I haven't read the replies , but is she a very social child? If so, does she have enough opportunities for socialization? I ask because I am an introvert and have several extroverted children. I finally learned to get them the outlets they needed. They are now in school which really fits them.

Veronica, You are a good mom to take care of yourself so you can be good for your children. I know what you mean about being disappointed. I have and still struggle with these feelings since putting my children in school. Depression can be an ugly thing so I think it is right you take a break and get a handle on it. You might want to take a look at my blog (see signature). I have a lot of posts on these type of feelings, depression, burnout, etc.

I agree with this completely. My oldest ds was diagnosed ODD at age 10 and was exactly as you described. I homeschooled him the whole way through and regret it. It was so hard. There is not even a word for it. He has a crummy self-esteem, has had legal troubles, abuses substances, etc. He is 21 now, but I kept him home hoping to protect him from all of these things. They can/will get into these things wherever they are. Also, I don't know if this is the case with your ds, but mine could put on an act for a limited time for people like counselors. I am not clear on how the one that came to your home was so quickly able to tell you he is not ODD if it was the first visit. If the fighting/struggles are intense everyday, causing things to not get done (as in school, chores, etc) then I think it is more than normal sibling/parent/child issues. Forgot to add, you may notice I am no longer homeschooling any of my dc. He is a big part of the reason. He wore me out, and I have 2 younger children a lot like him. I just couldn't do it anymore. It was that intense for us.

Try these: Staying connected to your child Benefits to school Preparing homeschool kids for school Common misunderstandings about children going to school part 1 Common misunderstandings about children going to school part 2 These are a few that came to mind. You might have a look around at other things that might pertain to your situation. BTW, these are from my blog. (see signature)

Not dark hardwoods but shiny black tile. It shows everything. I hate it.

I think you are right that 6th grade is the time to send them if you do so he won't feel so new. I think it is best to listen to the child's wants at this age. I put one of mine in at middle school. She loves it, and it has helped our relationship. She is a very social kid. Remember nothing is permanent.

I am in perimenopause; I actually thought I was close to being done. But 4 weeks ago found out I was pregnant but miscarried last week. I will be 48 on Tuesday! Guess I'm not done. :huh:

I have homeschooled difficult children before, but I don't have much wisdom on how to do it well. One I slugged through all the way and the other difficult child is now in school. I will say that whether your child is difficult or not the middle school years can be really tough and more so with difficult children, IMO.

I think it is more of asking for a blessing in most cases. that how it was with our now son-in-law. He told us he wanted to marry our daughter and asked for our blessing.

My husband didn't but when our 24 year old dd got married 2 years ago, her then fiance asked my husband. On a funny note, when dh mother remarried after his dad passed away, the man she married asked all of her kids' sons for permission. He was around 75 at the time and most of them under 45! It was so sweet.

My husband is a public school teacher and has been the whole time I homeschooled. He often tiptoed around conversations with his co-workers because not all were supportive.

I have a dd Clara. I also have a friend with a dd named Clara as well. Actually, Clare has made a big resurgence so i could see more Clara's popping up.

I think this is something people considering homeschooling need to know. Some people need time away from their children to recharge. Thank you for admitting this. It took me too long to realize I needed time away. I played mommy martyr too long.

I have used bravewriter and when I could, I grouped children and read aloud. But by 8th grade, most of mine were ready to read on their own not just because of ability, but they were ready for independent learning from younger siblings.

I used to be just a book only type, but now that I have a dyslexic child, I have learned a lot and changed my mind. There are many ways to learn and learning through reading, quality movies, and audio listening are all valid in my opinion. If the child has no learning issue, I would include some of all but mostly reading if they will go on to higher education.

Your children are quite young so I wouldn't worry about if you are doing enough for a while. If you keep them home and find after a few years that you can't manage, you may need to send them. Remember any choice is not permanent.

$30/ hr for dyslexia tutoring

7 of us at home now. We are frugal and live in a low COL place.

This will be my first fulll year with no homeschoolers. I hope to do some after school stuff, but my kids go to a classical school so get a lot of what i w as nt. We will probably just read more since schools dont have much time for a lot of that.

I think this is a common age when parents and children feel the need for more. Just remember, trying school is not permanent. It might be just what he needs... or not, but you can always change your mind.

He was going 55 in a 40 mph zone. That is a bit high for my liking. We gave him our reasons; not just a flat no, end of discussion. We are looking into a bus. He seems resigned to that.

Yep, my 21 year old son. Homeschooled all the way and a proclaimed atheist. There are no guarantees no matter how we raise them that they will turn out "well". They have free will. You may think you know what she is doing wrong, but it could also be them.

I would slowly phase it out by waking her earlier and putting her to bed earlier. Does she stay up late since she naps so long?

No, not a bad wow and not offended at all. Yes, my worries may be playing into the decision, but I know how so many people drive. Even if you drive well, it is the crazy ones you have to look out for. Like I said, he has already gotten a speeding ticket and has a lead foot even when I drive with him. We are looking into a bus.

Wow, Alyssa. I am fairly free-range when it come to most things, but this is a biggy for me. He has already gotten a speeding ticket so I am constantly worried about his driving. I did explain our reasons, but they don't matter to him. Thanks for everyones thoughts.