We are still trying to find the best alternative for our older daughter. I have been hs for a couple of years, not nearly as successfully as I had hoped. With her attitude and anger problems (Still going to counseling) working together is not always fun or successful.

Had her tested for ADD, came back neg. They are thinking now, she may have a language processing disorder. That is the next step with her.

She has expressed wanting to go back to school. I am not opposed to the idea, but the ADD tester and I agreed that putting her into full on Middle School will probably overwhelm her and she will be frustrated and  shut down. Not what we need.

I am researching alternatives for her. I just emailed the alternative programs coordinator for our school district. Hoping I can find some alternative combination of something that we can make work for her.

So my little one wants to go to school. She will be in K this fall. I have decided not to hs her at this point for many reasons. 1) she asked to go to school 2) I would love more time with my oldest to find what will make her...I hesitate to use the word "better" but her anger and learning issues have taken a toll on our entire family

3) we just moved, we are right by a tiny school where my little one will attend.

I have already emailed the PTA president and BoxTops coordinator for the school and volunteered my services, I will do the same with the teacher. I will stay involved watching for any problems with her that showed in my older one. I only wish we had moved on my oldest daughter's issues sooner instead of thinking it would get better.

I've always HS'ed one (profoundly gifted) and PS'ed the other (multiple special needs).  It makes for crazy schedules at times, but it's the best option b/c it's the best for both kids.

I have 3 children and we use 3 different methods-homeschool, PS and online charter school done from home. Amazing how lucky we are to have choices to find the best schooling option for each child. Children no longer must fit the school~the schooling should fit the child.

I think choosing what is best for each child on a year by year basis is the best.  Different people learn different ways at different times :-)

My 31 yr. old daughter has ADD, auditory processing disorder and an undiagnosed mild form of Autism PDD-NOS; my so, 26 yrs old,  has Bipolar, ADHD and Asperger's (another form of Autism), my 7 yr. old grandson has PDD-NOS (high functioning Autism with a language component). They all are doing very well. My daughter is a successful paralegal, my son builds computer's and does networking in his spare time, still working on his education and has entered the world of real estate and installs custom made storm windows, I am homeschooling my grandson this year and problably next year. He needed intensive help with language and social skills that could not be adequately addressed in a regular school setting.

On the subject of evaluations:

I have been through the good, the bad and the ugly with public and private schools, school evaluations and private evaluations, doctors and therapists. Let me give you a word of advise.

I may be wrong but I would make sure your daughter has had a good physical and have her hormones checked. She should be evaluated by a speech and language therapist and an occupational therapist, a pediatric audiologist, pediatric opthamologist, a pediatric psychiatrist and a pediatric neurologist. I believe it is better to get a very thorough evaluation with a child. None of your daughter evaluations should be "screenings". This is often done to save patients money at the expense of getting a solid diagnosis. If you don't have the finances, there are always ways to get around it. PM me, if your intersted. If you think you want to use the wait and see approach and hold off, I'll be honest  with you, You may be in denial. I believe you daughter needs a solid starting point,. How best to get it than from being thorough. If I jumped in too soon and you've already done or have planned to do this, I give you an apology for unsolicited advise. I have the best of intentions.

On the subject of schooling:

As others have stated before me. Thank goodness for today's school and educational choices. There are so many things you can do and try out. I don't know what state you live in and what school district you are in. It makes a difference. May I remind you, if your homeschooling hasn't been so much fun or successful, what makes you think regular school would be any better. I think your on the right track in searching for alternative approaches. You can try coops, tutors, online curriculums, find different kinds of social opportunities. You could take online classes yourself, webinars on behavior strategies. Involve your daughter in some heavy duty athletics where she can burn off some of her anger,have your daughter go to group therapy, social skills groups, take yoga classes to learn to focus better, the list goes on. Of course it all depends on your families needs also.

As far as my grandson is concerned. I feel the same way. Homeschooling hasn't been as fun or as successful as i'd like it to be. While we struggle, we have had fun and joy, some boredom and sadness. I believe it's part of life. We're both learning as we progress. My grandson has performed and acheived way past my expectations in some areas and less so in others. We spend a great deal of time on emotional social issues and skills and I've learned to incorporate them into our curriculum. It has been a journey, a good adventure. He couldn't have done so well if he had been in regular school. There's no way. Could I have been a better homeschooler, of course, we all could. But this year has been good, difficult, but good. Would I change things for next year? Yes, I see room for change and am seeking out new opportunities for my granson.

Now the question is do I deserve a metal? I would give myself an A for effort and a B for performance. Would someone else see things differently? Maybe. I want my metal and I want to pin it on my grandson. Through all the struggling and suffering we have endured we have been a great team. I give us an A. You see I couldn't do this without him and he couldn't do it without me.

GIve yourself an A darling. I have the feeling you deserve it as much as we do. Don't short change all the work and effort you have put into making your daughter's life a better one. I can feel you are a great Mom. just like I can feel your daughter is a great daughter.

Hope I helped in some small way. I know this way long, but at this time of night, I surely had the time.Lol

Elona

I have two kids that have been in PS for years. My youngest has been diagnosed with Sensory Inegration Dysfunction so we are going to homeschool him and see if that is a better learning environment for him. He will also go to a part time PS, since I work full time. My mom lives with us so she will be doing the work with him during the day on the days he is not in the PS. So glad we have schooling options. Its not a one size fits all.