just trying to make it to the end of the year

We are not cut out for home school. DH and I are placing our house back on the market and trying to move into a better public school district. Jacob needs the socializing and I need the time to maintain my home and marriage.

In other news, we are also (more than likely) assuming temporary custody of my autistic nephew. My sister is not being a fit mother and may lose him (and his ADHD sister) to the state if drastic changes don't happen soon. My little sister would be taking our niece if it gets to that level.

I would not be able to home school my son if we took in my nephew because my nephew would require a lot of one on one due to the change in life situation.

Gonna try and finish the year, but, it's purely situational.

Janelle,

I understand your reasoning. It sounds as if you have a lot on your plate with even more changes coming your way for your family.

In the meantime though I am wondering if we can help you out... at least through the end of the year. For socialization there are a lot of opportunities now available for homeschoolers. Have you tried connecting with a group in your area? If you pm me your location I can help make some connections for you. There are pretty much every interest --- from coops focused on specific subjects, sports/fitness/or just plain fun, some with religious or other special ties. *Then* there are tons of activities to choose from. You don't have to worry about taking your other little ones along as other parents will be in the same boat. We had to try a few before we found one that was a good fit for our family (and actually ended up starting a new group. HA!)

Additionally, look perhaps for various community activities --library puppet shows, sports, lego groups, scouts (or something similar) to allow him to connect with other kids.

I am so very sorry about your sister. It is horribly sad to split up siblings but it is so good to know that they both would be taken in with family that loves them. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

~Missy

Thank you so much for your speedy reply, Missy. I do appreciate it.

I think that most of the issue is the program we chose. We are enrolled with Connections Academy and the work load is very heavy. My son suffers with ADHD and we have found, that if we put off learning time until 9am, he gets through his day much better than if we start at 8. This limits our available time for socializing because he'll be working (with breaks) til 3 or 4 (depending on the day) and he needs so much time from me to instruct and walk him through everything, that my ability to take care of his little siblings (4 year old brother with Asperger's and 17 month old red headed sister) is taking away from my ability to keep house. So when he's done with his lessons, it's time to get the house in order and fix dinner, run errands, etc.

I have looked into groups in town who either homeschool, or school at home through charter options. They all meet at times we cannot.

We do go to a Tuesday morning Women's Bible Study that has child care and there are about 5 other kids his age range who are homeschooled. They do school work (that I provide) for the first half and play/socialize the second half. It's about 3 hours long, typically. Then Tuesday evenings he is going to Cub Scouts. He just started cub scouts (again) two weeks ago.

There will be cub scout related events and such that we will take him to, so I am optimistic of his socializing for the rest of the year.. but it's still not nearly as much as he'd get at a brick and mortar school. He is typically a very active child and we have seen the downfall of my ability to send him to recess. He does not want to ever go outside anymore because he is tired of playing by himself and his brother is just not the right companion for him. I hate to say it, but I do worry that he is depressed.

I wish our town were bigger on things like this.. but our schedule is so tight anyway, that anything is going to be difficult.

I think that in a couple of years, we might try homeschool again. I think he could go VERY far with homeschool education, but he has to want it, and right now.. he needs to be a kid.

:bigarmhug:

Whatever you decide, things will work out.

As for getting through the remainder of this year, Missy is right. There are several activities that you could do during the day for socialization. Try going out to the store or park during the day time hours. A great way to meet other homeschoolers. Church, and the library are other good options.

I understand homeschooling is not for everyone, but there are lots of resources out there to get you through until at least the end of the year.

Just hang in there and be proud of yourself for always putting your child's well being first! I completely understand how you must feel, especially with the possibility of taking in a child with autism. That is a lot of work! Wishing the best for you and your family. :)