Our Journey into Homeschooling


So how did you start homeschooling? That is a familiar question for homeschoolers and each time I hear an answer, it is different. Homeschooling was not an easy decision for my family. We did not know from birth that we were destined to homeschool. Instead it was a decision that crept up on us until we were faced with a decision about kindergarten.

  We visited relatives while my oldest daughter was a toddler, there we met our first homeschooling family. My aunt was homeschooling her children. They were having a wonderful time with it and the children were prospering. I didn't put much thought into homeschooling other than it seemed interesting.

  The idea didn't hit home for us until our then bouncy little 5 year old was getting her yearly check up. Bella was bouncing around the office. Checking one thing out then shifting to another, popping into and out of conversations, but she was a delight with a quick grin. The pediatrician finally looked at me and share some startling news.

  She told me that she knew the local school my daughter would be attending. She said they would have Bella back at the her office with in a couple of months for ADHD medicine. I had never thought of my daughter as having ADHD. She had been a healthy little girl with the exception of mild Cerebral palsy. She was also my first so I had nothing to base her behaviors off of.

  After that conversations with the pediatrician my husband and I took a hard look at Bella's behaviors. She was impulsive, lacking danger sense, hyper to the point of vibrating, and unable to sit at a chair for more than a few minutes. She would not fit into the world of public school.

   We talked to several private and parochial schools in the area. They were either ill suited to handle children with any learning differences or they were too expensive. After realizing those avenues where closed to us we decided to look closely into homeschooling.

    I read every book I could get my hands on dealing with homeschooling. I went to a state convention held for homeschoolers. I talked to friends that were for and against. In the end with much trepidation and excitement my husband and I decided on homeschooling.

   This has been one of the best choices of my life! We have grown closer as a family. As the years passed and we realized that my daughter had other learning issues and her siblings did as well. We have used homeschooling's highly individualized education to tailor to each child's strengthens and weaknesses. Homeschooling is not for everyone, but it should be an option that everyone at least looks at. Find the best educational setting for your child and your family and enjoy!
 
Heather Laurie is a happy wife and mother to 5 wonderful children. The children have a genetic disorder that leaves them dealing with a variety of medical and learning problems.  Through experience Heather has been uniquely trained to cover a broad range of special needs issues. You can find her at www.specialneedshomeschooling.com