Please don't flame me.  Today, I had to register my three children for public school this year and it is breaking my heart!  i have been having chronic back pain since last Aug.  Somedays are bearable and others are excrutiating.  I am seeing a dr for therapy 3 times a weeks also.  So, we had to make the decision based on what the kiddos really need.  I love my kids being home.  They are excited to go back to public school again.  I had taken them out 3 yrs ago.  Luckily, we have a really good school here with dedicated teachers! 

Some of my co-op feel that homeschooling is the only way to go.  it makes me feel so guilty.  I really am trying to do the best for my children.  I don't want their education to suffer. 

Has anyone had to make a choice like this also?  It is so hard, but I only want what is best!

So so sad!  Thanks for listening!!! 

First of all, *hugs*, for having to make such a tough decision especially when you're dealing with chronic pain.

The most important thing is that you're doing what's best for your family.  No one else can make that decision for you.  I don't agree that homeschooling is the only way to go.  It's not the best fit for all families, at all times.  Circumstances change and you have to be flexible.

I'm very glad that you have a good public school and that the kids are taking this in a positive manner.  :)  I hope everything works out for you all!

What a tough decision, sounds like the best one for your family.  There is a season to everything and only you know best what those are!!

Angie~

Don't let other people tell you what is best for your own family.  = )  They have their needs; you have yours.  I agree with Carole that homeschooling is not the only way to go.  As long as you are still involved in your children's education, I don't think you have to be their main academic teacher.  My brother and I went through the public school system from 1st grade through high school.  Our parents were involved every step of the way--helping with homework, helping with science fair projects, chaperoning on field trips, manning the Band Boosters table, hosting cast parties after performances...

We have some friends who have been homeschooling their 2 kids.  The son (entering 5th grade) and the mom really ram heads sometimes, and he has been asking to go to the local public school.  So this year, he's going to school, and his sister (entering 6th grade) will still be schooled at home.  The mom didn't want to do it, but she wasn't looking forward to another year of frustration with her son.

I applaud you for making your decision, and not continuing in a situation that seems unhealthy for you.  Do NOT feel guilty about it.  = )  I'm glad to hear that your local school is a good one, and that the teachers are high-quality. 

~Jori

:( So sorry you're going through this!

No flames from me...just sympathy for your pain and for your struggle.

Best wishes!

Angie, you have to do what is best for your family and nobody else can know what that is.  You have had to make a very hard decision.  It is great that you have a good school that they can go to and I'm sure they will do great there because of the foundation you have been laying for them. 

Never feel guilty for trying to give your children what they need!

My children are currently also in school. When I can I go to school with them and give the whole class (and teacher) every ounce of support I can. If you can't go to school, many have ways you can help at home. (maybe cut shape books, make flash cards, ... sometimes even help grade papers) I try to keep on top of what the school curriculum says my kids SHOULD be learning, then reinforce and supplement at home.

Well, as a homeschool mom that has dealt this last year with having to have surgery that kept me on my back for months - I applaud your decision.  If I'd had a chance to 'plan it out' better, I'd maybe have done the same thing.   We really struggled outright, and my son got behind a bit in math.  We've been playing catchup doing math on a daily basis since.

We all do what we think is best, and no one knows our OWN situation better than we do ourselves.  Don't let people make you feel guilty for that!  

You can always homeschool agian if you feel like it and both you and your kids WANT to and feel it is the right thing to do.

Aww, Angie. What a tough decision. I love homeschooling, have done it with all of the kids since they were little, currently run a homeschool support group, and have written reviews for a homeschool magazine for years now, but I don't think homeschooling is the be all end all problem solver for every family. It also has its quirks and it does not guarantee anything. Children want to know they're loved and accepted and that's one of the most important things you can do for your children. Who knows? You may even feel better later on in the year and the kids might tell you they're sick of public school. You can always pull them out if circumstances change.

Michele

Angie,

     Your children know that you love them. Don't let "mom guilt" eat you up. You have to take care of yourself as well as your family. Focus on getting well not on what everyone else thinks about you. I know it is tough. I have a friend who put her son in public school this year and other moms were so cruel. I just don't understand that reaction. Now go read a book with your kiddos! :)

     Sincerely,

     Renae

Angie,

I'm sure that you made the best choice for your children and family.

Studies show that an involved parent is the best indicator of a student's success no matter what type of schooling.  Putting your kiddos in ps won't change your intrest in your children.

Thanks!  You have all made me feel much better.  I will be active as I can at the school and of course when they are at home.  I am still really nervous about some of the co-op.  My close friends understand completely so hopefully I won't run into some of the others.  It is not like I deciced I don't want to be around them or anything like that.  I AM doing what they need.  I just have to believe in our decision no matter what any one else thinks!

Thanks so much!!  I hope you all have a wonderful year!

To be very honest, if you don't take care of yourself, there's no way you can take care of your children.  I prefer homeschooling, but it sounds to me like at this point in your lives, public school is what's best for your family.  Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for doing what's best for your kids.  You have to take care of mommy first or those kids are really going to suffer.

I agree with Shannon and all of the others that say you need to take care of yourself first.  You are doing what is best for your family by the decision that you made about the public school. You are being involved in their education by helping out at school when you can and helping them after they come home from school.

 You can always go back to homeschooling once you feel better if you would like to.  You have to take care of your health first.

Your true friends in your homeschooling co-op will be understanding of why you made your decision. 

Have a Great Year!

Bobbie Jo