Question About Homeschooling? Suggestions/Oppinions Would Be Much Appreciated.?

Question

In February of my freshman year of highschool I had to deal with the death of my grandmother; this past February I had to deal with the loss of my father both whom I was VERY close to. I tried and am still trying to be strong for my mother. -Though I found that school became increasingly difficult over these years. I seem to be stressed out easily by projects and trying to keep my grades up well.- Though I have my boyfriend to help me though all of the stress. We're still very much together, though he is in college now. I have about 5 best friends but I don't get to see them much at school and we always talk online of the evenings. That helps, too. Also I feel like my attending school has left my mom feeling lonely and more vulnerable to think about the things that have happend. She worries alot. I strongly believe things would get sorted out easier if I could be homeschooled just for this year and find a job to help.

How could I convince mom that I feel this would be best for us?

Answer 1

As much as I strongly believe in homeschooling, I wouldn't recommend it if your  primary reason is to be there for your mom. It's not your job to be her counsellor or only support system; it should actually be the other way around.

If you want to help your mom, then you need to urge her to get some grief counselling. It wouldn't hurt for you to get in on it, too.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't talk to her about the idea of homeschooling and getting a job and all that, just that you really need to question your reasons for it. It sounds like you are trying to rescue her. Be careful; it's a dangerous mentality to think you are responsible for somebody who ought to be responsible for themselves.

To do the homeschooling, you need to learn about the laws where you live, including how to get a high school diploma if this is your final year of high school. If it's not, then you'll need to talk to your high school about your options and what sort of credits they would accept--regular homeschooling, only through certain correspondence/online programs, only through home-study... You don't want to spend a year working hard on your education to have it not count when/if you go back.

Once you've done your research, then talk to her about it. Don't try to convince her--she's in a vulnerable state and it would almost be a form of manipulation for you to set out to convince her. Just talk to her about it. Tell her about what you'll have learned, tell her about the benefits you see from doing it. Let her mull it over. But respect that this might not be a good time for her to be trying to figure out if something like this is a good thing or not.

Answer 2

You sound like a WONDERFUL young person!!  Homeschooling traditionally and through correspondence courses are fine.  Finding a job will add stress to your already stressful situation though.  I would hang in there and do your best in school.  Your mom will get better.  Just be positive for you and her!  As a mom, I would feel horribly guilty if my child left school to "take care" of me as you're describing.  Relax and enjoy your school year!!  You'll be happy later!

Answer 3

the best thing to do is to research homeschooling and tell her both the pro's and con's of homeschooling, vs. the pro's and con's of public school, and make the decision together.

Answer 4

Just let her know that you want to be there for her.  As far as school goes.  

You'll have to register as a homeschooler in your state.  

Use this website.  www.hslda.org

After, check and see if your state has an online virtual school.

www.k12.com

www.connectionsacademy.com

There are also correspondence schools that you could use, but they can be expensive.  I use Penn Foster and it's a good program.  It's $900 for all four years, but you can send them your transcripts and it will be a lot cheaper.

Answer 5

Just make the case for it as you've done here. But if she refuses, understand that she doesn't feel up to taking on the responsibility for your high school level education. That can be a big hurdle for a homeschool parent. It may actually be a relief for her to know that you are getting an adequate education that she doesn't have to keep recordson , that she doesn't have to worry about meeting state requirements or a hundred other responsibilities that go along with it.

Make the offer, but accept her decision. If school doesn't go so well for you, make sure your counselor knows the situation, because they can help you keep things in perspective and keep and eye out if you need something special to get through it.