Julie Stauffer

<<but are they always ready for whatever, whenever?>>

I believe that as long as kids are in secure relationships where they can
discuss anything that is bothering them, they will be ok and will not stray
too far outside of their comfort zone, particularly homeschooled kids.

Kids in ps tend to have more fractured relationships with their parents
(being separated so much) and a heavier reliance on peer pressure. The kids
are often cajoled, teased and threatened into doing things, all sorts of
things, they don't feel comfortable with.

I also think that straying outside the comfort zone in a loving atmosphere
can be a good thing. Zach (8) is a nervous, worrying kind of kid. He was
introduced to Jurassic Park at a friend's house and had nightmares, scared
to go upstairs by himself, etc.. He then pestered and pestered to rent
Jurassic Park III. I told him I didn't think it was a good idea, remember
how scared you got , etc., etc.. Finally rented it for him. He spent most
of the movie hiding behind his hands. Again , lots of fears but much less
intense. Then Zach saw Jurassic Park video at the library. Pester, pester
to get the movie. OK, says I. He has watched it pretty much non-stop for 2
days. No longer scared, asking lots of questions about dinosaurs, their
visual systems, herbivores vs. carnivores, etc..

By trusting him to step outside of where he and I both felt comfortable,
Zach was able to conquer his fears and take control.

Julie