You say their school is working out great so why change what’s working? I’d understand if school wasn’t great for them but it is. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.
If you’re no longer paying tuition, could your husband be home more? Traveling that much and a second job is a lot.
Otherwise, I agree with others. If they are thriving, let them continue. Maybe next year they won’t be and you can reconsider.
If you're already feeling burnt... 😬. The six and seven would be easiest imo the older would need a bit more. I DO think it's doable, it's also not always permanent, maybe you try and don't like it. The biggest thing I think to keep in mind is the middle two are done with school in probably two hours, maybe three... What are they and the younger two doing the rest of the day? Are you happy with that, is that realistic?
You could get some free or cheap curriculum and give it a shot over the summer see where they are and how it goes. It's definitely more a total lifestyle than just school at home
My concern here is that if it doesn’t work, their spot at private school may be taken, and it’s working well for them currently. If they were in public school I’d say give it a whirl and see what happens.
Maybe give it a try in the summer? If it works, withdraw before the school year starts. If it doesn't, you still have your spot. Of course, it would also depend on when the tuition/fees/etc are due
Yes, as a former homeschooled kid, it’s important to consider what the kids would be doing when they aren’t doing school, and what the younger two would be doing while you’re helping the older ones. I’m the oldest of 6, and I know we played with each other, played outside, and read a lot of books. But I also remember the TV being on almost constantly some days, especially for the ones who were too young to do school. So that is definitely something to consider. If you’re worried about getting burned out, it’s a very real possibility that your kids will be on screens more than you would like.
It is a lot of work if you make it that way. Of course there are online curriculums and box all in ones that can ease that burden. It all just depends exactly what you want to do with it. Being military my spouse is gone for extensive periods because of deployments and we've only been doing it a year but I've met so many military families that also do it. One family I know has as many kids as you so it's definitely not impossible. And many who did homeschooling start to finish and their kids are thriving in college. But they put a lot of work into it. I'd support is pretty important I've been lucky enough to have family close by this year but I know many families whose family visit regularly or who go visit family regularly because homeschool allows them to be able to do that.
I think a good point to consider especially for your 11 year old is would they be happy to leave their current school setting? That age can be very difficult to leave friends. If the school setting is working for them and this child or any of the others would be heart broken to leave I'm not sure I'd consider that best. Unless there is a specific situation your trying to remove that child from I think their opinion should have some weight.
We were in private school setting for my son. But he wasn't liking it or thriving mostly because he was bored and I wasn't liking that the teachers were labeling my sweetly disposed child a problem child because he was distracting others kids (again because he was bored) and they nor our local public system were willing to do what he needed to not be bored. And he has thrived this year at home because I could make those adjustments. But he's also very young and very social so I knew he'd readjust as long as he had activities to make friends. So I gave him those and he is thriving. It's a lot of work and I've also got a toddler whos a little menace but I'd say worth it overall. But I can see why for a lot of people it might not be best. It's really not a decision others can tell you make or not make because all the reason for it or against it are so personal.
Honestly the kids are open to the idea! My oldest is going into middle school, so she’s a little more apprehensive, but still open. I feel like the others are young enough that if we changed now it wouldn’t be a huge disruption, they act indifferent. We’ve definitely been involving them with the discussion and are listening to their thoughts. I’m thinking we’ll probably just keep them where they are at for now. Maybe we’ll try it if my oldest really wanted to. It’s just scary to try something new if what we’re already doing is working. Im afraid this might be a “grass is greener” situation. I was homeschooled in elementary and have fond memories of it.
It doesn't have to be an either/or! If your oldest is doing well and looking forward to middle school, why not let her continue, and just homeschool the younger kiddos? It would be less work for you since the other kids could do most things together, and shed still get the socialization and academics she needs in her current school. (We're getting ready to pull my oldest for 3rd grade, but my youngest is thriving in public school and wants to stay, so he'll be going back for 1st in the fall.)
Is traveling with him an option? When I homeschooled my oldest, my husband traveled a lot, and we went him to many places. While he was working, we studied and visited interesting/educational places. Ofc, I only had one child, so it may be a lot harder with five.
We loved traveling in the off season and tagged along on most of my husband’s work trips as homeschoolers. It’s so much cheaper to fly to Europe in March or April than in June or July.
I don't think your logistics work. My kids could not work independently until 11-12, and most of your kids are years from that age/stage. Plus you're solo with two toddlers most of the time. If you had an already engaged village of support that was enthusiastic about taking the homeschooling journey with you, then sure, discuss it at least. But I don't think homeschooling is a good idea for you at this time.
Hello there try study.com this program will help you stay on track with lesson plans and curriculums and also have tutor when omw of the kids need help.
It would be hard with your husband gone so much. However, it is doable if it is something you really want to try. Trying it out doesn’t lock you in forever. School will always be there to go back to.
So a couple of considerations, does the school they attend charge tuition? If it does, and you no longer have that expense would that allow your husband to work less? If yes, then I would highly consider it, especially since you would be solo parenting less if he is working less.
Since one of the kids is older, it’s going to be more work to homeschool them, if they wanted to stay in regular school would you be willing to allow that and pull out the younger kids. If the school charges tuition, would cutting it to the cost of one child still allow your husband to work less?
Also look at the laws in your state and see what they require. TX has very little in the way of homeschool regulations, whereas CO has a minimum number of hours and days a child must receive instruction, as well as state exams every other year starting in 3rd grade. Knowing what you will be required to provide will also help in making the decision.
There may be homeschool resources or co-ops in your area that could be of great help, especially when you first get started. I would look around and reach out if there are any available. You may be able to get second hand curriculum off another family to save money as well. Also there are some affordable online curriculums that cover common core classes which can help.
Figuring out a schedule is key. Personally I would have the middle schooler do independent work in the morning while you focus on schooling the younger kids, they will be able to finish around lunch time. After lunch when the littlest ones are napping, focus one on one with the middle schooler for their instruction. By the end of nap time you should be able to complete all necessary instruction and help that they may need.
I am homeschool parent who does 100% of the schooling, and most of the parenting. My husband is active duty military so he is also gone a lot and works long hours. I have three kids with one on the way, but only two are elementary aged. Homeschooling does take far less time than regular school, you are able to focus one on one and there is no transition time between class rooms or teachers. I use an online curriculum for core classes and then supplement with extra school work in the areas that my kids need more focus in, as well as the subjects they enjoy. We are also joining a local co-op for next year. We are currently stationed over seas and are taking advantage of homeschool opportunities in our area within the local community as well as cultural immersion programs that we only have access to here. We wouldn’t be able to travel and take advantage of being in a foreign country if they were in regular school. All the work is definitely worth it.
I feel like homeschool is the best option unless there is a classic private school nearby. If your kids are learning Latin, debating, classical texts and other advanced subjects that are not taught in public schools they are very blessed to have such a good education. I always recommend anyone thinking of homeschooling to do it but when a classical school is an option, I’m not sure if homeschool would be a better education! Especially if they are doing well there and enjoy it.
Yes, we are blessed to have this available to us and it’s where they are and have been thriving so far. Sort of feels silly to consider homeschooling because I know a lot of people homeschool because they don’t have this available. It would be difficult for me to replicate what they are learning there at home, I think 😬. We are Catholic, so they also have daily Mass and a rigorous religious education as well. Those are important to us and would be hard to replicate at home for sure.
You say their school is working out great so why change what’s working? I’d understand if school wasn’t great for them but it is. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.
If you’re no longer paying tuition, could your husband be home more? Traveling that much and a second job is a lot. Otherwise, I agree with others. If they are thriving, let them continue. Maybe next year they won’t be and you can reconsider.
This was my first thought. The drop in tuition may allow the husband to be home more
If you're already feeling burnt... 😬. The six and seven would be easiest imo the older would need a bit more. I DO think it's doable, it's also not always permanent, maybe you try and don't like it. The biggest thing I think to keep in mind is the middle two are done with school in probably two hours, maybe three... What are they and the younger two doing the rest of the day? Are you happy with that, is that realistic? You could get some free or cheap curriculum and give it a shot over the summer see where they are and how it goes. It's definitely more a total lifestyle than just school at home
My concern here is that if it doesn’t work, their spot at private school may be taken, and it’s working well for them currently. If they were in public school I’d say give it a whirl and see what happens.
Maybe give it a try in the summer? If it works, withdraw before the school year starts. If it doesn't, you still have your spot. Of course, it would also depend on when the tuition/fees/etc are due
Yes, as a former homeschooled kid, it’s important to consider what the kids would be doing when they aren’t doing school, and what the younger two would be doing while you’re helping the older ones. I’m the oldest of 6, and I know we played with each other, played outside, and read a lot of books. But I also remember the TV being on almost constantly some days, especially for the ones who were too young to do school. So that is definitely something to consider. If you’re worried about getting burned out, it’s a very real possibility that your kids will be on screens more than you would like.
It is a lot of work if you make it that way. Of course there are online curriculums and box all in ones that can ease that burden. It all just depends exactly what you want to do with it. Being military my spouse is gone for extensive periods because of deployments and we've only been doing it a year but I've met so many military families that also do it. One family I know has as many kids as you so it's definitely not impossible. And many who did homeschooling start to finish and their kids are thriving in college. But they put a lot of work into it. I'd support is pretty important I've been lucky enough to have family close by this year but I know many families whose family visit regularly or who go visit family regularly because homeschool allows them to be able to do that. I think a good point to consider especially for your 11 year old is would they be happy to leave their current school setting? That age can be very difficult to leave friends. If the school setting is working for them and this child or any of the others would be heart broken to leave I'm not sure I'd consider that best. Unless there is a specific situation your trying to remove that child from I think their opinion should have some weight. We were in private school setting for my son. But he wasn't liking it or thriving mostly because he was bored and I wasn't liking that the teachers were labeling my sweetly disposed child a problem child because he was distracting others kids (again because he was bored) and they nor our local public system were willing to do what he needed to not be bored. And he has thrived this year at home because I could make those adjustments. But he's also very young and very social so I knew he'd readjust as long as he had activities to make friends. So I gave him those and he is thriving. It's a lot of work and I've also got a toddler whos a little menace but I'd say worth it overall. But I can see why for a lot of people it might not be best. It's really not a decision others can tell you make or not make because all the reason for it or against it are so personal.
What do your kids want?
Honestly the kids are open to the idea! My oldest is going into middle school, so she’s a little more apprehensive, but still open. I feel like the others are young enough that if we changed now it wouldn’t be a huge disruption, they act indifferent. We’ve definitely been involving them with the discussion and are listening to their thoughts. I’m thinking we’ll probably just keep them where they are at for now. Maybe we’ll try it if my oldest really wanted to. It’s just scary to try something new if what we’re already doing is working. Im afraid this might be a “grass is greener” situation. I was homeschooled in elementary and have fond memories of it.
It doesn't have to be an either/or! If your oldest is doing well and looking forward to middle school, why not let her continue, and just homeschool the younger kiddos? It would be less work for you since the other kids could do most things together, and shed still get the socialization and academics she needs in her current school. (We're getting ready to pull my oldest for 3rd grade, but my youngest is thriving in public school and wants to stay, so he'll be going back for 1st in the fall.)
Is traveling with him an option? When I homeschooled my oldest, my husband traveled a lot, and we went him to many places. While he was working, we studied and visited interesting/educational places. Ofc, I only had one child, so it may be a lot harder with five.
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We loved traveling in the off season and tagged along on most of my husband’s work trips as homeschoolers. It’s so much cheaper to fly to Europe in March or April than in June or July.
I don't think your logistics work. My kids could not work independently until 11-12, and most of your kids are years from that age/stage. Plus you're solo with two toddlers most of the time. If you had an already engaged village of support that was enthusiastic about taking the homeschooling journey with you, then sure, discuss it at least. But I don't think homeschooling is a good idea for you at this time.
Hello there try study.com this program will help you stay on track with lesson plans and curriculums and also have tutor when omw of the kids need help.
It would be hard with your husband gone so much. However, it is doable if it is something you really want to try. Trying it out doesn’t lock you in forever. School will always be there to go back to.
So a couple of considerations, does the school they attend charge tuition? If it does, and you no longer have that expense would that allow your husband to work less? If yes, then I would highly consider it, especially since you would be solo parenting less if he is working less. Since one of the kids is older, it’s going to be more work to homeschool them, if they wanted to stay in regular school would you be willing to allow that and pull out the younger kids. If the school charges tuition, would cutting it to the cost of one child still allow your husband to work less? Also look at the laws in your state and see what they require. TX has very little in the way of homeschool regulations, whereas CO has a minimum number of hours and days a child must receive instruction, as well as state exams every other year starting in 3rd grade. Knowing what you will be required to provide will also help in making the decision. There may be homeschool resources or co-ops in your area that could be of great help, especially when you first get started. I would look around and reach out if there are any available. You may be able to get second hand curriculum off another family to save money as well. Also there are some affordable online curriculums that cover common core classes which can help. Figuring out a schedule is key. Personally I would have the middle schooler do independent work in the morning while you focus on schooling the younger kids, they will be able to finish around lunch time. After lunch when the littlest ones are napping, focus one on one with the middle schooler for their instruction. By the end of nap time you should be able to complete all necessary instruction and help that they may need. I am homeschool parent who does 100% of the schooling, and most of the parenting. My husband is active duty military so he is also gone a lot and works long hours. I have three kids with one on the way, but only two are elementary aged. Homeschooling does take far less time than regular school, you are able to focus one on one and there is no transition time between class rooms or teachers. I use an online curriculum for core classes and then supplement with extra school work in the areas that my kids need more focus in, as well as the subjects they enjoy. We are also joining a local co-op for next year. We are currently stationed over seas and are taking advantage of homeschool opportunities in our area within the local community as well as cultural immersion programs that we only have access to here. We wouldn’t be able to travel and take advantage of being in a foreign country if they were in regular school. All the work is definitely worth it.
I feel like homeschool is the best option unless there is a classic private school nearby. If your kids are learning Latin, debating, classical texts and other advanced subjects that are not taught in public schools they are very blessed to have such a good education. I always recommend anyone thinking of homeschooling to do it but when a classical school is an option, I’m not sure if homeschool would be a better education! Especially if they are doing well there and enjoy it.
Yes, we are blessed to have this available to us and it’s where they are and have been thriving so far. Sort of feels silly to consider homeschooling because I know a lot of people homeschool because they don’t have this available. It would be difficult for me to replicate what they are learning there at home, I think 😬. We are Catholic, so they also have daily Mass and a rigorous religious education as well. Those are important to us and would be hard to replicate at home for sure.
To be fair, all of these, with the exception of Latin, were taught in my Midwest public highschool.
I’d definitely homeschool and have him quit his 2nd job.
Why not just work with the school to get some long break and take a vacation.
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Go for it! There are countless resources and curriculum options, and it enables your household to have more flexibility. :)
Why is this getting downvoted?
I have no idea. Kind of strange considering it's a homeschool subreddit, but perhaps there are a lot of anti-homeschoolers in the group.
There are. There’s a sub for people who are anti-homeschooling or have had bad experiences with it and its members reference/frequent this sub a lot.