Okay I'm officially homeschooling....

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Okay I'm officially homeschooling....
17
Tue, 04-24-2007 - 6:04pm

Any advice?

My oldest Christopher has fallen apart when its come to school. He has rage issue's and he will freak out so bad I just can't take it anymore. I know its because of the pressure of school, finding his dysgraphia disability so late in the game and his teacher being a total biotch and doesn't give a dangnabit about his neurological issue's.

I simply can't get him to school. I know he's basically trying to avoid a negative social situation, and its up to me to help him.

I called the principle and she agreed as this problem is getting worse and worse. And it looks like this is a must as the Deputy from the truancy office contacted her this morning and asked what was up with Christopher. He has missed 23 days since february.

She gave me a number for a charter home school but they are booked up. The guy said he will call me back with other choices.

I decided this morning to include my 1st grader in the home school thing too, as I believe has Tourettes and his tics are all over the place. Kids are teasing him, getting mad at him and I'm afraid that he's also getting in trouble at school for them.

This morning I had to physically carry him downstairs to eat before school and he head butted and scratched at my arms the whole way down. I just can't do this anymore.

Anyway any advice you can throw my way ? :)

Lainie

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 10:00pm

I'm sorry for chiming in late on this one Lainie...

All I can say is, WOW! I really admire your strength in making this decision. You, and only you, know what's best for children. I am beyond impressed with those who successfully homeschool. If I were capable, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Loads and loads of positive vibes headed your way, Darlin'!!!

Amy

Meez 3D avatar avatars games

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-05-2004
Wed, 04-25-2007 - 11:13pm
Sorry, didn't mean to but in, but have you checked out natthan.com


 

 thFootpr

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Thu, 04-26-2007 - 2:04am

Oh Crystal, of course your not butting in! I appreciate every single post here, as I have never done this before. But as a few have said, I think I might be easy on the work (doing things online) so they can calm down a bit. They seem to like it, and of course since Chris is so rule orientated, he reminds me about doing it lol.

The only thing I see is that I think I need to get them back in next year, today I have dealt with 3 rages from Nicholas and one from Chris just now (I interrupted his drawing and it was a pattern).

Maybe if I could get these things under control it might be different, but now I just think they are so far gone without dx's that I just gotta bite the bullet, and deal with whatever I can deal with at the moment. During the summer I can take nicholas to half day camp, as he has fun and it will separate the boys somewhat. Chris isn't usually interested because he's not as social as Nic is...

Thank you everyone for your hugs, incuragent (sp?) and understanding.....

I really so appreciate it, and every post that you all made, brings a smile to my face and a warmth in my heart and I feel understood!

Lainie

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2005
Thu, 04-26-2007 - 8:26pm

Lainie,
As someone who started homeschooling my AS son Noah,(he's 10) this year I am no expert but I can tell you that it will greatly improve the stress level in your life. I'm not saying it will get rid of it - it will be different type of stress. School for the first 3 years was fine for my son- he really liked it and then his AS began to show more in 3rd grade and the usual story of bullying, teasing, teachers not knowing what to do with him (he's also gifted) and my impatience with the whole IEP process made me take the plunge.
I am someone who said I would NEVER homeschool- NEVER and yet here I am homeschooling my son who has Aspergers! What have I gotten into? We started right off with a co-op (a gym class and history class)- he hated it - it was too much like school! So I decided to try unschooling, de-schooling whatever term you want to use to give him time to breathe and to enjoy learning without all the stress. I have researched tons of websites, etc. and there is a lot of help out there- if you have questions feel free to ask -I would be happy to share

Homeschooling is hard but you are in control and you have time to breathe and make decisions about what is best for your kids.

Good Luck!
Jane

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Thu, 04-26-2007 - 9:04pm

Thank you for your help Jane :).

SIGH, I just got back from the Dept of Special Ed. I talked to them for quite abit, trying to figure out this thing here.

I found out it looks like were screwed....

See Chris is in the middle of assessment. If I take him out and privately home school him, assessment will stop completly because he won't be part of the school district anymore. I can get him into the sd's charter home school, but there's a waiting list.

AT least I got a note from my ped about both boys saying they need independent study because of tics and severe behavioral disturbances. That will protect us somewhat.

The spec. ed people tho had me fill out a inter district transfer so I would have my options open up for another school next year and lined up if I choose to use it. They also said they would talk to the Dept of Truancy on my behalf and explain a few things to them about my boys.

Also they were concerned with nicholas and his tics especially since school is becoming such a negative environment for him and getting in trouble for his latest belching tic. They are going to observe him in class now and see about an IEP for him.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Fri, 04-27-2007 - 7:43pm

((((((Lainie)))))


Sorry to hear about this latest bump in the road.

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Sat, 04-28-2007 - 1:24am

Well I'm able to get chris to school to do the assessments because their in the office or in a special room.... Its getting him to the class with his teacher that keeps him from going.

Monday he has his last assessment ( I think, as I thought yesterday his speech appt was his last one with the st, but she asked for more this morning. Makes me wonder why she asked for more time.....).

Monday I take him to the OT's office at a different school. He's not doing it at the school as I explained to him about his attendance issue. Its better this way as he has a whole sensory room, which will be better for Christopher.

ONce we get the IEP it will be great, but I know in my heart we won't be able to get him to the "Witches" class at all. And I shouldn't push him.

I have asked for half days, I have asked for him to be moved from the class, I have asked for any help he can get, but no one has said yes I can do that....

If they want him in school, then they need to do something. I put in a transfer back to his old school (my kids were forced to this new school this year, as it was just built and they pulled people from our area and other areas to start attending.) Both kids are falling.....

So I hope I can get them back in the old school. That might do it. But it might not happen till next year. Maybe I will talk to the principle there. She's great.

If the deputy from the truancy dept starts court proceedings, I guess I will just get a lawyer. Nothing much else I can do. Like the Spec Ed dept said, its not like I'm sitting around doing nothing, and letting Chris stay home. I am actively trying to do things, going to doctors, calling my ped several times a week. Setting appts....

ARHGGGG lol

Lainie

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