Thanks for much for all the advice. I think before Christmas break I will set up a conference with the principal. (And bring my husband along to let him know we really mean business.) I've already contacted the principal about the bullying and told him that I'm considering homeschooling again if things don't improve. I did this a few weeks ago, before the most recent incident. In that first email, I requested a change to another 4th grade class. The principal responded with "Let talk to the bully and Mr. H (the teacher) to see if we can't improve the situation with some communication. (since then, there has been little to no improvement) Also, he set up my son to join an assertiveness training group that meets once a week--which I agreed was a good idea because height will probably continue to be an issue and ds needs to learn how to handle challenging situations. The group met the first time on Friday, and DS liked it so that was good. I've looked over the district policies, and I'm pretty sure he'll be able to stay in this group regardless of whether or not we homeschool. I'll just have to take him up to the school whenever they meet, which is no big deal because the school is 2 blocks away. When we meet with the principal, dh and I are agreed that we will come out of it with one of two options--change of classes or homeschooling. We feel we've given the teacher plenty of time (half a year) to prove himself, and even after several conferences and phone calls, things just aren't working out. My son isn't innocent here...he could also do a few things to improve his situation, but we just don't think this is a good academic or social match. Thanks again for all your help. I'll let you all know how things work out!

Thanks for the response. I'm going to go back and look at the CLE LU's and compare that with what he's completed (or SHOULD have completed) at school. When all these issues were coming up after a few weeks into the school year, I asked if he wanted to homeschool again. He was a very adamant "NO." His reason? He likes recess and playing with other kids (not the ones in his class who are teasing him...these are 4th graders from other classes who he only sees at recess.) The last time I asked how he felt about homeschooling, he seemed a lot more receptive to the idea, especially if we keep the specials at the school.

Hello, It's been a long time since I've been here. We moved in 2011 and we put the kids in school. Three out of four of the kids have (mostly) thrived in the school environment. It's not all unicorns and rainbows, but we've been able to overcome most of the challenges and they'v e done pretty well both academically and socially. My 9 year old has been a different story. Second grade was his first experience with "real" school, and there was definitely an adjustment period, although it was probably the 3rd quarter before he stopped asking if he could homeschool again. Third grade seemed to go ok. Not fabulous, but better than 2nd grade. 4th grade has been one challenge after another. For starters, the teacher seems pretty unorganized. Also, the class (in the teacher's own words) is challenging. In this class, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and my son is pretty quiet (not squeaky enough!) so I'm afraid he's falling through the cracks. There have also been some minor-but-increasing bullying issues with my son. He's always been a little guy (could probably pass for a 2nd grader) but this hasn't been an issue until this year. We only have 7 more months left at this duty station, but my gut instinct is to pull him out at the end of the 2nd quarter because this is just not a good place for him. (due to a health procedure I'm having in a few weeks, it'd be hard to yank him out before then.) But here are the reasons I feel that maybe I need him to stay: 1.) Unless he shoots up 2 feet overnight, he's always going to have to deal with being a small kid. We'll probably put him back in school wherever we go next. Should we work on having him learn how to deal with this rather than avoiding the issue by pulling him out of school? In other words, am I doing him a disservice by pulling him out of school rather than helping him learn coping skills? 2) He is lukewarm about homeschooling. I would probably let him keep going to the "specials" (Art, Music, PE) but keep him for the major academic subjects. (he's not learning much academically at school anyway!) 3) I don't know where and how I would start at this point. Last time we homeschooled we used Christian Light and we really liked it, so I'd love to do that again, but does he start working at the beginning of 4th grade? And how long would this year last? (we wouldn't be able to finish before the regular school year ended.) Or, another option is to buy copies of the text books he's been using so far, and simply finish out the year with those. Some of them are ok, but I find the math book particularly hard to follow and sub-par. Any thoughts? Ideas? Opinions? It feels weird to be back here again, but strangely familiar and comfortable. I'm secretly rooting to bring him back home because I would like it, but I'm trying to do what's best for him. Thanks in advance for all your help.

Thanks so much for all the advice. We have a lot to think about in the next few months before the move. On one hand I can see how the continuity of homeschooling can be a comfortable, unchanging thing that can help ease the transition from here to there. On the other hand, part of me thinks it might be better to just do it all at once rather than making all the changes drag out. (The "rip off the bandaid" approach.) I don't know....like I said, we have a lot to think about. I'm starting to think that leaving homeschooling is just as terrifying, stressful, keep-me-awake-inducing as getting started in homeschooling. If anyone else has any btdt stories, I'd still love to hear them!

We're moving to Okinawa. Your example is exactly the kind of thing that might keep them home...it's one of those unknowns that we just have to see once we get there.

Hi everyone, I don’t know where else to go with this. We’re moving overseas this summer. We started homeschooling because the schools at this duty station are horrible, but the schools at the new place are supposedly wonderful. Last night, DH and I were talking, and we sort of decided to send the kids to school next year unless we find something significantly wrong with them once we arrive. Ever since that conversation I’ve had this knot in my stomach. I know it’s just the response to change—I felt this same way when we decided to home school. Here’s what’s worrying me: 1. My oldest is going into 6th grade. We thought it would be better to start him when all the kids would also be new (beginning of middle school) instead of when he would be one of the few new kids. But, this kid sort of marches to the beat of his own drummer, and I’m worried he’s going to be picked on, or worse…bullied. 2. I’m going to miss them! This surprises me most of all, because most days I’m so irritated by the noise, messes, and general craziness of our days. When I mentioned this to my husband, he said, “Well, we didn’t keep them home for you.†(He said it nicer than that….it sounds kind of rude when I just typed it here.) And lately our home had been anything but peaceful. I think DH sees this (and the stress I’m under) and has been sort of hinting lately that maybe we should rethink this whole homeschooling thing. Honestly, I think they'd probably do just fine in school and I don't think I'm doing a better job (academically) at home. Most days I sort of dread the whole "let's get school started" part of our day, although once we do start I enjoy the time I spend with the them and I love seeing them learn new things. I’ll admit, a tiny part of me is looking forward to the quiet, free time I’ll have if they are all in school. I’m just really blindsided by this empty nest feeling. 3. We had planned on testing this spring anyway, but now I feel like we really need to commit to it. (They’ve never tested before.) The DoD schools use the Terra Nova (CTBS) test. Should I use this one, or go with ITBS (which I had originally planned on.) What else do I need to do to (record-wise) to get them all set up in school? 4. I feel like my whole identity will change. For the last three years, my world has revolved around curriculum, school time, etc….. What will I do with myself when I don’t have to troll around the internet each spring salivating over what shiny new curriculum I’m going to pick for the next year? I’m just really going to miss being part of the homeschooling community. Again, this has more to do with ME instead of the kids. So, any advice? I know this is a Homeschooling Board, so the responses will probably be anti-school, but if anyone has made the transition so school and knows what I’m going through, (and is reading this!) how did you get through it? Do you have any suggestions?

We love this show! It's one of the few shows that the whole family can watch (and enjoy!) together!

I'm not a fan of watching other peoples' kids either. I'm always floored at how demanding they are. I remember once I was eating my lunch (the kids had already eaten) and little "guest" asked, "Can I have some of what you're having?" I couldn't believe it. When I was little I wouldn't have asked for water even if I was dying of thirst.

I wrote a "bad day" thread a few days ago....I wish I had used your system! The throw the kids outside part of it sounds really appealing! It's not too cold here in South Carolina.....they'll survive.

I read this a while back. It is very insightful, and a litte disconserting. If you decide to read it, you'll find yourself wanting to ask your husband all the time, "You're not really like this, are you?" and then if you do ask him, you'll be surprised by the answer. The whole topic about mens' internal struggles regarding s*x was very eye opening for me. From what I remember, the author interviewed/studied 1000 men picked at random and was flabbergasted by the results. She was worried that she had randomly, unintentionally selected some deviant males, so the surveyed 1000 Christian, church-going men, and got the same results. I'd recommend this book if your interested in finding out the differences in how men and women view things. It's a quick read, and I really learned a lot from it. It also makes you a little more...sympathetic....to their "needs." Hope this helps!

:grouphug: I know this is a rough time, but I'll also bet that lots of us on here have written a post like yours at one time or another. We've all been there. Think about why you brought them home and know that this is the best thing for them right now, and you know that because you are the grown up. Is there possibly an opportunity for you to attend a homeschool convention anytime soon? I just went to my first one this past summer, and I wish I hadn't waited so long to get to one. The speakers and workshops were great at inspiring me and give me ideas as to how to make things run more smoothly at home, and the curriculum hall was amazing! Sometimes you need to hold a book in your hand to see if it's going to work for you. Plus, I went alone, so it was sort of a (wonderful) working vacation! I agree with everything all the others have already said, including the chocolate....especially the chocolate! Hang in there...you can do this!

Been there, done that.....desperate times call for desperate measures... As far as the dryer to bed sans folding thing....totally me, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

My vote was Meh...whenever. My goal is every two weeks, but in reality is usually around once a month. I used to be better about it, but then this happened to me: BUNK BEDS. If you ever come for an overnight visit, you'll get clean sheets...I promise!

AAaackkk! :eek: I was already freaked out about the bed bugs, now I have the hot tubs and cuts to worry about. (Dh does NOT thank you! ;) This is what I need to hear. Common sense thinking!

I called and asked about it. They sent me an email with the information. Williamsburg Plantation is also hosting their Homeschool Days the same week, so we'll probably go there to add a little educational value to our vacation!

Well, the title almost says it all. Great Wolf Lodge is having their Homeschool Experience Week at the end of February. These are GREAT rates, so if you've every thought of going, now is the time to do it. Here's the info from the flyer they sent me: HOMESCHOOL EXPERIENCE SPRING / FALL 2011 NO MINIMUM STAY REQUIRED February 27 (arrive) – March 4 (depart), 2011 Booking Code: 0211HOME FAMILY, LOFT, KIDCABIN, KIDKAMP, WOLF DEN, MAJESTIC OR GRIZZLY SUITES (Limited number of each room type available) *$139.00, plus tax, per night Call 1-800-551-WOLF (9653) ask for HOMESCHOOL EXPERIENCE Or Book Online at www.greatwolf.com using the above codes Now, the bad news....with all the bed bug talk I did some research. They've found them at GWL. Grrrr..... I know they're not in every room and the chances are pretty slim but I'm still a little paranoid. (Ok, A LOT paranoid!) The kids had a great time last year and we've already booked our room for this year so I'm trying to think of "coping strategies" of how to get get through it with my sanity intact! I know what the critters look like and what to look for, and I have some ideas of how to keep them from coming home with us. For example, I thought instead of suitcases (which have a lot of little crevices and hiding places) we could pack everything in some medium sized rubbermaid totes. And, I'll go in before anyone else and thoroughly inspect the room. Also, we'll wash everything in hot once we get back. My husband thinks I'm crazy....so I need you guys to talk me down. Any tips, suggestions, ideas? Are we taking a big chance doing this?

I try to get a sitter at least once a week, usually Friday afternoons for about 4 house, to run errands and get some "me" time. Sometimes I just go to a movie alone. Those two hours where I don't have to talk to anyone and I can lose myself in the story are just marvelous! I also try to volunteer. The organizations I volunteer with do cover the cost of childcare, so that helps. The downside of this is that I have to know when to say no. If I have too many things going on it gets very stressful. When I go for a long time without a break from the kids, this happens.

When DH deploys, or is gone for even one night, I never fall asleep without the TV on. That way I wouldn't hear all those noises that sound extra loud when you're the only adult in the house. Usually around 3am I wake up and turn the tv off. I know it's a waste of electricity, but it's either that or you'd read in the headlines that a crazy, sleepless military wife went beserk. We also have a security system now, so I'll set the alarm before bed. Also, there's a second keypad in my room, so if anything happens all I have to do is hit the panic button.

Thanks, you guys. (not that I'm glad your children are unruly too....but I guess misery loves company!) However, I have to admit...my first thought when I saw the comments were, "Oh yeah....what about the Duggars? That Michelle is perfectly calm all the time, and the girls all have braids....BRAIDS! in their hair." Drugs....heavily sedating drugs...do you think they're on drugs? (The parents....or the kids....or both?) Sorry to be a sourpuss...I'm in that kind of a mood tonight.

This did happen to a friend of mine. He did Very Bad Things to her, and she's never been the same since. So, yes, I a little paranoid and frequently check the backseat and flip on the lights. On a lighter subject, sometimes when all the kids have gone to bed I'll do a little hoppy dance going down the stairs. There's an extra jig at the end if DH fell asleep putting someone to bed, because that means I have the house to myself! Bwaa-haa-haa!

I've had a day. Highlights of this "wonderful" day include: arguing, running-around-the-house, slightly crazy children who've needed reprimanding an average of 7 times an hour. spending an hour in the bathroom with a constipated four-year-old while another very upset eight-year-old is opening the door every five minutes to see if she's "done" because she is VERY late for gymnastics. Both said girls are crying. yelling at a mischevious 10-year-old who thought it would be funny to taunt both of his crying sisters in their moments of weakness. blowing my top at a child who, although I'd told him at least 10 times to put on his shoes, thought it would be ok to just hold them in his hands instead of wearing them on his feet. I've seen those families who seem calm all the time; whose children never disagree with each other or slow the slightest bit of "wound up" behavior. They NEVER disagree or show attitude to their parents. They're always on time wherever they go, the children are neatly dressed and hair perfectly coifed; house is neat and peaceful, and certainly no one is ever constipated. I want to be one of those people. After a day like today, I feel like I'm failing miserably.

I played school all the time. I made my lesson plans and grade book and even a seating chart. My "students" were imaginary, though...based on kids from my real life class. So, I'd make the bullies and meanies get in trouble all the time, and, of course, I was the teacher's pet. Then I became a Catholic school teacher as an adult. A few years later, despite myself....I became a homeschooler. Now I don't think I'll ever go back to being a classroom teacher. Someday I'll go back to work, but I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

I was the middle of three girls. I hated the odd number. Someone was always left out. So I knew when I grew up I'd have even number children. Two just didn't seem enough...so we ended up with four. (It's a silly, childish plan...I know.) Anyway, we knew we wanted a largish family--at least four. By the time I got #4 I started wondering if I was done. I've had c-sections with all of them, and I was beginning to worry if maybe my uterus had enough trauma to it. I wasn't sure if it was worth the risk to keep having children. And, #4 was really a challenge for me. Well, maybe not her individually, but collectivelly I was starting to feel like four was all I could manage. Then about a year ago our family went to a water park, and it was so nice that I could play with ALL the kids. I could go on the big slides with the bigger kids, and I could play with the little one in the younger area. I wasn't pregnant so I didn't have to be careful, and I didn't have a baby on my hip. It was just....nice. Some days I really miss having a baby...they're just so yummy. And nothing has been permanently done, so we never say never. But we're taking precautions, and we always say that if God wants us to have another baby, then he'll get one in there.

Don't start until Tuesday. :tongue_smilie: Just kidding--I feel exactly like you...and it's taking every ounce of discipline not to take just. one. more. day. On the bright side, at least we don't have to spend today washing & ironing school uniforms and nagging kids to finish up projects. And then in the morning--nagging kids to get up and out of bed, fixing all those lunch boxes, running around like a crazy person trying to find the one missing shoe before the bus gets here..... (Is it horrible of me to be glad I'm not one of THOSE people?)

Another vote for St. Augustine. I grew up in Jacksonville, and went to college in St. Augustine (Flagler College.) St. Augustine is definitely the clear choice. Like others said, Jacksonville is just a city, and it's HUGE (distance-wise.) You could spend all day in the car getting from one place to another. St. Augustine has so many things to do in a relatively small area. It's certainly more visitor-friendly. The beaches are a little quieter in St. Aug vs. Jacksonville too (although that doesn't matter too much this time of year.) Enjoy your trip!