her friends too and play all together for a bit before coming back. I am soooo proud of her.

My other one has decided she wants to rake leaves, shovel snow and do garden and patio weeding for her first job, so we designed a flyer for her, now we need to get the shovel and rake! lol..

Anyway, thanks to all who have responded to my thread, I appreciate it.

Blessings
Mischka