Our 1st day of homeschool and some issues...please help!?

Question

I have 6 yr old twin boys and this is our 1st year homeschooling. They went to public K last yr.

I am doing Alpha Omega Lifepac's but to start I have decided to use Spider Man workbooks to review so things from last yr. I am just trying to start off slow and not overwhelm them.

We are working on reviewing writing and my son is having a FIT. He is crying and saying that it is taking too long.. he wants me to hold the pencil with him and "help" him do it. He is SO SAD and I can't see him like this. I know that he knows how to write so I let him do 1/2 of it and move on.

I am just wondering what others think and how to handle this. Homeschool is supposed to be stress free and it breaks me heart to see him cry like this.

I am keeping them home to help with this stuff...

Answer 1

Since they are only 6 years old, chances are they just aren't ready yet. Take it slow and conform the work to their needs.

Answer 2

Homeschooling is by far the best option for your children!  While I appreciate what professional teachers do and admire them for it, I do think that if you are capable of educating your children at home (meaning you have the resources to do so), then you should.  Ultimately, it will strengthen the bond between you and your children.  I'd like to state that those who know nothing about a particular subject from having lived both sides of the issue should probably keep their mouth shut.  My mother taught me "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".  So, my kudos to you for homeschooling your children!!  I wish you the very best!

And now to answer your question.  The first day of homeschooling is difficult.  Hands down, no way around it.  The same goes for public school.  However, we as parents have the benefit of a very low student teacher ratio.  The important thing is to separate yourself from the mother role and slip into the teacher role.  

If possible, find a place in your home that you can make just for school (for lack of space we use the dining room table, but convert it back to strictly dining room for the weekend).  That established, I found with my son that it helps to have him call you Mrs. (whatever you want) during school hours.  He must raise his hand if he has a question, or wants to be excused.  He has a schedule modeled exactly after the school day (he's in 6th grade now).  Sit down with your children and discuss with them the school rules and the consequences for breaking them.  Keep them simple and easy to follow.  Since your boys are young, you can offer rewards for work well done.  There are a million ways to do that!  As they age they should get harder and harder to attain, and ultimately teach them that hard work is it's own reward.  My son and I have worked out a name for our school, that my husband is the "principal" and I am the teacher.  He is to refer to us as Mr/Mrs during school hours and mom and dad after school.  Now we joke that my husband and I will end up with multiple personalities.  :)  

The most important part (and naturally the most difficult) is making learning fun.  Since you know your boys best, you know what motivates them better than any professional teacher could no matter how much training they have.  Put that knowledge to use in school.  If they like a particular game or activity, tell them that they can spend 10 minutes (or whatever) doing that activity once they've finished doing X.  

And if you or the child is getting frustrated, switch gears.  Move on to another subject and come back to the one that you had trouble with later in the day.

Homeschool is not supposed to be stress free!!  No part of parenting is!  The best parents are the ones who are willing to suffer for their children instead of letting their children suffer.  I admire you and respect what you are doing.  Hang in there, it does get easier.  The best part of homeschooling is the ability to change and adapt as you go.  Remember, it's a learning process for all of you, not just the kids!

Answer 3

One of the nice things about homeschooling is that we are closely involved with our child and as such know their strengths and weaknesses.  

You state "I know that he knows how to write..." So, what is your goal for making him do the writing? Is is compliance or just review. Is it critical that he do the entire assignment today?  Can you integrate writing with some of his other studies (write a sentence here.. write out a poem or some other copywork to help him learn and practice? Write out new words he doesn't know?  How about doing the tougher assignments first so he knows that the things he enjoys are coming after that.. such as story time, nature study or just recess.

None of these are right or wrong answers.. just keep in mind that 1st grade boys have SHORT attention spans and usually not mature for formal learning.  The 1st grade classroom usually has a lot of hands-on, short desk times and lots of breaks in the schedule.

Even with a boxed curriculum, you need to take breaks, have fun, not overtax and as you say, stress them out. IMHO too much drill can create a dislike for learning that is hard to reverse. My advise is to relax.. back off the pressure to 'perform' and help them to enjoy learning.  They will learn just as well.. if not better.

Answer 4

My daughter is nine now!. She came home in the middle of last year after I got tired of trying to protect her from the bullies in school. She couldn't do a thing without me there I had to help her find the answers and to help her learn to read (mind you this is her second year of second grade and she could barley read! let alone add or subtract). I had to be there every second of every day for the rest of the school year. I was so frustrated. Our home was a disaster my life felt like a shambles and I was home schooling. Stress Free? not likely. I watched my sister for 7 or 8 years home school her kids the oldest wanted nothing more than to go to public school (because the girls are there). But she persevered hes now in 10th grade and loves it! Needless to say its a learning process for all of us. My sister loves handwriting without tears and the explode the code series both of which you can get form www.sonlight.com they have a great literature and history based program! Also take a look at www.schooloftomorrow.com we use this one because my daughter learns better by writing! Here's a thought try drawing with them as you ease into letter forms try getting them to draw circles or curly Q's or people what ever but drawing is a great way to bring in writing after all they need to "sign" their work for you!!

Answer 5

I'm not a strict parent but I have a great kid.  I wish I had done lots of things differently though.   One thing I would have done differently would have been not to push for academic excellence at age 6.  We did not home school until he was 13 and that was when I learned to relax and not to be ashamed of being relaxed.

I would handle the problem by not seeing it as a problem.  If he doesn't write by the time he is 10, start worrying.  Until then, accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.  Let learning be fun.

Answer 6

Are you using a handwriting curriculum?  If not, I *highly* recommend Handwriting Without Tears.  We've used it for five years.

http://www.hwtears.com

Answer 7

There could be a lot of reasons for your son's reluctance to write, and they're probably all tied together at this point.

You mention that this is your first day, that he previously attended a public school, and I'm assuming you all took the summer off. This is an awful lot of change in one day to a six year old. Look at it from his point of view. Suddenly he's having to sit still and recall information from eons ago. That writing business he went elsewhere to learn has now invaded his play-zone. Also, developmentally hand-eye coordination is still difficult for a boy his age.

You'll probably get a lot of answers, but I think one thing most of the (actual knowledgable) posters here will agree on is that you're about to get a crash course in your child's learning process and your own adaptability. We've all purchased the curriculum, made the lesson plan, started the activity that was going to be FABULOUS, only to hit a little stubborn cherubic faced brick wall. Don't be afraid to try something different (lots of different things), to leave something, or revisit something you used previously. Your biggest job at this point is to find something that works for him. Your homeschool journey will almost definitely involve you tweaking whatever you're doing to tailor it to your child. And tweaking it again when he's emotionally and physically mature. And tweaking it some more. And tweaking it further. And tweaking it over again. :-)

Its your first day. Go sssllllooowwww. Take frequent breaks. Try going back to the basics. Practice lines drawing and shape forming for a while. Show him how to put together words that indicate his favorite toys or activities. Even (radical though this may seem) drop writing for a week or two and work on sight words, manipulatives, interactive computer games, etc. Take the time to find what sparks his interest, make it fun, and he'll follow you anywhere on your learning journey. Best of Luck!

Answer 8

This is only our 2nd week of homeschooling...and never once did I expect it to be stress free!!!  I have a 2nd, 4th and 7th grader.  They are having a little bit of difficulty making the change from going to a b&m school to being at home.  I've told them that it will take us at least the 1st month or 2 to really find our groove, and that is ok.  You do need to remind them that they have to treat you with respect all the time, but other than that, take a break when you need it.  You will feel better for it.  Plus there are a lot of ways to teach them what it is you want them to learn.  It doesn't all have to be black and white.  I imagine the handwriting itself will be difficult.  We have to do cursive this year, and I'm not looking forward to that part of it!

Answer 9

Bless you, it can be difficult in the beginning.

Do not feel to bad, although I do firmly believe that tears should not be part of home schooling, not for the child, nor the parents, so you are right to take another look at how to approach this.

We have home schooled for several years, and I would like to tell you that boys are a bit different, especially when it comes to writing, I have not met one yet that thinks it is a high priority, or for that matter enjoys it.

They do however catch up a little way down the road, between the ages of 9 to 12.

If handwriting is an important skill you would like them to learn, try a little program called handwriting without tears, I have been told it is pretty good.

Our son has no intentions of learning cursive, and his printing has just become what I would call very good; he is 12 going on 13.

There is a great home school support group on line called home schooling boys, you can get some great advice, and support.

If you are interested the link is;

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschool...

We take a very relaxed, unschooling approach so just take it slow, and follow their lead.

It is very important that they relearn how to learn, and that you do not try to imitate the conventional school methods in any way.

Not comparing them to others, especially their friends who attend a school, is very important, because home schooling means learning at their own pace, and this may cause them to be ahead in some subjects, and behind in others, but this does not mean their is something wrong.

In the end it will all even out.

EDIT:

Just an idea; I almost forgot how much fun the kids used to have learning to write their letters, and words by spraying shaving cream on the counter tops.

The bath tub works well too.  ^_^

Answer 10

Glad to hear you are starting out slow.  It's a much more gentler approach for young children, especially boys.  Please keep in mind that most boys simply do not have the fine motor skill ability to write legibly or without great physical discomfort till the age of eight.  Whatever can be done orally, do so.  Still encourage your boys to write a bit everyday, but don't make that the focus of your learning.

I have a child with horrid penmanship.  She is now finally getting better once I had her do everything on a white board.  The larger markers make it easier for her to control.  Perhaps that would work for your crew.  Or try chalk on the sidewalk, or paint with q-tips, etc.  

Don't be afraid to keep trying different things until something clicks.

By the way, I was an elementary teacher for 10 years before I came home to teach my own children.  Been in both positions and homeschooling is definitely better for us.  Yes, there are great teachers out there, but we cannot teach 20-30 kids as well as being one-on-one or one-on-three in my case.

Best wishes!

Answer 11

It's the first day so don't get too worried - but here are some thoughts....

You're dealing with several issues here so let's tackle them one at a time:

1.  You're dealing with adjustment (back to school and new type of school) so it will take awhile to get in the groove.  It might help to have a reward system  (an M&M for each letter or line of letters they write to be enjoyed after lunch or some such incentive or a chart with little boxes for stars - - a certain number of stars can be traded in for something fun - - a nature walk, extra 10 minutes of play time, etc.)  Make it fun.  Get them laughing.    

2.  Handwriting challenges.  Sometimes children have a hard time remembering how to form the letters and also get stressed about forming them perfectly.  I've told my K,1st age kids that I'll help them by holding their hands and we can write the letters together.  I tell them not to worry about making the letters perfectly - - first we just need to train their hand muscles to make the shapes of the letters.  I make sure they are holding their pencils correctly, forming the letters properly but we don't worry about perfection.  There will be lots of time to practice.

3.  Use different materials (crayons, markers, dry-erase boards, chalkboards).  Sometimes these little changes make a world of difference.

4.  Allow the boys some choice in their work.  You may have certain things you'd like to cover during the day.  Ask them which they'd like to start with.  Giving them a little control can really diminish the struggle.  You may find over time that the kids are more receptive to different subjects at different times of the day.  You may also find that there are some things they're really enjoying and want to keep working on (my son is really into his math right now so if he wants to do extra - I let him.  We'll eventually get through the other subjects).  

5.  Listen to what your son is saying.  That may give you huge clues into what's causing his distress.  Is there something else he wants to be doing?  Is he afraid he can't do it?  Have a conversation with him, let him know that learning involves a lot of hard work but it can also be a lot of fun.  You want him to enjoy his work and you are there to help him.  Perhaps a little cuddle time listening to a favorite story will help him get in the mood for handwriting.  Smile and be reassuring.  Sometimes when kids have attended school, there is a certain level of deprogramming that needs to occur.  A similar handwriting activity back in K may have caused stress for  him and he's remembering that.  

The first year of homeschooling is the hardest.  Every year will bring new challenges but over time, it does get easier.  

6.  Be flexible.  As homeschool parents we need to set some learning objectives for each day or week or year and establish expectations and parameters for our children.  At the same time, we need to enjoy the flexibility that homeschooling offers.    

7.  Ignore the anti-homeschooling zealots.  You as the parent are in the best position to determine what will work best for your child.  The people that like to slam homeschooling demonstrate great ignorance in their comments.  

Hope this helps!

- homeschooling mom of 4 years

Answer 12

I think it's kinda cute how some people think you need a degree to help a 6 yr. old with handwriting. lol.

What you are seeing may be more a result of change than anything. When my daughter came home from public school, she simply did not think she could do a thing without me being right there on top of her every move. It took awhile to straighten her out and show her she was capable of learning without being spoonfed every movement..

If you are working on review material and your son is overwhelmed, then consider the fact that this may not be review for him, and you may want to slow the pace a bit more. Sadly, public school kindergarten in a lot of places is really not much more than a babysitting service, so find his comfort zone, and build him up from there. He'll be on task and ready for more challenging work quickly if you do what you are doing and don't stress him out too much.

Answer 13

I think it's great that you care enough about you kids to want to homeschool them. It's a big commitment. They are probably just adjusting right now.

I just want to clear up one other thing, though. You may have had a bad experience with one of the public school teachers in your area, but they aren't all bad. My mother is a kindergarten teacher at a public school, which isn't an extremely high paying job, and she couldn't see herself doing anything else. She cares about her students very much and loves helping them learn and seeing them grow.

Good luck.

Answer 14

You sound very controlling (of your children) and judgmental (of teachers). Your child's reaction should be a clue to you that homeschooling is a very bad idea for your boys at this age. If you really can't stand to see him SO SAD, have the courage to admit that you could be wrong. Stress free? You are causing the stress. Send those boys to school where they belong. You clearly have other issues with them besides the schooling one.

Answer 15

why not get him to trace the words to start out? then once he can do it quicker, it wont be as much of a problem. dont worry, just keep trying. give him a 15 min break or so when ever he may need it.. just sit with him. you could have 'races' to see who can get the work done the fastest (correctly of course) and whoever wins gets a snack or play time or something lol who knows? maybe it could help!

ps: other rude answers should mind their own business if they are not here to help! i completely agree with you, teachers are worthless. best of luck!! =]

Answer 16

Why are you homeschooling them if you aren't prepared to deal with these issues.  I would suggest you send them to school and let trained professionals teach them before it is to late.  While they are in school you should take classes on homeschooling and when you are ready start again.

Answer 17

Wow!  Can you imagine their first day of school if they had done this in PUBLIC school!  I understand your frustration and anxiety - it happens to everyone at some point early on in the first year, so you are definitely NOT alone.

I don't know what your schedule looks like, but I would try limiting the schedule to one or two subjects per day, then working up from there after a couple of weeks.  The adjustment from public school to homeschool takes time, but eventually, the bumps will smooth out and you'll find yourself actually enjoying having your kids home with you (I know right now it doesn't seem like you'll ever feel that way!)

I would also advise you to find a local support group that you can call on when you have rough days like this.  Rather than having to put up with the "homeschool bashers" on Y!A, you'll have someone who understands and can actually help you.

Hang in there - it can only go up from here!

Answer 18

First off, I commend you for attempting to homeschool your children.  

You're right, you are first and foremost the best teacher they can have.

I've homeschooled my daughter since she was in 4th grade.

She thrived on the homeschool experience and is a very advanced learner.   She should only be staring 7th grade this year, but started 8th grade because she needed more of a challenge.  In History, she is doing 9th grade material and in Math, she is doing 12th grade material.  She has a better concept of Mathematics than I do and is a whiz with numbers.  No lie, sometimes she has to explain the problem to ME!!  

So for those of you out there that think homeschoolers can't function at the same level as public schoolers, THINK AGAIN!!

As far as handwriting goes, Tara did NOT like it either.

She also found it too time consuming and boring.  However, she was in the 4th grade when I started with her and her penmanship looked horrible.  Why??  Because the public school system wasn't concerned about it enough to work with her on it and just pushed her through with it looking like chicken scratch....and that was fine with them as long as her other work was completed.  What bull!!

I did extensive internet research and found various free sites with handwriting worksheets.  I printed those out and made her own Handwriting workbook.   I always made a master copy and kept them in a folder for myself, that way if she didn't do as well as I'd like for her to, I just quickly pulled that sheet from my folder and zapped another copy.  I would give it to her for homework so she could really spend more time on it rather than do writing again and delay other subjects.  

I still have those links written down in lesson plan books that I've boxed up.  

If you'd like some of them, just email me.

I'll be more than happy to pass those along.

As far as his "fits", you will have to be stern.  Not mean, stern.

Let him know that is part of his schoolwork and it is expected that he complete it, and do so in a timely manner.  Not two hours on one subject, simply because he doesn't WANT to do it.

Also though, remember, not every child's attention span is the same.  If he does some of the work, and does it without trouble, offer him a 5-10 minute break.  Let him get up and walk around, let him spend a little time with a pet...whatever the case might be.  I wouldn't let them watch TV during that particular break though, they tend not to want to return to school mid-way through a viewing.  If you know they do have certain favorites though you might record (or Tivo) it for them and let him know if he completes his handwriting without any crying, he can watch his favorite show before his begins his next subject.  That way, he's had a "reward" and he starts the next subjects happy and more focused.

The Magic Schoolbus is a nice choice.  That way, they're watching cartoons, but getting a science lesson all at the same time.  LOL!

Just keep experimenting until you find what works and makes everyone happy.  Maybe ask your son what he'd like for a reward for doing his writing without crying, then follow through with his request, if you can.

If this is your first year, relax....this is a learning period for you as well.  You'll see problems, and you'll eventually figure out a solution that works for both you and your children.  Then, next year, you'll know how to handle it.   After a while, everything will fall into place and run smoothly, but give it time.  

Just be patient, and let him know you understand his frustrations, but it STILL has to be done.  In the end, he'll see Mommie means business and he'll get on with his work.

It may not seem like it now, but in the end, you'll both benefit from homeschooling.  

My daughter always told her friends...."a bad day homeschooling, is still better than a good day in public school."

I happen to think she's 100% correct!

Good Luck!!!

Answer 19

We went through adjustment when we brought our 6 yo home too.  She is now a college graduate after doing all her school from 1st grade on at home.  I had a good friend who was a public school teacher and she had many of the same smart comments to make that the unhelpful posters here are making.  But, I didn't listen to them, and somehow remained her friend!  

I have hindsight, so I hope you will benefit from my mistakes.  Mistake #1 was starting with a school at home model, much like you are doing. It led to much head butting and crying from both of us.  We both still had that public school model in our brains, and I'm sure the veteran homeschoolers were more than amuzed, luckily they were patient with us too!  

There were several things that the vets got through to me, luckily in a short period of time.  The first was that the public school works the way it does out of necessity - 20+ children in a classroom with 1 supervisor who is supposed to impart said amount of info in said amount of time.  Since you have your sons home, I'm assuming you realize that didn't work.  So, don't implement it at home.  

Second lesson was take time to de-school.  That is when you just go back to what life was like before the gov't said it was time to send your kids to jail for 6 hours a day.  Teach them in the natural fashion that was their childhood  and enjoy each other while you develop the appropriate model for your family situation.  (Which may very well be school at home, or some other model.)  See an article I wrote about the different styles of homeschooling, and basic newby stuff here: http://www.kellylee.info/id39.html  (not my website, someone picked it up for their website)

Read some about education and the education model.  Two excellent books and authors: John Taylor Gatto "Dumbing Us Down" and Raymond Moore "Better Late than Early"  Also find another JTG book online here http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/chapters/...

Consider doing some unit studies while you adjust to your new paradigm.  Ask your sons what they are interested in learning and head to the library to find books.  Search online for unit study ideas for crafts and such.  

I realize you've invested in Alpha Omega's lifepacs, but they are very dry and school like.  Once you get a good model going for your family, you can add those back in gently.  It won't take long to catch back up, that is if you decide you still want to use them.  

I wouldn't sweat the handwriting right now.  Buy a notebook for your sons.  Have them "journal" in it daily.  My daughter could read and write when we took her out of school, but balked at most everything.  So, we started a journal.  At first she would just draw pictures.  I would ask about the pictures and write something on the page for her.  After a while, she just started writing for herself.  Then I would write on each page still, asking a leading question to make her think.  

When she settled in at home, and got used to the new methods, she still wanted to do worksheets.  So, I threw them at her fast and furious as long as she was interested, then we would stop.  By the time we finished our second year of homeschooling, most of our education was unschooled.  We still did math, and some penmanship, but very loose with most.  It was very rewarding.  

Our paradigm changed yearly.  So, try not to get too caught up in a certain method.  What works this year for your family and situation, may not work another year.  

I know that now is frustrating, but I hope you have found something here that gives you hope for tomorrow and 5 years from now!  Homeschooling is a great option, and I would never do it any other way - no matter what my friend or the negative posters here say.  

My final suggestion is to find a local support group, so you can get the same veteran support I had when starting out.  Yahoo Answers is great, but you need someone who can be at the door or on the phone in a second.  Check for a support group at http://www.hslda.org or http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/inde...

Best to you and your family!!

Answer 20

This is a harsh answer - but this is an important issue:

It sounds as if you are not equipped to deal with the children as an educator AND a parent.  You have some misconceptions about the point of homeschooling if you believe it is supposed to be "stress free".  Dealing with stress is one of the important things you learn during the education process and it begins at a very young age.

My advice is to put your child into a school immediately, preferably one where accountability is part of the "invisible" curriculum.  You can augment your children's learning process after school (in fact - that is ideal).  Don't let your children be the "guinea pigs" as you figure out how to be an effective educator!

As an alternative (I am not endorsing this) why not look into Montessori schools in your area.  They may offer the non-traditional learning enviroment you are seeking.  Whether they will offer the discipline it sounds like your children may need (in a school environment) is another issue and you will need to make your own conclusions on that one.

Don't delay - get them in school TODAY!

Wow!  I just read your follow-up comments and I see now that the issue is far bigger than the initial question indicated.  

If your reaction to being challenged is any indication of the way your children will be taught to learn is any indicator I am truely concerned for both you and your children.

I do agree however that you will be, and are, your children's greatest teacher.  You may want to keep in mind that the learning process is neverending and be open to the fact that you still have a lot to learn as well.  Perhaps you should consider that your best opportunity to teach doesn't come from instructing on the "three R's" but rather from the opportunity to have discourse with your children after school.  You can help them examine what they have learned and guide them to be the best they can as both students and individuals.

One quick note:  Educators rarely choose to teach to "make money", most could make far more in the corporate sector than they ever will in a classroom.

Good gosh -- the endless question:  I specifically said discipline as it relates to the school environment, I am sure your children are loving and sweet individuals.  Educational discipline is very different than the type of discipline you need to use to ensure good behavior.  Educational discipline requires a different skillset than the type of discipline you use to rear your children.  Please read back through your own comments, you are demonstrating that you aren't equipped with the tools needed to educate your children in a scholastic environment.

Answer 21

6yo boys typically need a LOT of breaks. Also, start with what he IS comfortable doing. If it's only one letter and he feels great about it, then that's fine. Don't force it!

Answer 22

There's a reason TEACHERS exist and have to have a degree in their field...No one should be forced to sufer through home schooling...

Re: Your Response...

s***w it...keep homeschooling your kids...who cares...I think it's a bad idea...but opinions are like aholes...we all got em and they all stink...with luck your kids will turn out all right...good luck...oh and if you get a chance, please introduce me to the first teacher that does it for the money!

Answer 23

In my expirience, it sounds like he is trying to manipulate you. He is hoping that if he cries whenever you ask him to do something he'd rather not, that you will feel sorry for him and not make him do it. This is a very common kid tactic. Almost every child ever born will try this with their parents, and if it works (and only if) they will continue to do it. I would suggest that no matter what his emotional reaction is, you stay calm. Do not let him see that his tears get to you. This is hard for me, too! My four year old cries and says over and over "Hug Me Mommy! I love you all my heart!" every time I make her sit in the corner, and even though I want to cry too, and hug her, I keep my face impassive and tell her she can get up when she has sat quietly for 4 minutes, then walk slightly out of her sight. He needs to know that his tactics don't move you (even if they actually do), and that he STILL has to do his work no matter how he cries. I would also suggest you look online and find out if there are any homeschooling support groups in your area. I am a member of the one in my area and it is great. The emotional support from other homeschooling Moms is so helpful and uplifting.

Answer 24

Now that most of the ignorant posters have had their say, let me throw in my (9 years of homeschooling experience) two cents!

Handwriting for a 6 year old boy (or some girls) is not always easy. That fine motor control may not come into easy use for another couple of years. While I wouldn't suggest dropping everything that gives your son difficulty, I would suggest trying to look at it openly and see if maybe you ~are~ asking him to write too much.  Remember how you own hand cramps up after you write a lot (after not doing it for a long time).

Early days of homeschooling, especially (I would imagine) after having sent them to public school, can be a time of testing boundaries.  Do you have a homeschool support group near you? I'd suggest joining one if you haven't already - they offer tremendous help from REAL Homeschooling parents.  

Hang in there, carefully evaluate what your expectations are and how realistic they are. How many hours are they working, how many breaks, what are they doing? It is not all "fun", but a lot of it at this age should be enjoyable.

Good luck!!

PS  MoLeary - Teachers in NJ have job security, excellent health insurance, pensions and very nice salaries. Average salary in NJ is $80,000 a year with 12 years experience. Equivalent or better than the business world, especially with the vacation time, benefits and job security. So please don't say teachers (at least here) are poorly paid!