[Updated -- Surgery went great!]

Awesome! I hope you heal quickly!

[Updated -- Surgery went great!]

Thinking of you and hope it all goes well.

[S/O compliance- Most Restrictive Homeschooling States?]

Some of the higher hassle states sound like more of an executive function challenge than anything else.

[S/O compliance- Most Restrictive Homeschooling States?]

None of these sound bad. But, I don’t even have a list of required subjects. So that’s more restrictive than FL.

 

Any child with a learning disability, in any state, without a clause like “to the student’s ability†in reviews, may be a stretch to homeschool lawfully, or at risk for scrutiny, IMO.

[Anybody posted about the 13 siblings found chained in California home?]

 

So I do think that we are headed toward greatly increased homeschooling regulations. We can complain about how most homeschoolers aren't like that, but if the public sees homeschooling as an option that makes abuse easier to hide then public opinion will be for increased regulation.

 

Really, it's like flying. We can say that flying is safe. We can cite statistics about how much safer air travel is than driving or we can cite statistics about how rare hijackings are. But at the end of the day, a tragedy like 9-11 happens so we increase screening and security. As a society, we have agreed to give up some personal freedom when we fly in order to prevent those few horrific tragedies.

 

Personally, I would have no problem with an annual visit to lay eyes on my kids. In our state we already register, keep attendance, and test annually. I have seen first-hand how those simple requirements have done enormous good by preventing bad homeschooling situations or giving parents the information they need to get back on track. I can only see good coming from an annual visit to the home.

Re: increased regulation...

 

I think that most states won’t bother increasing regulation. I think the likelihood of a politician taking these instances and passing laws is unlikely. I feel most politicians can’t pass any laws for almost anything nowadays, and Homeschooling still seems kind of a fringe topic.

 

But, maybe politicians love fringe topics that don’t affect many voters and everyone wants to see more regulated?

[S/O compliance- Most Restrictive Homeschooling States?]

I sometimes see posts asking about low regulation states, or see requirements from specific states listed when someone is planning on moving. I’m wondering if your state is considered very restrictive and a general idea of the requirements. Either if you feel it’s restrictive, or others in general around you feel that way. I’m vaguely aware some states require time/hours per year, maybe certain subjects, etc. What’s the most restrictive states? Non-US countries are free to play! I’m curious about other countries, too.

[Anybody posted about the 13 siblings found chained in California home?]

to me that's not a reason to say 'see oversight wouldn't work'. That's a failure of a completely inadequate social services and child protection system.

 

It's an argument for more funding for child protection and a more robust system which provides free parenting classes (with transportation and coupons and other incentives to get parents to come), substance abuse programs, public health nurses which visit babies and children regularly and can refer families to counselling, nutrition programs and community support etc etc.

 

Sure there is a handful of truly psychopathic scheming people who will go great lengths to abuse others. But the vast majority of abuse it seems to me happens in homes which are not like that, where small things, bad starts, lack of education, poor coping skills, poverty, cycles of abuse, addictions etc all come together in a storm of neglect or outright abuse.

 

At so many little steps along the way, interventions by the community & extended family & the state could make a difference.

 

I believe we should be trying harder.

 

& I don't think education is really the point here. I don't think homeschooling oversight is the issue - I believe we need way more robust social services, child protection and public health community outreach to all families, whether their kids are in school or not.

Ita re: more social support. But in the US we don’t choose to fund those things, or healthcare in case there’s mental health needs, or visiting nurses, or childcare help, or maternity leave, or medicines, etc. With such a large population and large area geographically to cover, we need to have more available resources.

 

As an aside, an I the only one who doesn’t want to visit Disney any time soon? Blech!

[Need new relationship help]

I think any untreated mental illness puts a strain on a relationship. Depending on the severity, it could be something that prevents a successful relationship or has little impact. If I were in a serious relationship (dating with intent to marry), I would not marry unless the mental illness was treated or it did not affect us. It would be a deal breaker to stop treatments in the future randomly.

 

I understand some illnesses are more difficult to treat than others, some people need more time to find medicines or therapies that work. But I think the majority of any relationship, even friendships, can be strained by untreated mental illness. Not just mental illness, medical illnesses, conditions, etc. They can all make relationships harder.

[I quit! Time to curl up in a ball]

Hugs. When it rains it pours...

[Do you ever get tired of taking care of others....]

Um, yes? Like, all the time? Seriously.

[All-inclusive vacation or cruise?]

For cruises, I like them but I also get frustrated at the price games. X price for the cruise advertised, but it’s actually Y price booked because of scheduling conflicts, the Z final price for the room. Then another X for tips, Y for excursions, Z for drinks, AA for specialty restaurant, etc. I’d say if you assume the trip is twice the price as a cruise ticket, you’ll be less frustrated when the costs add up. It’s probably not twice the price, but maybe you understand where I’m coming from. I like cruises d/t: with kids there’s no need to relocate everyone every few days to see new things, you get a wide exposure to new places, they have babysitting, I like sailing/boating on the water, kids like pools, etc. Resorts are fine if you want to stay in one place. Idk, I feel staying at a resort is more like a hotel vs a cruise, for some reason.

 

If you want to cruise, you MUST go to cruisecritic.com. They have forums discussing different cruise lines, destinations, rooms on the boat, excursions, etc.

[7yr olds and extracurriculars]

ETA- I believe art and music are important and we had piano and guitar for a bit, but because of disabilities, I stopped. We will be starting again, as hopefully with age and maturity it may be easier now. I’d expose art and music in different ways if you’re getting a lot of pushback. I played piano as a child for years, and started to resent it. I think exposure is good, so I allow instrument rotation after lessons on a prior instrument have been done for a few months. If art is hated, try a different medium or even art appreciation.

 

FWIW, a lot of people who despise a lot of sports and physical coordination activities (or are bad at them), may have a low level physical disability and not know it. Dyspraxia is a very common condition and may just manifest as clumsiness or delayed physical maturity. I’m not suggesting the OP family has this, but just for random readers of my post... ðŸ˜

[7yr olds and extracurriculars]

Another atypical situation here, so take it with a grain of salt. We did swim lessons until proficient. I required sports 3-4 days per week (of sports I offered-choosing from the choices), plus usually one day of free play park stuff. It was mostly for PE and therapy (physical and social). We don’t play outside regularly enough for the kids to get required exercise due to various factors. I’ve not required sports for the summer and fall as much, and we will be starting back soon. I do let the kids play the sport as long as they like it, then switch to another choice.

 

If my kids didn’t need therapy sports, and they got a good 5-6 days of solid 1-2 hours exercise, I’d not care or force it. I’d probably take them on walks or bike rides or runs. I would also consider a sports rotation class, where they introduce different sports just to have exposure. Here, a lot of school PE isn’t sport game oriented until middle school, with elementary age just playing kickball and fake basketball.

[Romantic trip to Florida Keys during spring break... are we crazy?]

The other keys should be ok, as the more popular key west, Miami, and ft Lauderdale are spring break college crazy.

 

It should be normal family vacationers on the other keys during spring break, or locals on a short trip vacation. They shouldn’t be horribly crowded, but I haven’t been for a few years during that time period.

[finally did my dna tests . . .]

You don't have to answer any of the questions--they're for research and you can choose to participate or not.

 

You can answer all the question, or just a few questions, or no questions.

Hmmm... somehow DH forgot to mention that, making it sound all self-sacrificial. 🙄

[finally did my dna tests . . .]

DH did 23 and me and said there were 1,000 questions!

 

It’s giving me second thoughts about doing it 😆

[Finger stretcher exerciser things - any recommendations?]

We use for finger strength- instrument playing (piano, guitar), bubble wrap popping, big air pillows from packages popping.

 

Something like this- lasts well- https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071JL6PYZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1515624939&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=finger+strength&dpPl=1&dpID=51qDc61S1YL&ref=plSrch

 

Something like this - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PGPN7WC/ref=pd_aw_sim_200_of_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3YZ2GBZKY2Y1X7GMBFQN

 

Yoga and regular pushups are great for finger/hand/wrist strength.

 

Also, therapy bands, with attention to exercising upper body.

[HappyPAMama prayers and healing thoughts]

Hugs and prayers for you.

[need help fast]

Maybe that CNN student news website?

 

I’m on my mobile but maybe there’s a search feature on the main website?

 

http://www.cnn.com/cnn10

 

This looks promising but I haven’t vetted it - https://www.dogonews.com

[no-small-pieces gift ideas for 5 YO boy?]

Stomp rocket.

Outdoor toys like scooters/fun riding toys.

Roller skates (maybe).

Blow up punching bag?

[Thoughts and prayers appreciated]

Hugs and prayers!

[Have you ever run for office? (Not "political", more "civics")]

I want to get into politics and try to change our school curriculum and IEP services. But, I can’t right now.

[Have you ever run for office? (Not "political", more "civics")]

Good luck!!!

[Allergy to wine/mead?]

I saw a doctor as I now have an ulcer on the inside of my right cheek (probably form biting on it due to swelling). I am on steroids and have a referral to an allergist.

 

If this didn't happen to me, I wouldn't believe it. I mean, really?? Three or four sips of wine and bam...

 

What stinks is I only started drinking wine about a year ago. My therapist recommended it as a way to relax. Hah!

 

I think I will let DD, DFSIL, DS, and DH do the wine tasting for the wedding reception. I'll stick to chai.

If you still want alcohol to relax, you can have a different alcohol. After testing by the allergist, you will probably be ok with a shot of liquor instead. Or tea!

 

I hope you are feeling better!

[Allergy to wine/mead?]

You need to follow up. This reaction should be tested by an allergist and you need to keep an epi pen on you. Allergies can occur to known “safe†foods for any person at any time. Lips/tongue swelling is an emergency and may happen to a worse extent any time in the future. You need to redose Benadryl every 6? Hours as it gets metabolized, but I’d consult with a doctor to get steroids, an epi pen rx, and a consult with an allergist, as well as the right dose of Benadryl. I hope you get better soon!!