We loved CATW this year but DD is in 3rd grade. I wouldn't recommend it for K and 1st.

About $2000 a year, not including extracurricular classes, science equipment, etc.

It's terrible, but mostly because it's the most boring book ever. There isn't anything objectionable or inappropriate for a child in my recollection though.

Unless it's something insane like $1000 more, I always pay for the highest quality that is available. I hate books with writing in them.

Beautiful Feet felt light to me when we used it, so I don't think it would be too much if your kids are strong, motivated readers.

What an odd thing to disagree with.

Horizons Pre-Algebra MBTP 9-11 or 10-12 Mosdos Pearl Writing & Rhetoric Narrative 2 Lively Latin Big Book 2 Home Art Studio grade 4 piano lessons Not sure about science...we are doing Chemistry this year so maybe a Life Science program?

I love my life! My husband makes a lot of money and we don't struggle like many single income households do. However, our income level is unusual and I know that the OP isn't going to have the same situation. Additionally, I married DH when I already had a toddler and had already not been working. We were able to plan and build our life based on known circumstances. I wasn't being intentionally negative - I was giving the OP a realistic set of circumstances to think about. Because they happen to many people! Being realistic isn't the same as being negative.

It is never a good idea to be completely dependent on another human being - even your husband. What if he leaves you? What if you want to leave him? What if he cheats on you? Why doesn't he want you to work outside the home? S

For a 3 year old who just had surgery? I'd drive to get him a new one too!

I will pray for your sweet doggie :-(

My dad does it. It's annoying. My daughter ignores him. I'm fine with that. (They are close, and have a relationship that can withstand some ignoring.)

Oh this is good info. Thank you!

DD has asked for grades for year. I give grades based on percentile of correct answers. No big deal.

We love it. Received everything in a week. No issues with customer service (and I was nervous!) I will also say you won't find better paper quality or creative elements in any other curriculum. I've bought dozens and I can say that for sure. EEK!

Loving: WP Children Around the World. I can't say enough good things about it; Mosdos Press Ruby; Horizons Math 6, RSO Chemistry Meh: Sciencesaurus and Daybook

We have already dropped co-op (in fact we dropped it before it even started). Somehow every couple of years I get it in my head that we need something "more" when neither DD nor I really WANT a whole day out of the house. Co-ops sound amazing, but I'm going to really try to remember in the future that they just aren't for us!

We get it and enjoy it. It is pricey, but we invest quite a bit in science as it is DD's passion. I'd recommend trying it.

I'm assuming from this post that you've never struggled with anxiety. I hope that your children also don't really have it. That kind of attitude would be really damaging to someone with mental illness.

Because she is enjoying the time together, I'd just leave out the writing part! Lots of kids are ready for some academic work before their fine motor skills are developmentally ready for writing.

I think those numbers seem fine actually.

Rape culture. It's everywhere. I'm sorry your DH reacted that way. I'm sure he's upset too. We need to do better, change things for our daughters. All of us.

There's a Paperwhite for $120. I much prefer that to the Kindle Fire. I think the Fire is hard to read on...it makes my eyes hurt. The Paperwhite is truly perfect, just like reading a real book. However, because I am an obsessive reader I would definitely rather have the Fire than nothing!!

Constantly. I read on my phone, on my Kindle, any real books I have laying around (thousands). I read when I have 2 minutes waiting for the kids or when I'm standing in line at the store; in the bathtub or lying in bed. All. The. Time. I am also an incredibly fast reader. DD is becoming like me, DS13 isn't that into reading but will get involved in a very good book, DS16 has special needs and struggles to read even very simple books.

I was thinking about this thread today at the ice skating rink. My DD skates 3-5 times a week with a private coach. We have invested a lot of time and money into her skating. In the beginning, I was front and center watching all the time, critiquing and criticizing. It was a disaster. I became too involved in her successes and failures. She spent time on the rink trying to communicate with me. Her coach was frustrated. I was frustrated. DD wanted to quit. I go now and sit on a bench off to the side and away from the viewing window. I read (on my phone). It's quiet. DD skates. I look up frequently to make sure all is well. If the coach or DD need me to watch something, they make eye contact with me or motion for me to come down. I might look like I don't care. I might look to an observer like a disinterested mom. But I KNOW what works for me and what works for my DD. She LOVES skating. I LOVE that she has something that is her very own. It works.