A lot has been said that I agree with but I just want to add that while I do include non-western ideas, I try to be aware of my own shortcomings in that area. I think that early exposure to different cultures, religions, and histories is very important. On the other hand, I really shy away from things unless I know they are decent sources, and not completely watered down or westernized. I find that SOTW does a fairly good job of introducing these topics but if my kids ever wanted more info on them, I'd have to be careful selecting good resources from the library. For this reason, I do think that sometimes it's better to introduce the more complex aspects of non-western history when the child is old enough to 1) read and understand good sources, which aren't often written in English at a young child's level, and 2) understand or at least know that they will be engaging another culture through the lens of their own and that there are biases that come with that. When I was a kid I had a vague idea about other cultures as being groups of people dressed in various traditional outfits (think Brazillian Barbie- ugh). I didn't really discover the world until I was much older. This is where a chronological approach, paired with asking posing a lot of questions to this board comes in handy for me. This reminds me of a conversation on here about how we teach science. Yes we are teaching biology, chemistry etc but we are also teaching our kids HOW to study science- the scientific method, designing a good experiment etc. For me it's the same with history. How we look at the world (in my case as modern Americans) will affect what conclusions we draw. These kinds of reflections will probably come later for my kids, so during the grammar stage I'm giving them a foundation in their own (western for the most part) culture and offering a variety of other things to explore and ponder so that when they reach the logic stage I have something to build on.

Hugs to you and your DS! I would really be appalled if our OT did those things. I think you're making the right choice, and I agree that you don't owe any kind of explanation. If you're not comfortable talking about it, just say you're taking a break per his pediatrician's advice. If she presses, I'd say I'm not willing to go into detail, I just think this is what's best for him right now. I hope it all turns out ok.

I loved Their Eyes Were Watching God in high school. I do think I got more out of it when I re-read it as an adult.

I have a Benjamin and we call him Benji all the time. I've seen the movie and never thought that meant the movie is off limits. If someone called him "Old Yeller" I might be a little peeved... I also have another son who goes by a nickname all the time and NEVER uses his first name. The only person who calls him by that name is my dad, and it drives me a little nuts. But he's old enough to tell his grandpa what he wants, so I'm leaving it. I think I could understand the reaction if she'd been polite, but this is way over the top and I don't think you need to apologize again. There's got to be more to the story that has nothing to do with you - the reaction was just too strong.

Thanks, that's really helpful!

I am going to start with level 1 this year and we've already ordered the materials. However, I'd like to start planning my year and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how it is laid out. I'd like to spend 15-20 min per day. Is that enough to get through the year? How many lessons are there in Level 1? Thanks!

Sorry to threadjack, but I was wondering if anyone could touch on what the ads are like for the Fire. I've heard they can be intrusive, but I've never used one before.

I agree. Ultimately, it's why I didn't finish the series.

Wow, that is amazing. WWI was glossed over during my studies and I only came to appreciate it's importance as an adult. Thanks for sharing this!

I was taught that if you are concerned for someone's soul, you are meant to pray for them privately and let God take care of the rest. The only way I would approach someone about something like that is if they were my own child or my husband. Even then, I would need to pray about whether or not to speak. Others feel differently, I get that. But I think that sometimes people feel that they are the only ones who can save another person and I think that's misguided. God can work in people without such an open show of disapproval. For those of you who would approach a friend with love, I'm not looking to put you down. Of course everyone's situation is different. I've been approach with judgment and I've also been approached with love and there's definitely a difference.

It sounds like you're in a tough spot. Personally, I wouldn't send my kid there. I would make other arrangements if at all possible.

I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but I'm a Christian and conversations like this drive me a bit batty. All I can think of is the No True Scotsman fallacy. It's straight up none of my business whether anyone is a "real Christian" or not. It's like those phrases "real women have curves" and "real men don't cheat". I guess that means something to someone but it's way above my pay grade to speak on whether someone's faith is "real" enough.

My midwife gave me this link about Synthesis Pubic Dysfunction: http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/pubicpain.htm The website name is misleading because this issue isn't unique to plus sized women but she says the information is good. I don't know if this is what you're experiencing but I thought I'd put it out there in case it helps. Either way, I hope you find some relief soon!

I agree that the scientific method is one of the most important human advances and that when followed properly, the knowledge gained is usually reliable (barring any unrecognized variables). I think that the current system of funding can both encourage solid research and encourage faulty research. I don't agree that all scientists always have the best interests of the public at heart. I don't agree that pointing that out is creating a strawman. I don't believe that this discussion has anything at all to do with whether religion or science are more reliable, or about whether people who practice a religion are able to have an informed view of scientific research. I just want to point out that the only "fear mongering" I've seen in this thread is this quote posted upthread: The thing is, I agree with what's posted above. I'm a believer in vaccines and I vaccinate my own kids. I have no regrets about vaccinating my son who turned out to be on the autism spectrum, because there is no solid research to suggest that the two are related. But words like "gut wrenching" and "dire" are exactly the kind of emotional red flags that come up in conversations like this. Appealing to emotion and then accusing others of doing so doesn't make for a very compelling argument.

DS is only turning 7 in August, so he was young 1st grader. We did a kindergarten/1st grade year last year. This year will be 1st/2nd with a more rigorous schedule. I'm really excited because even though I've been doing this for over a year, I feel like this is our first "real" homeschool year. I think he's excited too. Here's where we are: Reading- finish OPGTR + lots of reading together Math- Singapore 1B - we just started Singapore in March after struggling with MUS Alpha. This is a MUCH better fit but we started at the beginning to be sure he has the basic concepts down. We'll see how far he gets this year. Language Arts- Finish FLL1, Start FLL 2 Writing - Finish WWE 1 Science - Life science WTM style - I'm trying this out since a lot of his science is self- directed. I'll let him choose what to study within the general topic we're covering. (Animals, Humans, Plants) History SOTW 2 with Medieval History Portfolio We're holding off on Latin unless he really picks up momentum in the middle of the year. Otherwise, we'll start in 3rd grade. This thread has gotten me excited!

We love the audio books. I still read some to them, but they listen to the audio all the time and really enjoy it. I did find that it saved time on days where I needed to do more on another subject or with the other child. It also helps me to know if I want to "focus in" on a particular chapter that they want to hear over and over. I might do an extra project or find more books based on their interest in that topic.

I mostly asked because I thought maybe you were just looking for support which is totally understandable. I definitely agree that there is too much pressure on women (and couples) to induce, which often leads to unnecessary c-sections. I also think that this pressure makes it really hard for parents to determine what constitutes a serious issue and what doesn't. Stressful conversations with a doctor can also cause one's blood pressure to spike, so who knows how accurate those measurements are. That said, high blood pressure at the end of pregnancy can be a pretty big deal. In any event, I'm sorry you're dealing with that.

Is this a JAWM?

Thanks for all the input, I appreciate it. To clarify, the main issue is that the room we use for school is too small - It's quite organized and neat, but it is tripling as a home office, classroom, and rec room. My husband and I need more space for the home office, the kids need more space to do their work. Kitchen table and other spaces like that just aren't feasible in our house because of how small the rooms are. (Our kitchen table is a tiny table with two bar stools.) I like the idea of partitioning off a space. The attic has two sections: the main room and a space towards the back with a built in desk and bookcase. I think maybe we'll partition off that area and see how it goes. I usually love our small house - it forces me to keep things clean and keep the clutter to a minimum. It can be a challenge sometimes, though!

We live in a pretty small home - two small bedrooms and a converted attic. Right now our kids' room is in the attic (we have two boys) and we sleep in one bedroom. The other is being used for a classroom/office/multipurpose room. That room is a nightmare, and with school starting soon I want to make a change. My thought right now is to pack away most of the toys and use the boys room for a classroom. I would keep the toys out that they play with - there are only a few - and let them ask for anything else they want to use. (I secretly want to get rid of all the unused toys, but that will have to happen over time.) There's enough space up there to have a bedroom and a classroom without much difficulty, but I'm uncertain about having a classroom and bedroom in the same space. Are there any major drawbacks to having kids use the same room for sleeping and for school? We're not exactly "school at home" types, but I'd like for them to have a home base for books and for desks. Because our house is so small, I need to contain our school a little better so the rest of the house isn't piled with school work. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Or other ideas on how to make our situation work? The room in question is shaped like this: http://christianhomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/homeschool-creations.jpg although not nearly as gorgeous :) I would love to do something like this with their beds near the window.

Hugs, Alenee. I remember encountering Evangelical Christianity for the first time. From and Orthodox perspective, it is hard to understand and even harder to navigate. I think you daughter behaved beautifully. I also think that you have a great attitude towards your questioning teen. Knowing she is loved and trusted to form her own opinions will help her in her struggle.

This is why I ditched Flylady and used Sidetracked Home Executives instead. Flylady is basically a simplified version of SHE. I admit that the use of cards might not work for some people, but for me it's a really good motivator. Here's a decent overview: http://blackflipflops.blogspot.com/2008/06/sidetracked-home-executives.html

I don't think you've been clear about what you want from them. Kids need clear boundaries and they haven't been set in this situation. If it were me, the next time they're at your house, I'd sit them down first thing and say tell them exactly what they need to do. Tell them that it's not possible for them to sleep over at all. You're not going to let them. Then say that they are no longer allowed to ask anyone -you or your husband - if they can stay the night. Ask them to help you out with this. Challenge them to go a day without asking. Tell them up front that if they keep asking you will not invite them over for a few days. After that, if they do ask (which they probably will because they'll want to know if you're serious or not), tell them that you've talked about it and you're not going to answer that question. If they ask again, ignore it. Let them know at the end of the day that they'll be taking a 3 day (or whatever) break and then they can try again. They sound like nice kids and I really think that this will go away quickly if you're consistent about it.

I think it's easy to see what's happening online and think that it's a reflection of what's happening in the real world. I have a similar experience when I look at Pinterest or blogs and think that everyone has a gorgeous homeschool room with amazing murals and perfect little craft tables. It isn't really true for most of us. I'm guessing that teens posting selfies etc are doing a similar thing- showing an idealized version of themselves. I think that in general, they're probably less conscious of how they look than I was at that age. Oh how tall my bangs were!

I just saw this line at target: http://www.target.com/c/devine-color-brand-shop/wallpaper/-/N-558ypZ5vg37 Paint with co-ordinating wallpaper