jmm12_5_62

Dear Hilary,
I'm in a sort of similar boat, this is our 2nd year of homeschooling,
my daughter is 11 and son is 8. I had no idea how much time it would
take to "deschool," I think we're still recovering from the
experience. You mentioned that some of the social aspects of school
were less than ideal. If your son was exposed to any kind of
bullying - physical or psychological - this could also be
contributing to his moods. And of course, there are plenty of what
my neighbor calls "preteen moments." I've done lots of reading to try
to understand my daughter's negative school experiences (ever read
about the hidden culture of aggression in girls?) and help her
overcome some of the depression and uncomfortable feelings. My son
hates to write, and said he ":hated learning" at the end of the last
school year. So I, too, have been swinging between "should I push
it?" and "Let him get to it in his own time, don't put him off."
I've been trying to stay in the latter end of the swing, but it's
hard with that feeling that Big Brother is watching you. I don't
have answers, just more questions, but I thought you might like to
know you're not the only one experiencing this and I have a feeling
it may be a normal reaction to the "healing from school" process. If
it's any consolation, I think things have been getting easier - I've
especially felt better since joining this group! It really does take
a long time, though. I wish you the best.
Jennie