So, I have been really debating on pulling my oldest out of public school and just homeschool all three of my babies. My oldest is on the spectrum and is able to "blend in" with his class, but is still having so many difficulties with peers. I have tried talking to his resource teacher and his classroom teacher and they say academically he is above his peers but with the social aspect he needs to work on it. I personally feel that my son is fine just the way he is and shouldn't have to change who he is to "fit in". I love his quirks and everything about him. What scares me is he is going to have added pressure to have to try and fit in with everyone. My middle child also has ADHD and struggles with some things and I just want them to be able to learn how they learn and not have to fit into this silly little box. I guess my question is, how do I bring it up to my fiancé who thinks he needs to be in public school for the social aspect of things and maybe be able to at least have him see where I am coming from? Also, does anyone on here homeschool their babies who are quirky and themselves? How do you do it? I have been doing small things to teach them at home since my oldest was 1.5 years old and sometimes I think, could I do this full time?? Any advice would be great! I am on the fence.
I taught in public schools for over 34 years. I'm not a fan of home schooling. Home schooled children have only one (or possibly two) teacher(s), the parent(s), they are not exposed to multiple methods of instruction, discipline, mentors, mediators, inspirational examples, role models, etc. They do not socialize with teachers, administrators, and a wide variety of their peers. They are not exposed to bullying and other pressures associated with growing up, and therefore may have social difficulty when they do interact. Being old myself, we were constantly exposed to bullying while in and out of school and learned how to handle ourselves in those circumstances. Home schooling is just placing a child in a protective bubble, IMO.
I totally understand this point too. That is why this is a hard decision for me. I don't want to put them in a bubble, but I also don't want them to feel pressured to not be themselves.
