Homeschool parents only please. Should I homeschool?

Question

I am in the process of adopting a 6 year old girl. I am a single parent, but my employer is open to her coming to work with me as long as I have no meetings (I spend most of my time at work doing research and paperwork in a private office) and get my work done of course.

I am thinking about doing instruction in the evenings, letting her do paperwork in the mornings at my office and then having a nanny pick her up after lunch and take her to whatever activities she has scheduled in the afternoon. Would this work or am I better off sending her to a private school?

Before anyone says it. My daughter will attend public school over my dead body.

Are any of you homeschool parents?

You are not very good advocates for public school as you are unable or unwilling to follow instructions.

Read my question again.

I have done my research on homeschooling. Homeschooled kids have better social skills than their traditionally schooled counter parts. All I am interested in is wether my particular schedule would work.

Answer 1

home school all the way. YOU get to control what your daughter learns and at the pace she learns, she gets one on one attention and that in turn helps her stay ahead because of the attention you can give her. As if that weren't enough, you get reimbursed for her learning supplies. You can teach her things that aren't even offered in public schools. You can teach her respect and morals while doing school work and not have to worry about the filth that other kids are talking about and sharing with each other.
I'm not a parent yet but I can't wait to be one. I am married and I have done my homework. Not only that but when you put her into school (eventually) she will be waaaaay ahead of the others.

Answer 2

I would like to just say that I really like what justwondering said and all the other pro-homeschooling responses. I've been wondering whether I should homeschool my 5 year old daughter as well. It's a tough decision because we know it is the best way for our child yet it involves hard work, a strong commitment, and self-discipline (of the parent). I'm not too worried about the socialization aspect because there are ample amounts of alternatives that can be implemented. Why should we sacrifice our morals and values for some friends that may not have that strong family structure as ours? Yesh...I see kids 5 and 6 years old calling each other "gay," "stupid," the f-word, and all sorts of other filth and junk. I dont want my kids interacting with such children. Our society is degrading. When I was in Kindergarten (and that wasn't ages ago, about 20 years ago) there was only one kid like that...and now... its everywhere. It's become common and more acceptable! The only thing I would be concerned about (for you) would be that your daughter will be adopted. Note that it is very likely that she won't immediately adjust to you and your new lifestyle. I would recommend that you take some time off from work and spend a lot of one on one time with her first so you can create a loving bond with her. It's not like having a newborn adopted where the infant sees you as a mom from birth. I dont know the history of this little girl but I'm pretty sure she's had parents or guardians. Be very patient and sensitive towards her. Give her some time to adjust to you, your home and life. Once that is established, then I would start homeschooling her the way you want to do it. Plus, I'm wondering how well she could learn in the evening when they usually get tired...hmmm...
According to child psychology, the best time to teach a child is in the morning; that is when there brain functions at its best. The afternoon is for more physical activities and the evening is for winding down and getting ready for the transition into night and therefore sleeping...
Give it a try anyway and see if it works for you both. If it does, GREAT. If it doesn't, work something else out like working from home or something else...
Good luck! You're thinking in the right direction. There are only a few parents in this world that actually CARE for their child and their future, it seems. Not because of homeschooling but because morals and values have dissolved and withered away.

Answer 3

As someone who homeschooled my daughter as a single mom it is ALOT of hard work. You can do it but you need to make sure her school environment is just that. I worked from home and my daughter sat at the dining table. I just got married this past year and the 1st thing my husband noticed was that my daughter could recite my phone script word for word. Her spelling suffered greatly because I didn't take the time to structure her schedule. I am encouraging you to set a schedule and stick with it. If you are on the phone alot at work you will be a distraction to her learning. Use a curriculum that is well established like Abeka or Bob Jones. They give you all the info you will need. Both also offer DVD course. At age 6 you have alot more flexibility to just cover the basics. My daughter is now in 6th grade and I am having to go back and redo alot of her spelling but she exceeds all my expectations in other areas. Does your daughter have the ability to stay focused for more than 5-10 min. Break up the day. But don't wait until the end of the day to do her lessons. If your boss is flexible maybe you could do her harder lessons early (Language, math, Spelling) and then cover Science and History in the evening. Children’s brains are fresher in the morning and they tend to retain better earlier. I applaud you for this step you are taking. If you have any questions or just want some encouragement send me an email or im. I would also encourage you to find a good support system in your area. I am currently president of our support group. And when I was a single mom these other ladies were my lifeline. When I felt I could not go on they helped like no one else could. Good luck and stick with your convictions. God bless. Here is a link to Home school legal defense assoc. They offer alot of good support too. The HEAV link is a VA based group but may be able to help you. Again Good luck and don't worry about the nay sayers. Most of them have not done the research or talked with anyone who has been homeschooled or is homeschooling.

Answer 4

(First of all, I've homeschooled two for 5 years, and I've been the director of a homeschool support group for two years)
Since you have done your research and you know this is what you want to do, and you have an accomodating boss, then your schedule sounds pretty solid to me, as long as you have a back up for times when you do have meetings. I wouldn't worry too much about doing instruction in the evening, once your daughter becomes used to the routine, no big deal at all. And it's good that you are starting with this schedule young, because 6 yr. olds do not require as intense of a schedule as older children. By the time she is older and requires more school time, she will be a brilliant independant learner.
You may consider having a variety of tasks for her in the morning to keep her from becoming bored: paperwork, arts and simple crafts, computer learning activities, books to read... maybe a different activity each day. Also, do not forget the learning opportunity of your job. If you are able to explain to her what you're doing, and she can watch you do certain things, she will learn even more.
Your daughter is blessed to have such a caring parent that is willing to spend as much time as possible with her. That will make more difference in her life than anything!
good luck!

Answer 5

The thing I like about homeschooling is the flexibility - if we want to sleep in, we can start school at noon. If we have afternoon plans, we can get the work done before noon. If dad is helping with a project, we can work in the evening, after he gets home.

Another thing I like about homeschooling is that I don't have to have everything worked out - if, one day, the kids need to go back to public or private school, we can do that, too. I homeschool year-to-year -- each year, I re-evaluate whether we continue homeschooling or look for something different (public school, private, charter, tutors).

I do know a single mom who is homeschooling, so it can be done. It sounds like you have already decided and just need affirmation that it will all work out. If this is your choice and you are committed to it, you will make it work. The only caveat I have is that evening may not be your daughter's peak time - if she is fading in the evening, you may need to re-think WHEN you have formal lessons. Otherwise, do what works for the two of you.

Answer 6

Kids need to be social at a young age and you can teach her things that the schools don't as I do. My kids are in public schools and I spend summers and after school teaching them the stuff that their school doesn't.

You are being a negative person by keeping her out to be home schooled, if the schools are in a bad area, try a charter school or private school, do not let your child miss out on making lots of friends or even enemies, she will need your help and advice on how to deal with negative people, school is a building block to being an adult and dealing with many issues through their life.

(Justwondering) Your idea would be wonderful if she had all day and didn't have to work. And all the things you said her new child could be taught, can be done outside of school. I have two kids and an involved parent makes the difference not the schools.
Teach her what you want to and make up for the stuff that isn't taught. Stay involved and you will have a great kid.

(justwondering) Have kids and then answer her question please. I do both, you haven't even had kids yet to be qualified to answer.

Answer 7

I have homeschooled my son since kindergarten. He was able to complete his assignments in 2-3 hours (when he stayed on task)for kindergarten and 1st grade and 3-4 hours for 2nd grade. We also included his cub scout work, an extensive arts and crafts program and his religious education in those time periods.

I think it will require committment on your part, but since your boss is so kind, it is doable.

And don't forget to have fun with it!! Don't forget that you can spend a day just coloring or watch a movie.

I don't know how long I will homeschool, but I wouldn't trade what I have received for anything.

And find a good homeschool group that has field trips and such. My son is very social. He is comfortable with people of all ages from babies to the elderly. I don't think he would be that way if he were in public school. Sometimes his social life runs us ragged. I hate the comments that your children will be weird or unsocialized if you homeschool them. The children I know are just as normal as their counterparts and I've noticed that the girls are especially self-confident.

Good luck on the adoption and on your decision!

Answer 8

Sorry, I'm not a parent, but I was Homeschooled until my junior year of highschool. Homeschooling is a full time commitment. It has many benefits over the public school system in the US. I would recommend private school. The schedule that you outline would work for a responsible 14 year old, but not a six year old. I do agree with you though; alernative forms of education are vastly superior to the public school system in this country. Children should not attend public elementry school.

Answer 9

I've home-schooled my three children for the past few years and it has been a wonderful experience. Your boss is accommodating, and you have back up help through the nanny, sounds perfect and doable. Just remember that your daughter is only six and will be going through some adjustments with the adoption. She will need frequent breaks and actual instruction time from you. The confidence you are going to build in her by nurturing her through these early years is priceless though and defiantly worth it. I agree with your finding on socialization as well, all three of my kids are confidant going into any social setting and can interact well with all age groups, genders, cultures, and are considerate and compassionate individuals. You will make it work if you are in-tune with your daughters needs, natural talents and interests. Congratulations on your adoption and entering motherhood!

Answer 10

It can't hurt to try, esp. since she's just coming home and you'll want max bonding time. The bond, her feeling secure, and learning English if necessary, is more important than academics right now.

One concern about your idea is, she may not be able to stay quiet in your office all morning at 6yo. You'd need something to "get the wiggles out" (like play dance or exercise songs, do jumping jacks, finger plays, etc) ever so often. Some 6yos are more wiggly than others, and some want more constant attention than others; this may affect whether it works out.

But there's only one way to find out, and the beginning is best; since she's transitioning so dramatically anyway. I recommend making her a chart (in pictures!) of her new schedule so that she knows what to expect, and maybe a separate "chore chart" so she knows what good behaviors you're looking for. She'll need lots of reassurance, but I'm sure you'll be a good mom, concerned about her wellbeing.

Best wishes!