I am out of ideas & patience, and need some advice. My dd, age 6 has a REAL big problem with getting physical. If someone says something she doesn't like, or does something she doesn't like, if she's irritated, etc..... Her automatic response is to hit, push, whatever. 90% of the time it doesn't hurt the person, but that's not the point. We have tried everything. We use consequences that really hit home, and she's missed out on doing many of her favorite things, had things taken away, had time outs, etc.... We've talked about it over & over, and she isn't a mean girl, it's become habit and automatic for her. The one (if there is one) blessing is that she hasn't done it to anyone outside our family. But maybe that's because she really isn't around anyone else on a regular basis to get mad or irritated with them. Please, any ideas?

I am praying.

I really wanted to have my kids learn languages early, and have gotten sidetracked.:001_huh: Originally, I thought spanish, but I see a lot of you do french. Also, what about latin, what about greek??? I would love to learn along with them, but want them to get whatever will help them the most. What's the best curriculum for your pic? My dd is 6. She is learning to read, but isn't doing much past short/med words yet. Thanks!

I used to be a total coffee addict, and I still do drink it, but I try to limit it to 1 large cup in the morning. (And that still keeps me regular-yes, TMI) But, I drink tea all through the day now. I usually have one about an hour after my coffee, and at least another in the afternoon. Then, I always have one after dinner to try and keep my dessert cravings down. Anyway, do you have any tea shops near you? We have several, and the people are usually very knowledgable, plus you can usually try samples. Teavana is a chain (go on teavana.com) and you could see if there are any near you. What's nice about them is that they blend the tea for you, so you should be able to get whatever flavors you like. I used to add tons of honey to mine, but now I don't even add sweetner to some. Happy hunting.

I think exercise is important, but I have never been into sports either. My dd is, and my ds isn't! But, what we are doing is joining the local YMCA. The great thing is, they have a homeschool "Fit for Kids" class 2 times per week and they get to learn all the different sports. I figure that way, if ds does like something, we can foster it, otherwise at least he's getting exercise. Do you have access to a Y? If not, the only other thing I would reccommend is to wait until next summer & sign him up for some of the summer activities that they have in the community. That way, again he just gets to try for a while. By the way, I think you are just great to even consider "coaching" him. With your 2 other little ones around?:eek: I would tell my DS if he wanted any coaching done he would need to figure it out, not me! But that's just me.:D Good luck!

I love these forums!!! You all are so helpful & willing to take the time to offer advice, and it is very much appreciated!:thumbup: I am constantly cutting & pasting info that people give onto pages that I then print out & file for future use. Also, it's so nice to hear other's stories, good & bad, that I can identify with. Sometimes, in "the real world" when I'm talking to other moms, I feel like I'm from another planet or something!:001_huh: Thanks everyone, and I love you guys!:D

We started school 2 weeks ago, and I have switched my phonics, math, AND added a different science, as well as added Living Books Curriculum to Sonlight & WP Animals and Their Worlds!! But.... the good news is, I am THRILLED with my phonics choice-finally, and I am happy with my combination of the rest. I've also learned that while I love the SL books, I don't need the IG, and with WP Animals, I can't do a whole year of just that as my main focus. Good luck!

I just bought a character study program from someone on here! Don't burst my bubble!!!:lol:

I'm not depressed, but I become a meanmom also when I'm not on something. (currently lexapro). It's like pms to the 100th power-ALL MONTH LONG! I would like to not be on anything either, so I know how you feel. But..... if you feel like you've tried without & you and your family are suffering, do what you need to do. Don't feel guilty.

I had to read this, now I wish I hadn't!!! My dd is 6 & my ds is 4, and it is the same way. Play great, love, love, love each other, and the next minute-war! My problem is with my dd, who is always so physical. Pushing, pinching, hitting, etc... None of it really hurts, but it's the point that she does it. We do have consequences, but it doesn't seem to help. I know she tries, but self control is a real problem with her. NOW I have to start worrying about puberty??? I feel like she's already IN puberty at age 6. Good luck & God Bless!:D

Rebecca: I just sent you a pm, re LBC, I hope you get it! Anyway, we were running into a similar situation with my dd. Do you have a YMCA near you? We have one that's about 40min away, which is a pain, but they have a great Homeschool Fit for Kids class that meets twice a week. That has helped a lot. Also, we did join a co-op and we really enjoy it. I hate to say my kids only need to be friends with other hs kids, but they really need to feel they belong to some sort of "group". I don't think this is always the case, especially when you have a big family, but with just 1 or 2, I think it helps to have the connections. Keep searching! Blessings, Tammi

I JUST saw this! Thought it deserved to be seen again.

Okay-Am I the only one here that wants their dd's in dance class? She loves it, which is a big part of the reason, but we are doing soccer on Saturday's, piano, Wed. night church & AWANA, PLUS I have her in a Fit for Kids class at the YMCA 2 afternoons a week. WAAAY enough activities, right? Plus, the expense of dance lessons, the costumes, etc... So why do I feel sad at not having her do it? Am I falling into that trap of "I'm just trying to give her every opportunity" thing? It's not like she's going into it professionally, because our dance studio isn't very good (sorry Miss Nettie!). I guess I just need reassurance that it's okay not to have her in every activity under the sun, even if SHE wants it.

I LOVE the timer idea!! That way, I'm not constantly nagging them to "hurry up!" And even though I thought I had things organized, I didn't really have a specific time frame for the subjects, I just had my list of everything I thought we needed to do. Thanks for everybody's advice! I think I'm a little calmer now.:tongue_smilie:

I know exactly what you mean! My dd is further in some of the things we are doing too, but I figure it will only reinforce what she already knows, plus make her more confidant. Plus, when starting something completely new for both of you, I think it would help to start at the beginning. You can always do more than one lesson a day, also, see how it goes, and skip what you need to. That's what we did last year with Saxon Math K. Some days, I did 7 or 8 lessons at a time! Good luck!

We'll be starting on our 2nd week, and already I'm second guessing all of my choices already! I feel like everything is taking way too long, and I still haven't fit everything in. Also, I'm 2nd guessing a lot of my curriculum because I feel like I'm leaving things out. So far, I feel like all we're doing is read alouds, which they love, but I haven't even had time to fit in math or phonics. And, I'm not happy with my phonics/LA program. I'm thinking of switiching to Alphabet Island phonics. I'm just worried they aren't getting what they need!! Is this panic normal in the beginning?

Aubrey: I think you gave me my answer-to pray about it. I pray about everything else, but when it comes to curriculum, I somehow think I know what's best! Thanks!

Jen: Did you supplement headsprout with something? I was thinking of using it also, my dd loves computer stuff. Maybe Explode the Code? Thanks

I don't know if it's me, dd, or the curriculum, but we just can't seem to find the right fit! We tried HOP, click n kids (which was good, but I can't JUST use it), Sonlight, and Winterpromise. I guess I want something that's easy for me, but not boring for her. How many did any of you go through before you found the right one? Thanks!

Hey everyone! I finally joined facebook, and am trying to come up with a witty description of my "job duties" as a home school mom. Any thoughts/help would be MUCH appreciated. My brain has left the building!!!:tongue_smilie:

That is unreal!!! People amaze me. I know there are a lot of legal things you could do, but even though he is totally in the wrong, I'm sure you want to avoid being on bad terms with a neighbor. I would do as some of the others have said, and just re-state what you said in your post. And be honest and say you don't want there to be hard feelings, but you need him to respect your wishes. Good Luck!:patriot:

Okay, I admit it, I watch reality tv! Anyway, Nashville Star is one of the shows, and tonight the contestants sang their own songs. One girls is entitled "Mike's Hard Lemonaide"!!! I was dying laughing, and my dh thought I was crazy.

I really agree here!:iagree: Also, have you read the book "Better Late Than Early" by Raymond & Dorothy Moore? At 6 (my dd is) we think they should be reading, doing math problems, etc... based on what "society" says. When honestly, they learn the most by just interacting and being with us. Anything else is a bonus. I was going to do "regular" school this past year with my dd, had my schoolroom ready, her desk, VERY structured curriculum, phonics, etc.. and guess what? It didn't work. My dd is very strong-willed and has her issues, but I didn't force it. I did have a structured day, which I think she needed, but we also did all the things that she really enjoys. Nature walks, exploration, cooking, tons of reading aloud, games, printables I found on-line, educational dvd's. It worked really well, because she was busy and structured, but I wasn't forcing anything. And, we could deviate when we wanted. My dd is very creative, and always making up some kind of craft, or games and involving her younger brother. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted you to see that we get so locked in to what we think we are supposed to do, when we don't have to. One other thing, is your dd involved in any activities like dance, gymnastics, sports? I don't think you should overdo it, but my dd is in dance, and takes piano lessons, and so she does have to follow rules and knows "it's not all about her". Also, she has Sunday school. Are you involved in any type of homeschool co-op? That might be good too. Last of all, you need to take care of yourself. :) I totally understand how draining this is on you, and how you feel you're at the end of your rope. Are you able to get any time to yourself each day? (ha, ha, right?) But we've talked to a Christian therapist (who homeschooled!) and she really stressed the importance of it both for yourself and your ds. I'll be praying for you & your family.

I've never seen it, and have always wanted to-with the "whole experience". Of course that was when I was wild and free, and drank A LOT more! I think alcohol is for sure a big part of the whole experience. Sitting there with a DVD would not be good unless you already knew & loved it-and were drinking.:D

Oh, I feel your pain! The glass is the worst! I had it happen the other day with a Mike's Mojito-sticky, plus the little shards everywhere!! I said "God, I know my floor needs to be cleaned big time, but couldn't you have found another way to give me a hint?":confused: Speaking of Mike????? Keep him in mind for later.