I'm really glad you've come to this conclusion. Each family is unique, and we need to decide for ourselves what is best for our kids. It's wonderful to be a part of such a huge community (homeschooling) but if you need to make a change for your child's sake (or even for the family's sake), by all means do it and don't feel guilty! But I do know what you mean, as I felt the same way when I was younger. Sometimes it takes living a while in the trenches to put things in perspective.

Fifiruth, can you hire a local college student to teach upper-level math? I don't think I could have done it myself!

Yes, I homeschooled all the way through, and... It all worked out! I outsourced high school math, which helped immensely. (And a few other classes along the way, e.g. French for DD1). It was a great ride (not every day was great, but looking back it was a great adventure). I am so glad I stuck it out. Each of my kids has thanked me for homeschooling them—and that's no lie. :D :party:

Just discovered this thread yesterday. I cannot imagine what you're going through, but I know the stress of having a son in a health crisis. I am praying fervently for you and your family—especially for peace and wisdom for you, and healing and comfort for your son. I am so sorry...

Tammy—So how many years will it be for you when you're finished? Any plans for post-homeschool?

Welp, that's it. Twenty-one years and I'm finished. My youngest DD just graduated high school. I'm not freaking out or anything; I'll still teach Spanish for our co-op and have plenty to keep me busy. It's just a strange, sad/happy feeling. No more home lessons to plan or assignment sheets to print out. And no more "did you finish your math?" Anyone else "retired" and still hanging out here? How did you handle the adjustment?

Thanks very much!

Thank you for the replies! I have checked out CAP but the local chapter meets on a night that is not available to DD as she has another commitment. She is not interested in the military, but it sounds like an excellent program in many ways! Thank you, sunnyca, for the ISBN for Jeppsen's...I think that's what I was looking for. (And please thank your son!). We are also in So. Cal. so I appreciate your perspective.

DD 16 is planning to be a bush pilot and I want to put together an aviation elective. Has anyone done this? Anyone familiar with specific curriculum, documentaries, etc. I know PA Homeschoolers used to offer Aviation Science, but I don't see it listed on their site anymore (I couldn't afford them anyway). Our CC offers Aviation, but high schoolers don't generally get in to those classes, so I think she'll have to wait until after she graduates to do that.

Wow—thank you so much! Lots to listen to this week...

Thank you! I don't think I've heard Miranda Lambert. I'll check it out.

Who are your favorite country music artists? I'm branching out and need recommendations.

This.

My DD and her four best friends have a "Writing Group": they take turns meeting at each other's houses socializing, reading aloud their short stories and doing fun writing activities (e.g. they each start a story with a paragraph, then pass the paper on to the next person to add to—I think they like this best). They also spend an inordinate amount of time chatting about Dr. Who and other geek-girl things. And oh, my—the opinions fly! :laugh:

Still trying to figure this out, too.