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I had to homeschool one of my kids for a couple of years to teach him to read. Deschooling...teaching him to sit still and pay attention to detail (stop guess reading and look at all the letters of a word) was not easy. It would have been easier had I been the one to teach him to read from the beginning because bad habits would not have been formed.

Also, at group school, everything he did was "just great" - "SUPER." At home getting things right was super; otherwise more work was required. At one point, he told me I was the meanest mom in the world. : (

However, after a few months when he was reading and doing math in his head, he thought I was the smartest mom in the world. He had actual reason to feel good about himself and the truth is, he knew he was faking it in group school and it felt a lot better when it was all real. He was in control of himself. We became much closer as a family. He is spiritually connected to me in a way none of my other children are.

The socialization from group school is not all it's cracked up to be. We should not have factory schools anymore. You only see and understand the extend of the difference between home school and group school when you experience it. The thing that would block most parents from homeschooling, though, is that you have to actually give your life over to it. It can not be one of many chores - like doing homework. It becomes a lifestyle.

"You only see and understand the extend of the difference between home school and group school when you experience it. The thing that would block most parents from homeschooling, though, is that you have to actually give your life over to it. It can not be one of many chores - like doing homework. It becomes a lifestyle."

Well said! I advise people who are new to homeschooling and I always point out the time and energy it will take. You will not be a successful homeschooler unless you are willing to make a serious committment to it.