tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post3684198827853346650..comments2023-11-02T02:49:12.689-06:00Comments on Waiting for Charlie...: Isolated Homeschoolingmajellamomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03809626019321902004noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post-26188752859338009812010-04-20T17:18:26.812-06:002010-04-20T17:18:26.812-06:00Hi, I feel your pain. I homeschool my seven year ...Hi, I feel your pain. I homeschool my seven year old in a very small "bush" village in Alaska. There are no other homeschooled kids her age (there are a few highschoolers). I worked it out with the school so that my daughter could attend two hours a day. She goes for "rotationals" this means music, gym, Inupiaq language, and library on alternative days. She then stays for lunch and recess and then comes home. It breaks up our day and she gets to go spend some time out with other kids. The school here has been great, I don't know what they will be like where you are but don't write them off. They might be able to really help and you still get to be the "teacher" for the majority of the subjects.<br />You can email me if you have any other questions.<br /><br />wendy<br />wendyIsahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06150473969394851062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post-21824051840995249532010-04-20T15:59:04.985-06:002010-04-20T15:59:04.985-06:00We live 5 miles from the nearest small town...not ...We live 5 miles from the nearest small town...not as far as you...but we still do not go to town more than weekly. If you do not project a feeling of isolation and aloneless on your daughters than they will not feel it. Sounds to me like you get out quite a bit. Also, don't forget about the great outdoors. EVERY day, rain or shine, get the girls outside and explore. And to tide you over until you do make some friends (but not as a replacement) you can connect with others online.<br />Blessings to you,<br />CarolCarol J. Alexanderhttp://EverythingHomeWithCarol.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post-41637544118266179272010-04-20T14:08:02.222-06:002010-04-20T14:08:02.222-06:00Hi there. Another Kelly referral here. Born and ...Hi there. Another Kelly referral here. Born and raised in Chicago, I had small-town shock when I moved to Denver, CO as a 28 year old. Two years later my husband and newborn son and I moved to small-town Iowa. I was completely lost in my new environment. The good news it was temporary. A long temporary. But not permanent, thanks be to God. We have four children so far, the oldest being 8. We began homeschooling when our oldest was 4. For me, the crushing isolation started to dissipate when my oldest reached about age 6. There are more activity offerings for children as they get older. And therefore, more opportunities to test-drive friendships with other families. When it comes to building your social circle, be patient. There are like-minded families in every community, it just takes more time than you'd like to find them. Limiting your choices to homeschooling families may do just that, limit you. In my community, we are one of two Catholic homeschooling families. Adjusting to country life took every ounce of grace God sent. I am such a better mom for it. As for driving to town...It quit feeling like a nuisance once I accepted daily town-tripping as a price of admission for the privacy and fun that our acreage affords us. Please feel free to email me privately. Kelly can put you in touch with me. Peace, MarilynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post-88545570545235342812010-04-20T11:20:04.527-06:002010-04-20T11:20:04.527-06:00Finding community in a new place can take time- I ...Finding community in a new place can take time- I can empathize. It was worth it for us to take the time to find our circle of families and activities for us though.<br />The time together and to follow our own interests, the time for the kids to just be kids, and the ongoing strong relationships with each other are some of the biggest benefits of homeschooling for our family. <br />I think siblings just bicker sometimes- and going to school doesn't stop it- getting out of the house both together or separately- can help. Take a nature hike, explore etc.<br />While school may have put my kids into an instant group of other people, it would also have structured most of their waking hours to be spent away from each other and their parents and on activities without regards to their own interests. <br />I work part time, but I would think that being a stay at home mom with no kids home would be REALLY isolating. <br />No solution is perfect all the time, but hang in there- you'll find what works for your family.Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02008081263431261048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post-87546884158290755932010-04-20T07:16:29.772-06:002010-04-20T07:16:29.772-06:00I was homeschooled back when in the eighties. Way...I was homeschooled back when in the eighties. Way back when no one else was doing it, and didn't even know what it was. That was isolating in a different way. I had some opportunities (it sounds like around the same number) as your daughter, and I was content. There are positives to having more time with your family. Your family becomes stronger, and you are closer than you would be otherwise. That is a lifelong gift. Also, you get to know yourself pretty well. <br /><br />For the sibling rivalry. I have three kids, two are sisters very close in age. I find that having "centers" ready to go really helps out. We also institute a "quiet time" in the afternoons where each sister grabs a book and heads to a different room (even if they object) to have some alone time. Having that short break from each other really makes the sibling relationship a little smoother.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07054586181460710807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post-14973465645977721142010-04-19T14:27:52.747-06:002010-04-19T14:27:52.747-06:00OK, your profile does not show email info. mine is...OK, your profile does not show email info. mine is listed under my profile. write to me, i'll write backjuliecachehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00051312206721332785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post-44073370218499149822010-04-19T14:23:53.660-06:002010-04-19T14:23:53.660-06:00hi there! got here from kelly's recommendation...hi there! got here from kelly's recommendation. With having four kids ages 9 - 15, I would say that you probably would feel isolated no matter where you lived because of the ages of your children, but the landscape enhances that feeling. We home school, and I'll send you a private message later.juliecachehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00051312206721332785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27836089.post-4084542707447321312010-04-19T14:05:20.582-06:002010-04-19T14:05:20.582-06:00I may not be isolated, but I do understand trying ...I may not be isolated, but I do understand trying to balance home time and out and about time. Here are just a few thoughts:<br />1) Sports for little kids - the YMCA here has rules that they cannot meet more than 3 hours a week including games. So I'd check that - it's not bad - only 1x a week for practice and 1 game generally.<br />2)I wish we had little flowers, but we don't and I'm also not sure I want to start the group.<br />3)I'd give it just a couple more months before you decide anything - maybe give it to the end of May and see how you're doing. You've really only been settled a short time<br />4)How are the public schools in your area? The public schools where we are are bad, but in a couple of towns over they even pray everyday, so if we move out there after our lease is up, I might reconsider. I'm torn between all 3 options - private, public, and should I be homeschooling. I think about this way to much.<br /><br />Good to see a post from you, and hope it gets easier!Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08949743218077305159noreply@blogger.com