Both my kids have no friends they see on a regular basis. Our homeschool community doesn't really exist outside preset groups. We live in a city with many homeschoolers however the homeschool community has split into many fractions. Some have enrolled their kids into ALE's (Alternative Learning Education) centers, others in religious closed co-ops, preschool/elementary co-ops and just closed friend unschooling circles. We have no cohesive or visible teen community of homeschooling families. We have made the rounds with these groups and just don't belong. My youngest dd is in sports however her fellow teammates are very clicky and slow to make friends with a "homeschooler." My oldest dd has some speech/processing speed issues which others notice so they shy away. We have tried for over a year to make friends. My kids have gotten involved in theater classes, nope, no such luck there. I just feel horrible. I am isolated too. I really don't know if homeschooling is worth this isolation. I really don't know how much more we can take. Has anyone returned to public school for social reasons? I would worry their academics would suffer if they went to public school. Maybe I am making too much of the social? Maybe we need to do something different?

My dd13 has taken Introduction to Composition & Literature (6th/7th) and is now taking British Literature (8th). Last year she wrote four essays and read several books (two Dickens, Romeo and Juliet, and a couple more, along with short stories, I can't remember right now). She enjoyed the weekly discussions of the books with the other students. She also learned how to write an essay. I would be glad to answer any questions, if I can.

I use TripAdvisor and VRBO regularly. We have used VRBO for several international trips (Peru & Costa Rica) which I book. I rely on reviews to help me make those travel plans. I thought I could use Yelp in the same manner with local places but now I see that not only are customers censored but businesses are sold advertising protection from bad reviews.

We are not responsible for the actions of others.

Good for you! Wishing you an awesome school year!

My third review is now in the not recommended area of the business site. At least it is there! The owner had people write five new reviews in her favor in the last five days. The sad thing is that she's not even open to hearing why I didn't rate her business higher. I could have helped her understand what parents are wanting. I know others feel the same as I do.

I now have eight reviews with Yelp so maybe that will help my one post get published. My review of the above company wasn't bad however their reaction was so unprofessional.

I just got a Yelp account and made my first yelp review on a company which I didn't find to be that great...I gave them three stars. The next day the owner responded to my yelp review and then reported it as inappropriate (violating Yelp's "Content Guidelines") so yelp took down my review. What? I then resubmitted a review, the owner complained again to Yelp who took it down. Ok, so now, the company gets one star and a bigger review because I'm livid. The owner is gaming Yelp in order to not receive negative reviews:( I should also add that the owner's husband sent me a message through Yelp accusing me of attacking the company. I just submitted a complaint with Yelp regarding the husband's message. This is truly an example of bullying against previous customers. What should I do? I can't let this business continue to intimidate reviewers, parents need to know that this place isn't that great.

The free time for extracurricular activities and travel are invaluable at this age.

We are in a similar boat however my dd wants to do high school sports and science clubs so she'll just dual enroll for 11th and 12th grade years. I personally won't rush to college unless your kiddo is really pushing for it.

Check your lids, the sealant may have worn down so it no longer can seal properly. Good luck, it's a busy tomato time at my home too.

I don't work in the public schools however it seems it would be difficult for teachers not to notice their students who were being bullied or those doing the bullying. Group dynamics and children's behaviors are pretty easy to detect. Maybe more school counselors are needed, teachers shouldn't have to be counselors too.

It sounds like the text to the husband is an open invitation for a hook-up. Neighbors help one another but specific times for pet sitting aren't usually necessary unless medication is involved. The text answer "sweet" sounds like an agreement to something. Most husbands would share info with their spouse when helping out neighbors or attending a conference. If the husband is planning to cheat, he'll lie if confronted before the cheating occurs. If the wife is still unsettled, hiring a private investigator would be the easiest thing to ease her mind. Good luck, best wishes to your friend.

Yes, they are willing to do a couple hours of math and foreign language study during summer however this time is fit around theater camps, orchestra, and sports. They have two weeks free of any responsibilities when they visit their grandmother in July.

I'm growing a full size garden complete with 75 corn, 24 tomato plants, row of potatoes, tons of beans, rows of kale, Swiss chard, spinach, cucumber, onions, zucchini, sweet potato, watermelon, cantalope,carrots, lettuce, peas, bell peppers, eggplant, 4 large artichokes and raised bed of asparagus and herbs. I also have 13 mature blueberry bushes, several grapes on trellises, 50+ strawberry plants and several rows of marionberry and raspberry. I love to garden...I also have a huge area of flowers.

I enjoy homeschooling if I have time to develop my own interest lead skills and opportunities.

:grouphug: I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your daughters.

I found these resources for my nephew who lives in Oregon, maybe it can help someone else too. Resources from colleges: University of Oregon offers a great Architecture program, check out the various degree programs. A summer visit to the University of Oregon's Architecture Open House (by appointment) may offer some insight into their programs as well. MOOC --many courses in architectural history/art/design. Summer Camp: University of Oregon-Design Camp--open now but $900+ July/ in Portland University of Oregon Architecture Applications were due in early spring, so another year. This is an expensive camp but you earn 8 college credits, no age requirement or admissions were stated. Portland School of Architecture and Allied Arts (I think a branch of U of O) is hosting an Open House exhibiting student work on June 2 from 6-9pm. Look for more Open House dates. Explore Online Skill Building Options: What's the Big Idea-student driven designs/competitions Books that might be of interest: Amazon List geared towards teens TED Talks on Architecture --interesting ideas & people Helpful Organizations: Architects in Schools ---A group of architects--This program is geared towards elementary kids however if a teen called/wrote them, I believe they would be happy to encourage your interests and offer support/advice on resources/activities to becoming an architect.

Thank you both! Wow--Oliver Sacks, a wealth of treasure, thank you.

Any "living" books, documentaries, activities, website or lecture suggestions regarding neurology? A little background: my dd dissected a sheep's brain last year at an academic camp and loved it. She wants to pursue this interest now over summer. She is independently working through Ellen McHenry's Brain course. She has picked up several "neurology" books from the library however these have been more geared to psychology. She couldn't get enough of the series "Brain Games" and we have been watching PBS's The Secret Life of the Brain. We have been following updates on the Zika virus over the past year. She also has an interest in epidemiology.

I think working through High School Literature & Composition would be more helpful than diving into a college composition and an advanced reading class. I would want my student to have a broad exposure to literature because they actually took the time to read great works of literature verses a survey of those books. The thread on "9th & 10th grade Literature" on the HS board may provide some book suggestions for your student.

Practice Makes Possible: What We Learn By Studying Amazing Kids

Thank you LisaK!

Thank you!

Thank you!