I've only home schooled in two states: Virginia and Washington. Both required annual testing in math and reading. Virginia required it to be sent in to the PS superintendent, Washington only requires you keep it on file. The government requiring some kind of testing (for neurotypical kids, scores allowed to range reasonably) seems to make sense to me because they have a vested interest in making sure my grown children can support themselves. I do think there should be exemptions and alternative pathways for special needs--in Washington you are allowed to have an in-person assessment by a certified teacher, which also seems pretty reasonable. I'm one of those "over-responsible" types who Always. Does. School. Unless. Near Death. HOWEVER, I have to say that the ideas of portfolios and/or in-person chats with officials wig me out majorly. NO WAY would I want that to be the law. I follow the law, but I want to be pretty anonymous while doing it. Sending my Notice of Intent to the school district once a year is plenty of official contact for me--I always send it certified mail rather than showing up in person. Now, I think a bit more care in high school might be warranted. Perhaps some sort of curriculum plan each year, very top-level, not a huge amount of detail, might be wise to require. (Not sure if I will get flames for this.) I have seen a number of parents, even otherwise conscientious ones, frantically trying to pull a transcript together a day or two before a college application, or signing up to serve in the military, or . . . I think this is problematic because high school does require a higher level of documentation. I also agree with the poster up-thread that people should take their state law seriously and follow it--organized curriculum, teaching basic subjects, etc. I think that the "let school go for a season" advice should be given carefully. Those who tend to be too hard on themselves might need this from time to time. Those who tend to wave away things should think carefully before following such advice. If your "season" lasts longer than a month or two, some refiguring is in order, somehow . . . The bottom line is that people need to take this job seriously and show up. Every day.

Oh my goodness! Sorry for assuming she lived in the States. Belgium would be a challenge! Speech would be easier than debate to do on your own. Your child could give performances to relatives on Skype . . .

We are in NCFCA and it has been a huge blessing for our family. I would strongly recommend getting on the NCFCA website and contacting your state rep to see how far away the clubs really are in your area. I know of students who either don't have a club, or make the drive a couple times a month, or practice with their partner over Skype, and other workarounds. It can be done.

Yes, it can be quite lonely at first. But spring will be here very soon! I'm going to say this and then duck and run--it can take 2-3 years to feel fully acclimated.

I'm seriously thinking about it.

Best thread ever.

I would never wear it, no matter if it was in style or not. My arms are always freezing--no way would I wear an outer garment that specifically has no arms.

Yes, I agree that the screen time limiting seems key here. It seems to be exacerbating the transition woes. Perhaps you can declare certain times screen-free for school (for example, 8am - 2pm daily). This sounds like a great subject for a family meeting. Sure, lock them in your bedroom, or whatever it takes! It will take a while for them to get used to the new routine. Four weeks sounds like eternity for a Mom, but even adults take at least a month of doing something daily to establish a new habit. I think it is exponentially longer in children . . . I think you are doing the right thing, just weary in well-doing. Keep persevering and don't give up! This is an important time. I really commend you for being willing to quit your job when it became clear to you that it was interfering with their education. But your children do not know how huge a sacrifice you have just made. While I'm sure you didn't expect them to thank you for prioritizing their education, it must grate that not only are they not doing their job, they are pushing all your buttons. It sounds like natural child laziness to me--although it sure can feel infuriating! Take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and take it one day at a time, doing what you know you need to do, whether they like it or not. Parenting is sure a tough gig. You are not failing--because you love them you will do what it takes to establish new routines and habits--even if that makes you temporarily unpopular.

Washhomeschool.org is where it's at for current information about the law. And it makes you feel better, these requirements are less than a state where I used to live. Where are you moving to?

Having to go inside to pay for gas Having to pay $$$ for long distance calls Tying up my phone line to get on the internet Typewriters However: I miss physical library card catalogs. I thought they were super cool and I often found interesting things on the way to my topic.

Someone who is not as *accomplished* intellectually might be as *interested* in deep topics. If the person was neither accomplished OR interested, that might be an issue. But at least if the other person is an inquirer, curious, and wanting to learn new things, that would help a lot.

I have a dear friend IRL who is pregnant with her seventh and is fabulous at running her home, getting her children to pitch in, etc. She has been reading Large Family Logistics and feeling guilty if she doesn't want to try the suggestions. I reassured her that she is doing a great job and if the book isn't speaking to her, to pitch it! We are all soooo susceptible to this kind of stuff.

If he is up for you all moving in to his home, that sounds like the best for everyone. I think the time of the family being split will not last too long, and you'll have that last precious time with him.

Spryte, If I were in your situation, I would get it too. Just not this year. My doctor said they totally missed the boat this year.

A couple of times when DD was younger we made her get it on the strong recommendation of her doctor since she is a Type 1 diabetic. She wasn't pleased. Now that she has turned 18 we won't make her get it anymore. As for me, usually no. But I will tell you that the ER doc who diagnosed me on Christmas shook his head in disgust and said that they had totally missed the boat this year and I was his fifth case of the day. So I would say that it is a waste of time this particular year. Although having true influenza has been MOST nasty (and Tamiflu was too late in my case so lengthy), I wouldn't normally bother with the shot unless I had clear medical vulnerability, and this year, I'd say it's even less worth it than usual.

Never, huh? Seems like a self-solving problem, LOL. Either you don't have to put up with them visiting, or they will get over it and come again. I think you should answer your sister with a shrug and, "If they have trouble with me/my family, they need to talk directly to me, not you. If they say anything more about me, I don't want to hear it." ETA: It sounds to me like your parents expressed themselves in a childish/manipulative way about this. And it's obviously not right that it got back to you third hand. Since you can't control whether your parents gossip about you to your sister, the only way to fight back is to not listen to it. Don't let your sister dump it on you. I recommend raising your hand (literally or figuratively doesn't matter) and telling your sister, "No more. I don't want to hear it. What they think of me is none of my business unless they tell me directly." This leaves her holding the bag of gossip. Hopefully this will be unpleasant enough for her until she starts telling THEM, "Don't tell me; tell her directly." But even if not, you can stop the gossip in its tracks and leave her holding the uncomfortable bag without enabling her to unload it on you.

Oh, I know the answer to this one! I was diagnosed with Influenza Type A Christmas night. Go, me! Short answer: Presents like nasty bout of bronchitis with an overlay of migraine (and accompanying nausea). It started out the morning of the 23rd when I woke up with a barky cough out of nowhere. Slowly developed cold symptoms and a headache. Was very drippy on the 24th. Headache worsened on the 25th and then became a migraine from hell that would. not. relent. After six hours of maximum migraine misery (including vomiting, yay) we went to the ER at 10pm on Christmas night. I thought I was going for an out-of-control migraine. Nope. Influenza. 5th case they'd seen that day. Tamiflu was prescribed but too late and did nothing. I was also prescribed hydrocodone for the headache and anti-nausea meds so I could get (and keep) the other meds down. I have been completely down and in bed for a full week, mostly sleeping, too sick to even read (interpretation: must be near death!) for the first couple of days. Only today have I been able to begin tolerating screens for short periods of time. I have had to keep the meds current until yesterday or so when I have been able to taper off some. I also have not been able to eat after about mid afternoon or so due to nausea--I've been lucky to keep down one small meal a day, if it's early enough in the day. Cough has been nasty and persistent all week. One side note: I have had absolutely no fever. Worst I have EVER felt with no fever.

Very sick with awful, wet cold. Was down to the last quarter of a box of Puffs with Lotion. Then my son produced and gave me an almost full box from his room, left over from when he was sick. He gets the perfect gift award, at least for this year! And now my husband doesn't have to try to go to the store on Christmas Day.

Well, I woke up this morning with a barking cough out of nowhere. Looks like I'm going to be a barking seal for Christmas! Grrrr.

15. A bit lower than I thought it would be, but not shocking.

Yes, we mostly do this. They do have a Koine Greek in-person tutor, but the rest of the subjects we do at home. Either the textbook is written to the student, or there are supporting videos (like Chalkdust Geometry), or one of us has the expertise. We have muddled through just fine.

Rejoice, rejoice! Squink--ies has come to thee, O boar--die! (Apologies to O Come O Come Emmanuel)

Yea, verily, I had heard naught about Squinkies, Nor had my lips uttered their name, When, lo, my eyes beheld this thread, And therefore, my day was made. My cup runneth over with thanksgiving And joy that The Hive aboundeth With hilarious and esteemed personages Of whom I am not worthy. Rejoice, boardies, for the Squinkies have been found, and ordered, And all is right with the world.

Another vote for googling the funeral, especially since you were called the day the death occurred. That tells me the family is likely to appreciate seeing you. I also agree that it is unlikely they would have had time to do a second round of calls with funeral arrangements. Fortunately, most funerals are easy to find out about nowadays with newspaper and funeral home websites.

Over the years, I've gotten many excellent reading suggestions from the board, so I want to give back. Recently I've really been enjoying some intelligent mysteries from Kate Wilhelm. They are complex but not too complex that you forget who characters are, they are not overly gory, gritty, or sex-filled, and the puzzles are interesting, yet not easily guessable. I highly recommend you check your local library!