Homeschooling Differently Wired Kids

Have Your Tried Both/And Instead of Eithor/Or?

Have You Tried Both/And Instead of Either/Or?

The education pendulum swings, and homeschoolers often swing along with the trends of public schools. I’m old enough to have heard the experts be sure of phonics then whole language then phonics again. I’ve been through arithmetic, new math, and Common Core math. Various approaches to education have experts in their corner, and the experts often draw the battle lines clearly. Their way is the way. You do it their way, or you are doing it the wrong way. At least that’s the perception. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Consider Both/And instead of Either/Or. Continue reading »

girl dressed as superhero with text 9 helpful resources for homeschooling differently wired kids

My Top 9 Resources for Homeschooling Differently Wired Kids

The concept of kids being differently wired sparked my interest and had me nodding my head as I researched the idea. I knew one of my kids fit this description and I had been at a loss, even after evaluations, recommendations, and hours of researching. Each differently wired child is different in their own special way. These are the materials that I've found helpful for homeschooling and parenting differently wired kids. Continue reading »

Tips for Homeschooling an Anxious Child

Just attending school doesn't, by itself, help kids overcome abnormal anxiety because they are "sticking it out." Just homeschooling doesn't prevent, treat, or cure abnormal anxiety. These tips can help you move past just homeschooling to helping your anxious child cope with their anxiety. Ways to get help: Combine homeschooling with professional treatment for abnormal anxiety. Consider cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for your child, which helps many people manage abnormal anxiety. Seek a counselor or therapist who is knowledgeable and unbiased about homeschooling. Know that homeschooling brings with it the "Power of Now" - you can do what's right for your child now, even if that means you prioritize mental health over academics. Continue reading »

Ask Jeanne: Should I homeschool for social anxiety?

Ask Jeanne: Homeschooling and Social Anxiety

Our reader Sue asked a question about homeschooling and social anxiety in response to our piece, "What About Socialization?" We thought it was such an important question, we decided to feature it as part of our Ask Jeanne column. Continue reading »

Will Homeschooling Help ADD/ADHD?

Will your child's ADD get better if you homeschool?

I'm no educational psychologist, but I've been homeschooling for sixteen years in three states. I've met hundreds of homeschooling families at conferences and workshops I've presented, I've answered hundreds of calls at a statewide homeschool phone line, and I've been a homeschool evaluator in Virginia for quite a few years now. I've heard dozens of parents praise homeschooling for their children who were labeled with ADD/ADHD in the school setting. But it's not magic. The parents who observe such a change in their children also generally report actively shaping their homeschooling to address attention problems their child had in a school setting. Here are some of the things that have made them successful... Continue reading »