Whether or not to homeschool is a big decision for anyone. When you add the complication that your child has special needs, it becomes even more complicated. I am one of the lucky parents able to stay home with my kids. My son has reached school age, and I have toyed with the idea of homeschooling for a variety of reasons. The first of which is his speech delay and sensory issues. My goal is to make sure he gets an excellent education delivered in a way he can absorb it. I want learning to be adventurous and fun and not confined to a classroom. The second reason is safety. School shootings, bullying, and drug use are all genuine concerns for any parent, but my son is also a runner. Yesterday I took him to an appt and swim lessons. At the appointment, he made it to the outside door before I caught him. I was not so lucky at swim lessons. In the middle of getting him dressed, he ran out of the locker room, up the stairs through the lobby, into the parking lot and got into our car. This added difficulty makes the decision all the more complex. The third reason is flexibility. As a travel writer, I want to bring my son with me. I believe there is no better education than by exploring and experiencing different cultures. Being enrolled in a school program full-time would make this impossible. My final concern was whether my son would become appropriately socialized. We don’t have any kids his age on our street. So this is a real concern. However, our school district allows homeschooled children to be involved in classes part-time and extracurricular activities. We also encourage him to be involved with after school activities outside the school district. Another option is to join with other homeschoolers for regular activities and field trips. Every situation is different. In our case, I think homeschooling will be our best option. It will comprise the best of both worlds.
Knowledge is Power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family
Kofi Annan
This year, I am sending my son to developmental preschool. Beyond preschool and possibly kindergarten, I will homeschool. It is a step that should involve careful consideration due to the impact it will have on you both. If you have foster kids, adopted kids, or kids with special needs, you know how isolating it can be. If you take it a step further and homeschool then you are isolated just that much more. So you must consider yourself and your needs in the equation. His final year of preschool will be our testing ground. He will go to preschool for a couple of hours every morning, and I will work with him in the afternoon. The problem is working around therapy appointments, exercise, meals, and other daily activities. It feels very overwhelming. However, I am confident I will be able to make it work, and it will be better for my son in the long run. I must admit that part of me feels temporarily insane attempting this, but I am hoping this is usual trepidation until we get settled into a routine. I feel better knowing my son can remain involved in the school on a part-time basis while still receiving the extra attention from homeschooling for his special needs.
Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.
Anthony J. D’Angelo
I look forward to life teaching and molding my son. It is my greatest work. I am an introvert, so spending time with him is not a problem for me. We spend a lot of hours working together, but I thoroughly enjoy it. If you find that it would be difficult for you, then that is a genuine consideration. None of the choices are right or wrong. Only what is best for you and your child. Consider the options carefully and then go with your gut. It does not matter what others think. It only matters what works for your family.
