[Corin Stormhands]

Well I do think these parents are making the right choices. And (darned lack of editing features) I still don't mean to imply that all of the parents are problematic. They're not.

I just think that, in the problem cases, that perhaps the parents should have sent them off earlier.

For example, with Luke, we've talked about me doing the elementary math. I can do that. But once we get past a certain level ~ definitely pre-Algebra ~ we'll have to get someone else involved.

[JenB]

If you use Saxon math, you can probably get through Algebra, too. Math was never my mom's strong point, but Saxon has a really really good math curriculm, from about 5th grade on (Saxon 54 is the first one we used. By fourth or fifth grade age, most kids can handle the Saxon format).

Anyway, once I got into Algebra, Mom had to start buying the step-by-step "here's how this problem is solved" guides, as well as the text and answer books.

[RosieCotton]

For example, with Luke, we've talked about me doing the elementary math. I can do that. But once we get past a certain level ~ definitely pre-Algebra ~ we'll have to get someone else involved.

Like Jen said, Saxon is good at walking people through things. If you DO homeschool, you may be surprised at how much Luke can do on his own, with the help of a good step-by-step guide.

The other thing that people tend to forget is that there's nothing that says THEY can't learn subjects in order to teach them. The learning function doesn't get switched off when we graduate from high school or college...and even someone with an advanced degree has to do some studying to teach a subject. I don't remember half of my Algebra II, but I did some tutoring of a friend a few years ago and with the help of a Saxon book was able to relearn it in order to explain it to her.

[ksen]

Nobody has ever said that you can't get other people involved in homeschooling your child(ren). If you know you come up short in an area, then bring in a tutor or whatever else you can find to shore up your weak spot(s).

The main point is that as the parent of the child you will have their best interests at heart more than anyone else. You will know your child better than anyone else.