Re: Home schooling ???
with this topic, i think it's important to understand the person giving their advise. pls don't take this as bragging, i just think it helps with understanding my perspective on the subject. i attended a public school in new jersey, very middle-classed. i did very well, in both academics and athletics. graduated 3rd in my class, class pres, varisty captain, etc. i could have gone to pretty much any college. i chose the u.s. naval academy, majored in ocean engineering, and graduated with merit (3.2 gpa). i probably could have done better, but i enjoyed myself and other things besides studying. i continue to do well in my profession.<br /><br />my brother is a different person and a different story. same parents, same school, same upbringing. he did ok in school, but didn't enjoy it. was diagnosed with add, and went through the meds- some helped, some did not. he graduated, gave up on school, and is now in construction. he still has some problems, but is getting through life just the same.<br /><br />point 1: i feel very fortunate i went to a public school. i was able to experience what most people do growing up. i made friends, lost friends. i got in fights and learned to protect myself. i played with the boys and the girls (enjoyed the later more!) most importantly, i learned how to interact with others. i learned how to be a leader and a follower. i truly believe lessons i learned throughout elementary and high school got me where i am today.<br /><br />point 2: add is a real problem. yes, 60 minutes will probably do a story on it in the next year scaring people that it is not real. but it does affect some kids and somtimes meds is the only solution. it is important to get multiple opinions from several doctors, and to ask questions. don't just write it off.<br /><br />point 3: my brother is a different person than me. my parents spent extra time with him, often helping him study. our school helped with his tutoring. he is a smart kid, graduated without being left back, but school was not for him. it was a fight for my parents to keep him straight, and for the most part they did ok.<br /><br />looking back at my post, i'm not sure if i even made a valid point. i guess i was trying to say just a few things- think hard before you pull your child out of school. is it really the best solution? does he want to do it? if not, you may get the opposite result you had hoped for. in any event, good luck.