I think it really depends on the mother and child. With my oldest, we kind of fit together in a way that nobody could tell we were nursing. And her body and head hid that my shirt was raised on one side (i wore basic cotton tshirts). It looked like I was just holding her and carrying her around. I'm sure of this because I had people come up and start talking to me about her who had no idea. Once an elderly lady in a department store kissed her on the head while she was nursing and had no idea - uncomfortable! My Dad used to say while I was sitting in the chair nursing her as a toddler "when will you be ready to go?" And I'd say "as soon as she's done eating, Dad." And he'd get this confused look on his face and say "she's eating?"

Chiming in from Texas. We're a "just do it" state. Nothing to file, no requirements, and nobody to inform. Regarding participating in public school activities, it is up to each individual principal, but I've never heard of anyone turned down. The thing is, we have so many options here for extra-curriculars for home schoolers, I'm not sure you'd really end up being interested in the public school activities. Texas has so many homeschoolers (the most in the nation), that you'll find daytime homeschool Co-ops, athletic leagues, service organizations and private classes like dance, cheer, martial arts, art, etc. in the major cities.

I found out in my early thirties that I had substantial hearing loss and was prescribed hearing aides. You will need to see an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Dr. who has an audiologist on staff. These types of doctors specialize in hearing loss. They have the "magic" sound booth thing and advance testing equipment in the office. Your family dr. should be able to recommend one. and don't worry - hearing aides have come a loooong way. Mine are invisible and completely inside my ear. You may be quite surprised at what you've been missing once you hear the difference with hearing aides! Edited to add: -- and No, insurance usually doesn't pay anything and they're not cheap. But most doctors will work out a very reasonable payment plan.

It shouldn't be like that. I'm sorry. Our experience changed our lives (in a positive way). The neuropsych was a lovely, warm, supportive woman. After our testing, we felt like we finally had someone smart and supportive "on our team." It was such a relief for me not to be alone and carrying around that "something's not right" feeling but not being taken seriously. It's likely your child will be followed yearly to monitor progress - maybe you could shop around for someone you feel good about? In support,

I've found that for my own peace and sanity, the best response to those sorts of things is along the lines of "thanks, I'll think about that." And nothing more. You don't have to say what you will think about that.

$10-15 per hour here for two children. Doesn't matter whether they're asleep. Plus I would want my sitter to take her responsibilities just as seriously when the kids are asleep. For more than two, I'm afraid I'd have to pay more. I've traded sitting in the past with a friend. She came to our place one week while dh and I went out and then I went to hers the next. Is that maybe an option for you?

You've had a lot of replies, and I completely understand the money part. My two just started their treatment. And we cannot afford it. But teeth are really important. People unintentionally/subconsciously form unfavorable or prejudicial opinions about people with untreated crooked teeth. Like in job interviews for example. The thing is, there's a window, during times of great growth - usually between the age of 7 and 11 where certain structural things can be corrected. After that, it can be uncorrectable. I know this because I waited until my oldest was almost twelve and we were a little late to properly move her lower jaw out. About the money, shop around. We found a good orthodontist that offered no interest payments through his office. He allowed us to stretch out the payments longer than typical which made them almost affordable. Don't be afraid to ask. Good luck

I'd invite my neighbor/farm owner over for lunch. Hopefully, I'd end the lunch with a new friend (sensitive to doing whatever is REASONABLE for neighborly relations), an extended classroom for my home schoolers, and an agreement for life long free fresh eggs and poultry!

Amanda Bennett has a four week 2012 Election year unit study that looks good. http://www.unitstudy.com/Elections_Study.html

When I was first considering homeschooling, I was told by some educational professional (can't remember who) that it was Dallas and Collin County, Texas.

Whole Foods has them.

Those that use this, do you use Discovery Science or Streaming? I am considering subscribing through the current HSBC deal and am confused as to which would be most useful. Thanks!

Have one, actually have almost always had one. NEVER open it.

And after you've cut all the covers and binding off the books, you can save the pages for another craft project or decorate your office wall with some cute pages. Because that's way better than, you know, actually READING.

I am told New Jersey has some of the best services. I had a client who moved NJ for her autistic child to receive services. Have you seen this? http://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us/press-releases/10-best-places-live-if-you-have-autism