School wasn't a good fit for us - Real Mum story on MoM

5 Comments

After sending our first child to school and dealing with all the issues that come with that we decided that school was not the right fit for us. We went from having a very happy little girl who couldn’t wait to go to school from the time she could talk to her not even wanting to go by Year 2. Bullying from teachers, other students and the attitudes of other students started to impact our daughter so much that In the end I had to help her get dressed, put her shoes on and drop her at the gate in tears, wondering if anyone would play with her each day. It was heartbreaking but what could I do? After her school work started going down hill at a rapid rate and many meetings with her teacher and the Principal resulting in them saying that was ok as long as she was progressing at her rate, I had, had enough. My husband went to the school and said she would not be going back. We filled out the application for home schooling and waited for their reply. We had a lovely lady come out to assess our situation and to see where we would be doing the schoolwork and what resources we intended to use for teaching. We had a basic timetable of what we wanted to do and the Board of Studies website outlines the key learning areas we have to address. While it might sound very daunting it has been rather easy and enjoyable (we do have a few moments of “wanting to tear our hair out” but generally its been good) There is an amazing amount of free resources available on the internet, as well as the local library and a great network of other home schooling families. In fact I was quite astounded by the amount of other families out there. We have regular meet ups so our kids can socialise which is fantastic as it was one of my concerns, I needn’t have worried, there is so much going on sometimes we have to knock back invitations to get the school work done. Our first child has done so well that we have decided that we will be enrolling our 5 year old this year also. While there has been a little bit of stigma around home schooling as it is not seen as a normal thing to do we have had a rather positive reaction from most people and seeing the difference in my family and how much happier we all are, I wish I had done it from day one. Even our 2 yr old is enjoying joining in and already knows how to count to 20 and most of his alphabet just by listening in.

Posted by SpotstheCat, 31st March 2013

5 Comments

- - june11 said
  - 18 Jul 2016
    11:47 pm
As long as the parents have the ability to home school or find somebody to help them in may cases it is the best way to go provided you have the equipment and other resources. In outback areas parents home school via School on the Air. Some go to large cities and board for high school. I’m not sure if School on the Air could cope with high school as there is so many subjects that need to be hands on with a qualified experienced person. For boys a lot learn welding, metalwork, woodwork, practical science (so do girls). Girls also learn subjects that parents have have no experience for.

- - mom81879 said
  - 08 Nov 2015
    12:40 pm
I think it’s wonderful. My son did year 11 and 12 at home and his grades went through the roof, it helped him get the required levels to gain entry to the army. Best thing we ever did

- - mom57522 said
  - 26 Dec 2014
    2:15 pm
It’s amazing how in australia there is still a stigma about home schooling.

- - 3timesamum said
  - 30 Jun 2014
    7:33 pm
That is really great that you have found a solution that works for your family.

- - jodie80 said
  - 18 Mar 2014
    9:55 am
i ahve a friend that pulled her child out of school due to bullying and trying 5 different schools. This poor little kid was just looked shaaattered his was always upset and sad i never saw a smile on his face and heading towards a life time of depression she decided to home school him. and in a week i saw him smile and laugh and that was the best feeling. i agree with you