Homeschooling... okay or not?

[Jinnah]

Even though my children are publicly schooled, I am obviously a proponent of homeschooling. My bias has so much to do with living in one of the lowest educationally ranked states in the US, and even the US is ranked lower than many foreign countries.

 

That said, I beg to differ with some opinions concerning exposure to all the differences that life has to offer.

 

With four children, it has been my experience to see more following of the mainstream crowd than fostering individuality in my children's educational and their extra-curricular activities choices.

 

Because your school day as a home schooler is literally all day every day (education is everywhere) you can have any multitude of outings and/or classes that are not available in a structured school environment. You can attend ballets, operas, concerts, museums any day of the week. You can attend events and exhibits (many of which are free) that detail different cultures, politics, societies, etc. My schools do not offer dance, specialized sports such as gymnastics, skating, archery. Your kids can do these and my area has several Parks and Recreation associated team sports such as baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and softball. Swimming is available at the YMCA. Scouting is available nationwide and doesn't require school affiliation.

 

It is the Parks & Recreation center my children occasionally attend (I previously called it something else) and they love it! It really is fun.

 

Personally I think exposure to discover activities they love is less limited, not more limited. Time is freed up with the absence of changing classrooms, taking attendance all day, disruptions by other students. This offers more time to devote to personal interests.

 

Right! The amount of time teachers actually spend really teaching is said to be 20 minutes out of every hour. That right there is alarming.

 

Television offers many educational programs about other people in other places.

 

If one chooses to study various religions, there are churches, synagogues, temples, whatever you can think of, listed right in the phone book that would welcome visitors.

 

It takes more planning and running around than participating in school sponsored events, but what I'm trying to say is that every day can be a field trip, versus the one or two you get in a regular school year.

 

If my kids had life threatening allergies (and I completely understand peanut allergies as being very difficult to avoid totally) I'm sure I would be doing it. If either of my kids fail to flourish, I will pull them out in a heartbeat. There are several distinct learning styles (through action, through reading, through music, just to name a few) and not all children learn best by the method(s) taught in their particular school.

 

It's great that you understand my position. A lot of people are not aware of how difficult some allergies really are. They are down-right scary. My kids cannot even eat in a restaurant without risk!

 

 

Besides all of this, when did school become such a "social" activity? It really needs to be more about actual learning and a whole lot less about socializing. While social skills are indeed important, it is pretty darn easy to foster those without attending school. Maybe some of our societal problems are because children are learning too much from children.

 

Your point on the risk of children being swayed by other children is a big concern to me. Kids now days are so different than when I went to school, and I'm not old (mid twenties). It's startling.

 

I have seen some stories of people attempting to shelter their children, but Jinnah has shown nothing to that degree in this thread. Religious preferences and values exist in almost all families, homeschooled or not.

 

I really don't have an "extremist" reason to homeschool... I just have a few valid concerns that lead me to believe this may be the right choice for us.

 

I can see the magnitude of possibilities here. Commitment is key and Jinnah seems to have it.

 

I am very committed to my children. If I wasn't I wouldn't even be considering this because, in my opinion, it is so much simpler to just send them to school.

 

I agree that I would have difficulty assisting my children with the higher maths and sciences, but accredited institutions are available if one chooses to homeschool through high school. How many of us use advanced physics and trigonometry on a daily basis anyway? A child with a natural interest and propensity for these subjects would run circles around me with their self education.

 

The programs I have considered are accredited... I did not consider any that weren't. The one I am leaning heavily on has an Advisory Teaching Service that provides help, record keeping, testing, etc.

 

Boy, I have some thinking of my own to do. My circumstances have changed for the better since I last discussed this topic. I'm getting myself all excited about the possibilities....

 

LOL, dropdeadlegs... your last sentence cracked me up! If you really do get serious about it, I have found two great options (Calvert School and Alpha Omega Academy). You can look them up online... both are accredited. One that is not, but provides record keeping services and testing is Bob Jones University. I am going to have the kids tested through that company... they provide annual Iowa and Stanford testing. Calvert School is not religious, the other two are. Plus there are many more (less affordable and more affordable) options available online. Also, HSLDA.org is a good resource for statistics and legal information. If you decide to do it, let me know.

 

As you can see, I have come to my decision. I can't stand the thought of something happening that I could have prevented... wish me luck!

[Jinnah]

He presents facts that are accepted by the scientific community, so its not a "belief" system as such. However he welcomes the content being challenged, and encourages children to question all aspects of what they are being taught. He took some theology papers at university too, to educate himself of the other side of the debate.

 

He shares an office with the religious instruction tutor, funnily enough, and they often ask eachother their points of view.(without fighting- fancy that!) They are aware of and respect eachothers positions, which must be healthy for the children they teach right?

 

That's actually really funny that they share an office and GREAT that they get along.

 

It sounds like he is trying to do a good job in not force-feeding anything he believes... I just worry that some teachers would not try to avoid swaying the children.

[dropdeadlegs]

I'm having some issues with my first grader. I keep getting feedback about ADD/ADHD. The thing is, I can't understand how a child that can honestly play Playstation for hours on end (if I would let him) has a real attention deficit disorder. I agree that he is easier distracted than some children, but I've been down this road with my first child and don't intend to have similar results (which weren't good.)

 

When I did my research on homeschooling years ago I remember the (& I think) learning styles and that made an impact on me. My child can sing many songs on the radio, learned how to play a Playstation (I don't even own it, my BF's daughter does) without the ability to read or any outside help and has a great attention span when his mind is interested.

 

Of course I don't have the same problems associated with a classroom of 20-25 kids when I'm dealing with him. In kindergarten I was so frustrated that I finally said to the teacher that I am doing everything I know to do at home and short of sitting in class with him daily I was exasperated. I began considering homeschooling again at that time, but defending it has really reminded me of how much I learned about it.

 

I have always loved learning and still do today, but I was fortunate that I am capable of getting minimal instruction in many courses and running with the lesson. Being an avid reader helped so much. Not everyone develops that love for some reason. I am aware that my child does not have the same learning style that worked just fine for me. My other child is a straight A student with no behavior issues. She can handle the public school structure and does well. My sons are a totally different story and get bored quickly unless stimulated in a way that interests them. I learned that almost anything can be taught in any style and still get the point across.

 

As for the peanuts, unless you are a food label junkie, you wouldn't begin to realize how many food items have peanut allergy warnings. I understand that a child eating a peanut butter cookie can transfer enough peanut dust to cause a reaction in a highly allergic child. I can't even begin to imagine the diligence necessary to deal with that, so how can a child truly understand and protect themselves? Peanuts are everywhere! Who knew? Not me until I met a child with a peanut allergy. I was frantic the child would be accidentally poisoned in my home! So many boxed cereals, seemingly having nothing to do with nuts, have peanut allergy warnings on them, some simply because other cereals containing nuts are manufactured in the same plant. I don't envy your challenges.

 

What grades are your kids currently in, Jinnah?

[sb129]

That's actually really funny that they share an office and GREAT that they get along.

 

It sounds like he is trying to do a good job in not force-feeding anything he believes... I just worry that some teachers would not try to avoid swaying the children.

 

Well, since his school teaches evolution based biology AND religion, they can't really force feed one way or another. The school is private and eye-wateringly expensive, so the parents have alot of input.

I don't think he would be doing his job properly if he did force feed one point over another, however his job is to teach the points of one, which he does without ridiculing the other one.

 

My BF is quite cheeky, and the RI teacher opens herself up to some teasing from him from time to time, but its very good natured, which is nice.

 

See- we can live in harmony!!

 

Hey good luck with the home schooling. You sound super organised, which is essential, and your enthusiasm is great.

 

I think your reasons for doing it are perfectly valid.

 

I went to a small community school were everyone knew everyone else, and there were no knives, drugs or crime. If my kids couldn't have that, i would consider private education...or maybe wonderboy could be a stay at home teacher-dad.... the plot thickens!

 

One question- do you get any financial assistance from the government?

Seeing as the kids education would be funded if they went to school..do you get a slice of the pie?

[Jinnah]

I'm having some issues with my first grader. I keep getting feedback about ADD/ADHD. The thing is, I can't understand how a child that can honestly play Playstation for hours on end (if I would let him) has a real attention deficit disorder. I agree that he is easier distracted than some children, but I've been down this road with my first child and don't intend to have similar results (which weren't good.)

 

When I did my research on homeschooling years ago I remember the (& I think) learning styles and that made an impact on me. My child can sing many songs on the radio, learned how to play a Playstation (I don't even own it, my BF's daughter does) without the ability to read or any outside help and has a great attention span when his mind is interested.

 

Of course I don't have the same problems associated with a classroom of 20-25 kids when I'm dealing with him. In kindergarten I was so frustrated that I finally said to the teacher that I am doing everything I know to do at home and short of sitting in class with him daily I was exasperated. I began considering homeschooling again at that time, but defending it has really reminded me of how much I learned about it.

 

I have always loved learning and still do today, but I was fortunate that I am capable of getting minimal instruction in many courses and running with the lesson. Being an avid reader helped so much. Not everyone develops that love for some reason. I am aware that my child does not have the same learning style that worked just fine for me. My other child is a straight A student with no behavior issues. She can handle the public school structure and does well. My sons are a totally different story and get bored quickly unless stimulated in a way that interests them. I learned that almost anything can be taught in any style and still get the point across.

 

As for the peanuts, unless you are a food label junkie, you wouldn't begin to realize how many food items have peanut allergy warnings. I understand that a child eating a peanut butter cookie can transfer enough peanut dust to cause a reaction in a highly allergic child. I can't even begin to imagine the diligence necessary to deal with that, so how can a child truly understand and protect themselves? Peanuts are everywhere! Who knew? Not me until I met a child with a peanut allergy. I was frantic the child would be accidentally poisoned in my home! So many boxed cereals, seemingly having nothing to do with nuts, have peanut allergy warnings on them, some simply because other cereals containing nuts are manufactured in the same plant. I don't envy your challenges.

 

What grades are your kids currently in, Jinnah?

 

I'm not saying this to get you to jump on the homeschool band-wagon along with me, but your children are good candidates for homeschooling. I understand the playstaion scenario... my husband, who claims to be a genius, claims to have ADD as well, but he sure can focus on the video games hours on end!

 

Sometimes, I get the impression that some teachers negatively label kids just because they do not now how to teach them. The teaching style that works for most children, do not work for ALL children... that does not mean that child has a problem. The problem is the rigid teaching style.

 

Homeschool, for that reason alone, benefits so many children... these children wind up excelling a changed learning environment. I have read a lot about this while researching homeschool benefits.

 

I am like you in the sense that I love learning (researching is fun for me!) and I LOVE reading. I think these qualities will enable me to provide my children with a quality education until circumstances change, and who knows, maybe they will do so well I will continue even if I don't have to!

 

Yeah, peanut allergies suck (lol). Sorry for the immaturity, I just hate food allergies. I hear true stories about kids dying in school cafeteria's because they didn't receive the Epi-Pen in time, others dying from eating chili (chili!) that contained peanuts (used to thicken), etc. It sad when you can't take your child to the ice-cream store due to the risk of cross-contamination. Cereal is a scary thing to buy!

 

My son is in the first grade and my daughter is in pre-k. We already decided that we are taking the homeschool route with her a long time ago... I only let her go this year because the teacher provides a "nut-free" classroom. She's great... she keeps the Epi-Pen in a locked drawer and was trained on how to use it. She is very diligent about keeping my daughter safe... we love her.

 

What do you think you are going to do about your kids?

[Jinnah]

Well, since his school teaches evolution based biology AND religion, they can't really force feed one way or another. The school is private and eye-wateringly expensive, so the parents have alot of input.

I don't think he would be doing his job properly if he did force feed one point over another, however his job is to teach the points of one, which he does without ridiculing the other one.

 

My BF is quite cheeky, and the RI teacher opens herself up to some teasing from him from time to time, but its very good natured, which is nice.

 

See- we can live in harmony!!

 

Hey good luck with the home schooling. You sound super organised, which is essential, and your enthusiasm is great.

 

I think your reasons for doing it are perfectly valid.

 

I went to a small community school were everyone knew everyone else, and there were no knives, drugs or crime. If my kids couldn't have that, i would consider private education...or maybe wonderboy could be a stay at home teacher-dad.... the plot thickens!

 

One question- do you get any financial assistance from the government?

Seeing as the kids education would be funded if they went to school..do you get a slice of the pie?

 

You are funny, sb129. I am enjoying your conversation.

 

We do not get financial assistance from the government. I have heard that if the kids have medical reasons not to attend school, the district has to provide an alternative, but there are differing opinions on the topic of whether or not that is considered a "qualifying" reason. In my opinion it is, but I think that would be a battle I'm not sure I want to engage in.

 

Lets just get wonderboy to homeschool your future kids, dropdeadlegs' kids, and my kids. It'll be great! Problem solved.

[JamesM]

You summed it up perfectly, JamesM. Your take on it is great. Can you tell me what, in your opinion, they teach by the first grade that may differ from what a parent might teach? I really am interested. I know my son came home and called me a weenie the other day:p... is that what you mean?

 

 

Well, it certainly depends on the school district. We live in a pretty good one, and the school that our kids would go to is actually good. Our kids went to the school only for a Young 5s class (two were kinda young for K due to their age). The teacher that they had was excellent. And I think the next teacher would have been as well. But as has been said, evolution will be one aspect that may conflict with your beliefs. If only the facts are presented, then great. But much of evolution is a theory, and that theory will not include God. The other aspects of any education may not be what IS taught, but what is NOT taught. This is what we feel is the difference between public and private schools. We want Christianity to be included in our children's education. We want their values when they interact with other kids to be Bible based.

 

And as you see that HS curriculum differs, so the education school will differ. But one thing will not be included in a public school, and that is Bible class. If this is important, then it should be considered as one of the reasons.

 

Now I would send my kid to a private religious school even though I am an atheist..if that was an only option for a better education... I doubt my child would turn religious on me. If so we atheists have spells to cure that......

 

a4a, I love it. You HAD a good background. I love this...we religious people have ways to put that doubt in your child's mind. No, actually just kidding, but it would be good that atheists see that Christians are people and vice versa.

[Green]

I personaly strugled with school my entire life and I consider myself very smart. Home schooling might have helped might have made things worse who knows. What I do know is there was this one guy who had been home schooled and then his parents put him in our HS so he could play baseball I guess it was his dream... and even with the advantage of being a skilled athlete (helps alot in hs) he was still a complete loser with no social skills (and you dont usualy need many when your a great athlete in hs or else where actualy) my point is you miss out on a common experience when you dont go to regular school and it makes it hard to relate to people... I dont know obviously with home school your have to take it on a school by school basis... how bad is the school your taking your kid out of... and how good is the school at home going to be... if you realy cant teach you should probably do your kid a favor and leave them in school...

[Jinnah]

JamesM- Do your kids currently go to private school? How's that going? I do love it that in homeschool you can teach all the religion you want on top of everything else. I noticed that one non-religious homeschool had a book included in a lower grade level that's sole purpose was to talk about Greek gods... it sounded like it was more detailed than the basic teachings about Greece (which are taught in most sixth grade courses)... kinda makes me wonder why they are teaching that to a third grader. That is the type of stuff I would want to avoid.

 

KMT- I believe I could teach the kids up until HS, and then they would either have to go to a traditional school, or do one of the DVD or satellite courses. Don't worry, I won't let my kids turn into big losers.

[Green]

My mother probably didnt want to turn me into a big loser eithr but she came very close quite a few times. I could only imagine what id be like now had I been home schooled

[JamesM]

JamesM- Do your kids currently go to private school? How's that going? I do love it that in homeschool you can teach all the religion you want on top of everything else. I noticed that one non-religious homeschool had a book included in a lower grade level that's sole purpose was to talk about Greek gods... it sounded like it was more detailed than the basic teachings about Greece (which are taught in most sixth grade courses)... kinda makes me wonder why they are teaching that to a third grader. That is the type of stuff I would want to avoid.

 

 

Yes, my kids go to a Christian school and are doing well. We have some friends who decided to home school their kids instead of sending them to the same school...they are also doing well. Their kids like being home schooled.

 

I am for either private or home school, but I lean toward a private school. BUT...if you think you can supply all of the necessary education and social needs, then I say go for it. The home school is as good as you are able to make it.

[norajane]

I noticed that one non-religious homeschool had a book included in a lower grade level that's sole purpose was to talk about Greek gods... it sounded like it was more detailed than the basic teachings about Greece (which are taught in most sixth grade courses)... kinda makes me wonder why they are teaching that to a third grader. That is the type of stuff I would want to avoid.

 

I'm surprised that grade schools would get to the point in history and literature where they would explain ancient Greek culture. Even so, it is HISTORY far more than religion that they teach when Greek mythology is the subject. IMO, religious beliefs and their affect on society is not something ot be ignored or hidden - civilization evolved over centuries, and there is no harm in learning about Zeus and Hera and the Illiad.

[sb129]

We do not get financial assistance from the government. I have heard that if the kids have medical reasons not to attend school, the district has to provide an alternative, but there are differing opinions on the topic of whether or not that is considered a "qualifying" reason. In my opinion it is, but I think that would be a battle I'm not sure I want to engage in.

 

Lets just get wonderboy to homeschool your future kids, dropdeadlegs' kids, and my kids. It'll be great! Problem solved.

 

 

Thats a shame, especially as the government allocates funding to each child should they go to a school.

 

Small problem re: wonderboy being the home school tutor- geography! Now if you can get us both US work permits, we're in.

Your kids can just sit out the evolution lessons..

[Jinnah]

JamesM- I agree. I would love to send my kids to a private Christian school if they didn't have these issues (food allergies). Do you know if they approach the subject of evolution, and if so, how? I have actually decided against one of my options (Calvert School) because I realized that their science curriculum uses McGraw Hill books, which (after researching) I realized teaches that evolution is the way humans came to be. It teaches it as a fact, not a theory that some people believe, and that is where I have a problem. I will eventually tell the kids what evolution is, but I feel it is unacceptable for a publisher to teach it as anything other than one viewpoint.

 

Norajane- The Christian homeschool academy that I have now decided upon teaches about Greece and it's history in the sixth grade. I do not want my kids to be ignorant, I just thought it strange to teach solely about the "gods of Greece" as a subject in the third grade. The one school that has this told me that a lot of Christian parents do not like it and so it is optional to teach, but that combined with the theory of evolution taught as a fact, not a theory, made me decide against that particular school.

 

sb129- I suppose I could push it, but I do not feel up to dealing with that at this point. Too much to handle, especially now that I need to get work permits for the two of you.

[a4a]

I learned about the greek gods and the class was titled "mythology" I think that was in 5th grade and also an option in high school.

 

Why not teach about the Greek Gods - never thought that could be anti-religious?

 

Lots of great stories, teach about morals, and still involved our art, literature, and language use today.

 

It would be like if my parents did not allow the word or meaning to be known to me of some christian or other religious beliefs..... sheltered into ignorance.

 

I would be clueless to know what someone was talking about it they mentioned "the garden of eden"...... or "kosher"..... or "meditation"...

 

this is not directed at you personally - but I was ignorant on the fact that learning about the greek gods could be considered anti-religious in some followers minds. Learn something new each glorious day I guess!

[Jinnah]

I learned about the greek gods and the class was titled "mythology" I think that was in 5th grade and also an option in high school.

 

Why not teach about the Greek Gods - never thought that could be anti-religious?

 

Lots of great stories, teach about morals, and still involved our art, literature, and language use today.

 

It would be like if my parents did not allow the word or meaning to be known to me of some christian or other religious beliefs..... sheltered into ignorance.

 

I would be clueless to know what someone was talking about it they mentioned "the garden of eden"...... or "kosher"..... or "meditation"...

 

this is not directed at you personally - but I was ignorant on the fact that learning about the greek gods could be considered anti-religious in some followers minds. Learn something new each glorious day I guess!

 

Lol, a4a. I am going to let them learn about Greek history... I believe it will be in the sixth grade in the Christian school. I just though it was strange for a third grader... I do not think they are quite developmentally ready at that age. I am against sheltering into ignorance as well, so we agree on that point. I do believe that children need to be aware of what is out there.

[Jinnah]

I have an update. I called the school I was unsure about (Calvert) and talked with an education counselor. She said that the science book edition that their school currently uses is not the edition that teaches evolution as fact. Their edition teaches it as a theory. She summarized what the book said (while she flipped through the book) and also told me that it is just a small section. She said that they do not have a problem with me skipping that section if I choose to do so and said they will not test my son on that section either. That's great news that this school is so flexible. Hopefully they will stick to textbooks that teach it as a theory.

[dropdeadlegs]

Hi Jinnah,

 

I have continued to follow your thread and really think that you are doing a great justice to your children with all the research. Especially calling the online/accredited school about your concerns before dismissing it completely. In my own research I found that many parents chose to HS largely in part of their personal beliefs and I'm happy to know that Calvert is flexible areas concerning this.

 

I mentioned that my circumstances have changed. First of all my two older kids are out of school, leaving my primary school kids as possible candidates. I am also moving next month and that would be the best time,as far as during a school year, to make a change if I choose to do so. I think my daughter might balk and my son would be thrilled to do it.

 

I am concerned that too much change might not be good for them (and maybe even me) as well. A new home, a blended family, and a change in educational status might be too much at one time. (I am moving in with my BF when his new home is complete.) Still, it is my son I am most concerned with and he is in 1st grade. My daughter is in fourth grade and very social, which is why I think she would not be happy. I could do one (HS) and not the other, I suppose, but it's a lot to think about for the moment and I have a lot going on.

 

I think your kids are the perfect age and it was my intention to never start in public schools at all. I began with my daughter with simple things from the internet at age 3 and she did well. Of course we only had preschool for an hour or two per day, as long as she showed interest. At that time I had an educational package (cost $15) sent to my home monthly and it was really cool. She enjoyed the monthly theme. There were posters, an activity book, a game, and a craft item in each delivery and we used that as a building block.

 

Then I was suddenly separated 8 months before kindergarten and my plans were crushed with my return to the workforce. For awhile my whole world was nearly evaporated.

 

But things have a way of turning around (no long story here, but there is one) and I'm home again, where I belong.

 

I have enjoyed contributing to your thread and am giving this subject a lot more serious consideration.

[Jinnah]

Hi Dropdeadlegs,

 

I really can't rest until I feel I've made the right decision, lol. I finally think I have arrived at the right one though.

 

You really do have a lot going on right now! I completely understand that your fourth grader might be upset about it. That is why I am glad my son is still in first grade... he is happy about it. He has a lot of friends at school, but is fine since he knows that I will help him to keep in touch with them. As far as your fourth grader, he seems to have the same position of enthusiasm as my son. You really could homeschool for one and not the other, but you would have to really consider all of the positives and negatives when you are able to do so.

 

That's funny that you mentioned the educational package for you daughter. I recently ordered a similar sounding educational kit for my 19-month old... how funny. It's about that price. I wish I could remember the name of the company... we haven't received it yet but it sounds so cute.

 

Okay, I found it. It's called Brighter Vision Learning Adventures. Have you heard of that one? I can't wait 'till it gets here. If it's as great as I think it's going to be, I am going to order it for my four and six year old as well.

 

I also had to return to the workplace after a divorce, but I am now remarried and at home again. I actually met my husband at work. Anyway, before I start rambling on and on (more than I already have)... I really enjoy your input on this topic... thanks for all of your help and support.

[dropdeadlegs]

Brighter Vision is the one!

 

I had a cub scout den meeting at my home tonight and one of the kids (not a scout, but a scout's sibling) brought the workbook to occupy her (which didn't work, she wants to be a scout!) and I couldn't believe that the book nearly fell in my lap just hours after mentioning it. Karma/fate/coincidence is awesome.

 

You will really enjoy the packages and they are well worth the price. We got so absorbed in them that we just ate them up upon arrival.

[Jinnah]

As far as your fourth grader, he seems to have the same position of enthusiasm as my son.

 

Sorry, I meant first grader!

 

I am thinking about putting my son in the scouts as well. Is it expensive or not so much? That's funny about the book almost falling in your lap!

 

My son is home from school today because I found out that they are studying the five senses and yesterday the teacher had the class smell peanut butter!! Of all things to smell!! I am afraid that they will "touch" and "taste" it as well. She didn't let him smell it, but that shouldn't even be in a classroom with a peanut allergic child! If the kids touch it, they would get it on stuff (possibly including my child) and I do not trust the hand-washing skills of first graders! I am so upset. He has the right to be safe in school, but having the class experiment with peanut butter is not keeping him safe... it's putting him at risk. I had been thinking about letting him still go since I was told that he placed into the top reading class (out of six), but that just sealed the deal.

[dropdeadlegs]

OMG, I nearly choked on my Coke concerning the peanut butter at school!

 

I understand how hard it is to grasp the severity of this allergy, but if PB was in the same room, even though he wasn't permitted to smell it, I could not assume that he couldn't be exposed in less innocuous ways.

 

I haven't dealt with the peanut allergy issue in several years, but I do recall some research was being done on helping children to outgrow/overcome it. I believe it actually involved peanut exposure in very small amounts which were gradually increased over time. I think a young boy was able to consume a peanut butter cookie without danger after two or three years of this, or something like that. I'm sure it's not an option for all.

 

I'm trying to imagine my life without nuts and I don't like the idea.

 

Gub scouts - not expensive at all. Annual Membership was $10, I opted for the Boys Life magazine (I'll read it if he won't) which was $12, I think. Our pack is pretty loose concerning uniforms. We don't wear the official pants or socks. I got the shirt, hat, neckerchief/slide, belt, and handbook for about $70, but the shirt should last through 5th grade (I was told to buy big) and then he will graduate to Boy Scouts and have a different colored shirt. The den has dues of like a buck per meeting for supplies, but we mostly try to use things on hand and recycle as much as we can. Last night we made a board game using 6 pizza box lids and markers and the boys can play the game at our next meeting. At our pack (all the dens belong to the pack, all the packs belong to the district) meeting next week they will be racing balsa wood sailboats propelled by wind they blow through a straw. The boats were provided, we just have to decorate them.

 

I don't know all that much myself as we have only been involved for less than a month, but it doesn't seem expensive at all. I looked at some of the prices for camping at the boy scout camp and I didn't think it was bad either. Prices varied from $150-250 for the week depending on the type of camping, but when you consider that includes all food and activities, it's only once or twice a year, and you can earn a free week through fundraising events. I get a vibe that lack of money will not prohibit a boy from scouting. I know their are donors to the Boy Scouts of America and I'm certain they have a "no child left behind" attitude.

[Jinnah]

Sorry to make you choke... you can imagine my surprise when I heard... I was stunned.

 

It's great that you realize that a child can be exposed in less innocuous ways... seems like more people would. For me life without nuts isn't so bad... it's the avoiding them that gets me!

 

I also heard about the study that involved exposing the child to controlled amounts of peanut. I believe it was through Duke University. I am interested in it and hope it becomes widely available soon... that would be great.

 

I left a message with a lady in charge of the cub scouts in our area this morning. My son keeps telling me that all the little boys in his class have joined (or are planning on it). I don't mind putting money into it. I would mind ridiculous amounts though, but this sounds affordable. It sounds like you and your son really enjoy it. The boat activity sounds great... my son would love that. I remember my brother going to cub scout meetings... my mom said she doesn't think anyone bought the pants or socks either.

[dropdeadlegs]

I left a message with a lady in charge of the cub scouts in our area this morning. My son keeps telling me that all the little boys in his class have joined (or are planning on it). I don't mind putting money into it. I would mind ridiculous amounts though, but this sounds affordable. It sounds like you and your son really enjoy it. The boat activity sounds great... my son would love that. I remember my brother going to cub scout meetings... my mom said she doesn't think anyone bought the pants or socks either.

That's how it started with us. He came home from school with a flyer about an informational meeting in the school cafeteria the following evening. He was really excited about the program. The school currently has 8 first grade classes, so our den doesn't have any current classmates, but there is one boy from his kindergarten class.

 

My BF was very involved in boy scouts and really encouraged us to get involved. He didn't join until 5th or 6th grade, but we are starting at square one and will continue for as long as my son is interested in doing so. It is easy to earn the elective credits at this age. Things we do all the time, like playing a board game, or setting the table, count towards these electives so the scout can really advance quickly. It is fun and easy to participate.

 

First graders must have an adult partner at every meeting, so you would get a feel for the program quickly. Our den has six scouts and it is a challenge to keep six young boys involved for an hour. They seem to want to just play with one another quite a bit, but I am hopeful that it will get better in time.

 

Scouting could be an excellent way of keeping your kids socially connected to existing friends. I think your family would enjoy it!

[Jinnah]

I received the flier too, but I missed the meeting. They sent it the day of... too little notice. When are the meetings? I am worried about the timing. I can imagine the kids wanting to only play with each other (lol). They will get better at it soon. I like the fact that the parent attends... that way I can monitor and make sure my son is okay (as far as his allergies).

 

Have you heard of any Daisies, Brownies, or Girl Scouts? Do they still do that? I would love for my daughter to be involved as well.