Feb. 2, 2007
I'm really glad I homeschool
I am glad I homeschool, but on days like this I am even more thankful that I am able to do this. I have mentioned before that my oldest son has ADHD and anxeity issues. Well, one thing it effects is his sleep. He has ALWAYS been a poor sleeper. He did not sleep through the night even once before he was 3 and even after that he would go through periods of time where he had trouble. He also would have trouble going to sleep. Even though his bedtime was always 9:00, the time he went to sleep was usually midnight. There have been times that he has laid awake until 3 in the morning. In the last year we have had very little trouble getting him to sleep because the doctors have him on three different medicines that help knock him out. He's on Melatonin (which your body produces naturally), an allergy medicine for allergies but has the side effect of making a person sleepy and Clonidine which is used when his Metadate is wearing off, helps keep him from just going spaztic and it has the side effect of making you sleepy. So for the first time in his life he is usually asleep before 9:30. However, he doesn't always stay asleep and last night was one of those nights. It is 10:00 a.m. and my son has already been up for 8 1/2 hours. Yep, that's right, he woke up at 1:30 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep!!! Now, I ask you, how would he be able to function in a classroom?!?  There would be no way!!! So today, he would miss almost everything he was taught and bomb any test he would take. Keep in mind, he does this probably at least once a week. His grades would suffer and so would his self-esteem. At least when he is homeschool, I can adjust things. This will not be a day for heavy work, like teaching new math concepts. This will not be a day for long instruction. Instead, this will be a relaxed day. Work on stuff that he enjoys like history and science. Have him watch some videos and read some books, but this is not a day for him to do hard stuff. Luckily, since he is homeschool we can have days like this and then make it up on the days that he is well rested. So thank you to all of you that helped pioneer the homeschool movement that gave the rest of us the freedom that we now enjoy. One of the fruits of your labor is, one extremely bright little boy will not have to feel like he is a failure because he has special needs. Thank you!
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Comments
Feb. 2, 2007 - Hi, thanks for your comment...
 Posted by jugglingpaynes
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What you said here is one of my main reasons for homeschooling--honoring the body clock. I have two night owls and one lark (morning person). It's nice that my son can get up before everyone, dress, feed the cats and himself, and be done with one subject by the time I'm having my coffee. It's also nice that my teen daughter can sleep longer if she needs to and be more functional when she gets up. I remember always being tired in school as a teen and up all night studying and doing homework.
I wonder if massage would help your son? It's good that he has the meds to help, but maybe a gentle face massage and helping him with deep breathing and relaxation techniques would help on those nights when he's up at 1:30. I taught this to my son who tended to be hyper and had a lot of nightly asthma when he was younger. If you want to know some of the techniques I use send a private message and I give more details (I think this comment is already long, don't you?)
Peace and Laughter,
Cristina
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Feb. 2, 2007 - from Fringey
 Posted by Anonymous
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AMEN! Homeschooling is the best IEP ever...this is how I feel about my dyslexic child...only you put it better!
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Feb. 2, 2007 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by jenn4him
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Praise God for those who were brave enough to try this crazy thing called homeschool long ago. We do owe them quite a debt. The only way I can see to repay them is to be diligent and make them proud! Keep up the good work. You will be rewarded one day, although I know that is not why you do what you do.
Jenn
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Feb. 2, 2007 - <i>Untitled Comment</i>
 Posted by henryteachers
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That's what is so great about homeschooling! You as his mom are definitely the best teacher because you're able to be helpful and flexible to meet his needs and abilities.
Edited by henryteachers on Feb. 2, 2007 at 4:36 PM
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Feb. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by kateyz
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Just another great reason to homeschool! I love the flexibility! It must be hard on your though to keep up with your son's hours ;-)
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Feb. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by hugs4Him
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I understand poor sleepers, as that's been the case here. The baby is not sleeping well now either <whew; I'm tired!>. Thankfully we don't have to rush out the door to a school situation & if anyone is sleepy they can "catch up" a bit in the AM too (except mom LOL).
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Feb. 3, 2007 - Yes!
 Posted by AussieinAmerica
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I know what you mean. We are so blessed to be able to school our kiddos. He is certainly getting a better education at home with you that in a class room. Way to go!
Stacy
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Feb. 5, 2007 - I absolutely agree!!
 Posted by earthenvessel
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I too have an ADHD son who I have been told by doctors would not make it in a traditional school setting. It is such a blessing to have the freedom to adjust to their needs and not feel guilty because we are not "hitting the books" as hard as normal.
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