Since his birthday is past the September 1 deadline, he won't be in kindergarten until next year. You get one more year of freedom. :) Next year you'll have to enroll him in public school, sign a waiver, or register with an association. Warmly, Dianna

I meant to add, feel free to friend me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/carolinahomeschooler And join us on our message boards at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/social/ Warmly, Dianna

Hi, here's a link to my FAQs - they answer a lot of questions new homeschoolers have about homeschooling in SC: http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/afaq.html There are a lot of homeschoolers in the low country, many of which have active Facebook groups. Please email me at director@carolinahomeschooler.com and I'll be happy to send you links. I'm not sure which are religiously based or secular (or if they're inclusive), so it may be best to hang out in a variety of the groups and see which one best fits your family. Also, If you'd like, I can ask my members in that area to email you with more info. Just let me know in your email if you mind me sharing your email address. Warmly, Dianna

You don't have to defend anything to her. It's her problem, not yours. Make her do the work. I have a couple sections in my FAQs that may help you. One is here: http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/afaq5.html (scroll to the last section) and the other is here: http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/afaq6.html (the first section, but adapt it to your situation and put the burden of proof on your friend instead of you feeling you have to defend). And finally, others have probably mentioned this already, but your friend is seriously overstepping her bounds when she shares her opinions with your children. She owes you and them an apology. Explain to her that she stops that now - no excuses, no free passes anymore - if she does it again, she won't be allowed near your children. And then follow through. Dianna

When I started homeschooling over 20 years ago, support groups were all over the place and active. Homeschooling was still relatively uncommon, we weren't marketed to nearly as much, and we banded together out of a need for information, curriculum recommendations, and finding like-minded families. All that changed with the internet and rise of educational co-ops, academic programs targeted to homeschoolers, hybrid schools, and virtual schools. I did a survey of hundreds of homeschoolers across the country when I was writing a book for beginning homeschoolers, but to summarize: the vast majority of homeschoolers now get their support from Facebook, message boards, yahoo groups, etc. They also get support from educational co-ops and academic programs (like Classical Conversations) where the children meet once a week (or more) for that and either don't feel the need for a separate socially-focused support group or simply don't have the time due to the requirements of the program. While some survey respondents said they had great support groups (with a non-academic focus) in their area, most said that support groups were dwindling in their area and they were struggling to find support that didn't come with strings attached (joining an academic program or co-op just for interaction with other homeschoolers). Quite a few replied that they were considering moving to an area that had more active support. I can say from personal experience that I have a lot of repeat families on my trips and events, and families drive from quite a distance to participate, because they can't find support in their local areas. The children (and parents) love spending face-to-face time together and I've seen first-hand that online/internet-based support just isn't enough for our kids (or for a lot of homeschool parents, either). If you haven't found support in your area, and haven't tried to start a group yourself, give it a try. I know there are families out there seeking support, and if you get enough families interested, it won't matter if some families don't show up each time - it takes just a few families to keep one going, and hopefully growing. Warmly, Dianna

Hi, SC requires homeschoolers to register through the school district (not recommended) or a homeschool association. These associations are called "accountability associations" and provide the coverage required by law. Support groups are there for support purposes. Some support groups (such as mine) provide accountability services, too. For a lot more information about homeschooling in South Carolina, visit my FAQs at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/afaq.html Warmly, Dianna Carolina Homeschooler

Dana, I try to post them the night before so they can check in the morning, but I haven't been able to this week. I'll try to do better! I'll catch up on trip registrations and membership applications this weekend. I've been busy finalizing my Disney trip details and tomorrow we have the Flight School. I'll get a little break after that! Warmly, Dianna

Dana, I've enjoyed having him in it! Such a sweetie! Warmly, Dianna

Hi everyone, I just wanted to mention that we're offering early application (January-April) discounts for families applying for Option 3 coverage with Carolina Homeschooler next year (2014-2015). Services won't begin until June 1, 2014, but the earlier you register, the bigger the discount. (I'm trying to spread my workload more evenly throughout the year.) We're not as cheap as some of the other associations, but we offer a lot of field trips, events, and online activities for our members. To find out more, please visit my membership area at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/amembership.html Warmly, Dianna

It's not as difficult as it sounds. My FAQs will (hopefully) ease your mind: http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/afaq.html Edited to add: yes, 3rd Option is much less invasive. Warmly, Dianna

Like others have mentioned, let audiobooks take some of the load off of you. The voice actors are amazing and the good ones can really bring stories to life. I'm going to copy a post I wrote in another thread: Before you purchase through Audible, check to see if your local or state library subscribes to the OverDrive service. OverDrive provides ebooks (in formats compatible with Kindle, Nook, etc.) as well as digital (mp3) downloads to many, many libraries. You don't have to have a Kindle or Nook (or iPod, or whatever) to listen to digital audiobooks. My favorite device is a SansaClip+ (small, inexpensive, faster download than for iPods, and clips to your clothes so you can do other things while listening). If your library has OverDrive, they'll have instructions on their website about how it works. If it doesn't, ask them to subscribe, and consider getting an out-of-state library card at the Free Library of Philadelphia for $35 per year. If you and your children listen to a lot of audiobooks (or read a lot of ebooks), you'll recoup the $35 fee very quickly. If you live in or near Washington DC, or go on my group trip, you can get a card to DC's digital library (audiobooks and ebooks) for $20 (for out-of-district, you have to go in person to sign up for it, free if you live in DC). They actually didn't charge me for mine, and I've had it for years. Between my local library, DC membership, and the Free Library of PA, I have a large selection of free audiobooks and ebooks to choose from. Let me know if you have any questions. Warmly, Dianna

Check to see if your local or state library subscribes to the OverDrive service. OverDrive provides ebooks (in formats compatible with Kindle, Nook, etc.) as well as digital (mp3) downloads to many, many libraries. You don't have to have a Kindle or Nook (or iPod, or whatever) to listen to digital audiobooks. My favorite device is a SansaClip+ (small, inexpensive, faster download than for iPods, and clips to your clothes so you can do other things while listening). If your library has OverDrive, they'll have instructions on their website about how it works. If it doesn't, ask them to subscribe, and consider getting an out-of-state library card at the Free Library of Philadelphia for $35 per year. If you and your children listen to a lot of audiobooks (or read a lot of ebooks), you'll recoup the $35 fee very quickly. If you live in or near Washington DC, or go on my group trip, you can get a card to DC's digital library (audiobooks and ebooks) for $20 (for out-of-district, you have to go in person to sign up for it, free if you live in DC). They actually didn't charge me for mine, and I've had it for years. Between my local library, DC membership, and the Free Library of PA, I have a large selection of free audiobooks and ebooks to choose from. Let me know if you have any questions. Warmly, Dianna

Hi Kate, This is one of the most frequently asked questions at my site. Some strategies are listed in my FAQs, if you're interested: http://www.carolinah....com/afaq6.html (scroll down until you get to the quizzing question). Warmly, Dianna

We've made a few changes to our August 2014 Wild West trip to reduce the cost and provide three days of wildlife and nature experiences in Yellowstone. We'll also get to watch a rodeo, visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, explore a replica of a frontier town, enjoy a covered wagon cookout, and have the opportunity for other activities such as visiting Grand Teton National Park, cruising across Jenny Lake, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and more. We have a maximum of 52 for this trip, and children must be age 8 or older to attend. Find out more at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/atravelwest.html Warmly, Dianna

Join Carolina Homeschooler in beautiful Fort Caswell (Oak Island, North Carolina) this September to participate in our hands-on marine science and history camp. During our 4-day/3-night stay, we'll explore Fort Caswell's 248 acres of historical structures, salt marsh, beach, and maritime forest at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. We'll learn about blue crabs, coastal fish, marshes, manatees, meteorology, plankton ecology, marine ecosystems, conservation, sea turtles, and more. We'll also go kayaking, eat S'mores around a bonfire while learning about pirates, hear the Civil War history of the fort while on a hayride, and see how early sailors and fishermen in the area lived. All ages are welcome (including grandparents), as are homeschoolers from other states. The registration deadline is July 3. Visit http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/atravelchsc.html to find out more. Warmly, Dianna

Join Carolina Homeschooler for our fall trip to Washington DC! We're planning to tour the various memorials and monuments, the White House (hopefully, if they're reinstated by October), Arlington Cemetery, US Capitol, the Pentagon, Ford's Theater, and more. We'll also participate in the forensics lab at the Crime Museum, and have time to visit another museum such as: Air and Space, Natural History, American History, Holocaust, American Indian, and others. Enrollment is limited to 60 this year, and families who register by April 15 will have a better chance of participating in the White House tour (due to security requirements). For more information and to register, visit http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/atravelwdc.html To find out more about our trips and events, join our mailing list and community areas at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/acommunity.html Warmly, Dianna

I have no idea! It seemed like a good idea at the time. ;) I completely understand you not wanting to friend someone you don't know, and I'm really glad you found support and groups through people PMing you here. I didn't compare the listing with your OP - I was just hopeful that there would be a group there that would meet your needs and that's why I linked it, just in case. Regarding, a new username: every time they changed board formats, we had to create new IDs. Then I couldn't ever sign in under my old ID (which I can't remember anymore), and so I created this new one. I'm so glad you found the support you need. :) Dianna

Mamaduck, I've been a part of the WTM boards for years (actually, probably at least 10, when they were in a very different format than they are now). I apologize if I gave you the impression that I was trying to "network for my site" or didn't understand that you were having issues trying to find a group. The support groups that are listed at my site are only those who request to be listed. I won't post information about a group unless they request it because usually there's personal contact info involved. Edited to add: Just thought I'd repeat the invitation for you to post on my facebook wall. With over 2,000 homeschoolers there, you may find some kindred souls. I've also started a new community area (using the same software as this site, with gracious help from the techies that work behind the scenes here), but it's very new and doesn't have the traffic of my facebook wall. Best regards, Dianna

Hi mommaduck :) You're welcome to post on my Facebook wall to see if there are others in your area: http://www.facebook.com/carolinahomeschooler Have you checked my support group page to see if there are any other groups list there? It's a http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/asupport.html Warmly, Dianna

Dana, several of the 3rd option associations have curriculum rooms or book stores (or whatever... don't remember what they call them, either), and one even has classrooms in her building (she has her own building) where she gives classes. They also have full and part-time staff, as well as special needs support. Others plan monthly park days, field trips, moms night out, workshops, and more (the more regional associations). It's amazing how much they offer now for homeschoolers. I encourage homeschoolers to check out the options and choose the association that best meet the needs of their family. You probably have already read about the harmful legislation that's been introduced. If you haven't, check out my legislative forum at http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/social/forum/9-talk-about-legislation/ Warmly, Dianna

Hi Jillian, I've used all three options in over 20 years of homeschooling, and I vastly prefer Option 3. The Option 3 associations differ in the amount of support they're able to offer (some have full-time or part-time staff and have office hours every day, while others have minimal office hours and you pay extra for help). Regardless, all three options are equal legally, so it's just whatever you prefer. I don't personally know any families who homeschool under Option 1 anymore, and have heard from very few who use Option 2, and they're usually first-year homeschoolers who feel they need the accountability that organization requires (mandatory testing, curriculum approval, etc.). Once they get their feet under them, they usually move to Option 3. The associations who partner with Carolina Homeschooler are listed here: http://www.carolinah...com/aabout.html I recommend that you read through their websites and then choose the one that best meets the needs of your family. Warmly, Dianna

Just a note that I've posted several new field trips in our area - Strange Science (at Discovery Place), and Robotics and Rocketry labs (Columbia, SC). Also the deadline to register for the Mayan History camp-in (Feb. 15-16 at the SC State Museum) is approaching. For more info about these and other trips, field trips, and camps, see http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/atravel.html I'm also planning a meet-up in Rock Hill, SC, for next week. I'll post more details soon. Warmly, Dianna

Just a note that I've posted several new field trips in our area - Strange Science (at Discovery Place), and Robotics and Rocketry labs (Columbia, SC). Also the deadline to register for the Mayan History camp-in (Feb. 15-16 at the SC State Museum) is approaching. For more info about these and other trips, field trips, and camps, see http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/atravel.html I'm also planning a meet-up in Rock Hill, SC, for next week. I'll post more details soon. Warmly, Dianna

Just a note that I've posted several new field trips in our area - Strange Science (at Discovery Place), and Robotics and Rocketry labs (Columbia, SC). Also the deadline to register for the Mayan History camp-in (Feb. 15-16 at the SC State Museum) is approaching. For more info about these and other trips, field trips, and camps, see http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/atravel.html I'm also planning a meet-up in Rock Hill, SC, for next week. I'll post more details soon. Warmly, Dianna

Hi SCMama, please join my Facebook community at http://www.facebook.com/carolinahomeschooler (if you're on FB), or email me at director@carolinahomeschooler.com and I'll let you know what happens. I've tried to plan M&Gs before, and had a lot of no-shows, but I'm willing to give it another shot. Warmly, Dianna