There are many different programs for this purpose. I used one at one time that was a freeware or shareware version. I can't remember what it was called (something nanny or nanny something) but check out downloads.com for one. Sometimes you can pay for them and download them from the sight. I would check CNET.com to find out which one these programs are best.
Good luck
Everything happens for a reason, maybe Dad needs to find that it isn't better out there, he needs to realize how good he had it here. Maybe he will find God and that is the most important thing when he finds Him he will know he is supposed to come home.
I am so sorry you yet again have to be the strong one! I know exactly how you feel...and if there is a spa weekend in the future, just let me know! I am free almost all weekends this spring except this one and Mothers Day...
My own son was home schooled on 2 separate occasions. The first time was his first year of 7th grade. We did something called "split site" where he went to school for science and PE and then came home at lunch to do the rest of the work. This system involves getting the curriculum from the school and meeting with an "Independent study" teacher once a week to get the HW and the "lesson"
This system worked pretty good as long as I was available when S came home from school. He would have lunch and I would get busy around the house and he would work on school until he was done for the day. Things fell apart when I went back to work and he has more time on his own. I think one of the things that he really was enjoying about the situation (although he wouldn't admit it) is that he had 3 hours a day of my attention. Later on when he was flunking out of HS my H and I were at our wits ends wondering how to deal with him. (This was one of the MAJOR stressors of our M, btw) S is extremely bright, he was reading off the charts in 4th grade. He loves to read and is quite a thinker and very creative. We tried everything the schools suggested, but nothing worked. So finally we let him take his equivalency test and pulled him out of the system. This was the middle of his junior year. At that time he was 16. One of our big worries was that he couldn't write...So we had him write a paper for us every day. He did it! and he had one of them published by a University sponsored publication, and later he submitted one for a college course and got an A. It turned out that he was so UNHAPPY in that environment that it was difficult for him to function. And our schools are supposed to be some of the "best in the state" BUT Good schools aren't necessarily good for every one's situation.
I suspect your D may be also a little depressed and self-medicating. Have you had her AD meds checked lately? There may be a home schooling support group in your area. My area has a fantastic group of parents who home school. They do it mostly outside of the public school system...they call it "unschooling"...and this isn't crazy isolationist religious schooling, it is more along the lines of feeding the child's interests when they arise and supporting the kid in the best way possible so that the knowledge gained is genuine and relevant to their needs and desires at the time. Sort of a Summerhill approach...
Anyway, for us it worked best when I was on the scene. I would caution against the approach of giving her a pile of homework and standing over her until it is done...that will just get ugly. You may also find (as a lot of folks do...) that your D will have MORE free time since the learning is not surrounded by a class of 20-30 other students, discipline problems, school assemblies, recess, etc.
Good Luck Ellie SG
Survival Goddess "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
No advice here, just wanting you to know that I'm thinking of you. Do the challenges ever stop flying at us? It's early days in this, Ellie. I know you will find a way. Deep breath.
SG - we are looking at an independent study program similar to what you described - district materials, meeting a couple hours a week with the teacher, monthly packets of work, science classes on site (foreign languages too, I believe.)
Several of my older son's friends went there, but for different reasons - brilliant kids who wanted to accelerate their way through some coursework, but also who were fleeing some social stuff (being picked on).
My D's biggest concern is missing out on all the social interactions of being in a regular school - and she is thinking she'd like to go to a regular HS next year - but preferably a new one where no one knows her. Her current high school has excellent teachers for the most part, but in her current state of mind, she's just not getting much out of it - she's too distracted, not paying attention in class because she's too wrapped up in everybody's dramas, feeling rebellious if she doesn't like a teacher. All this from my girl who was ALWAYS every teacher's favorite student!!!
Her antidepressant medication is already way higher than needed for depression, since the doses used for bulimia are way higher (she takes 70 mg. of Prozac, 20 is usual for treating depression, and 80 is the maximum allowable dose). I do agree, though, that there is a depressive flavor to all this, and need to get her back onto all her vitamins and fish oil capsules etc. If she goes with this IS option, we will also set up a regular exercise schedule - in fact, a very regular schedule altogether for work etc. It really needs to be non-negotiable from the start - ie math from 9 - 10, history from 10-11, etc. - because I cannot get into bargaining squabbles with her every day.
The big challenge will be helping her keep up a social life while steering her away from her current (very recently acquired) crop of friends.
It is not clear from what you have said how motivated your D is yet. Does she wish to leave the school to 'run away' or because she sees it as a constructive step in the right direction?
Livnlearn
"The unexamined life is not worth living" - Socrates
For social stuff look into your local IS/Homeschool community. In my area these folks regularly schedule get togethers and field trips that the kids would otherwise miss out on. Also your school district office may be able to get you in touch with a parent support group for IS/Homeschool. A schedule is a great idea...also regular excercise. Just be aware that what would take an hour in a traditional classroom will only take 1/2 hour- 45 minutes at home. Our local HS community kids are VERY active in the theatre scene here...also they are excellent SPCA volunteers, etc.
Good luck Ellie, SG
Survival Goddess "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
Quote: Does she wish to leave the school to 'run away' or because she sees it as a constructive step in the right direction?
LNL - a little of both. She wants a "fresh start".
Quote: For social stuff look into your local IS/Homeschool community. In my area these folks regularly schedule get togethers and field trips that the kids would otherwise miss out on
SG - I will look into that, BUT given my D's political beliefs, she may have a hard time socializing with the fundamentalist Christians who make up such a big part of the homeschool community down here.
Quote: BUT given my D's political beliefs, she may have a hard time socializing with the fundamentalist Christians who make up such a big part of the homeschool community down here.
This is too bad. Is there a chance that the other Homeschoolers have their own (informal) group? I guess I am thinking that this could end up as a positive for your D, and also that there are other social avenues besides school...
Survival Goddess "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." -Alice Walker
I m so sorry that your daughter is having such an unhappy time. Kids (the other school kids) are often proactive about targeting someone for negative attention so that they are not themselves targeted.
You mentioned the school for the arts. What interests does she have there? Is she talented? Any way to boost her PMA by validating her strengths and creating a positive outlet for her?
Maybe she needs another world outside her school life.
Feeling their child's pain and not having a clear pain to alleviating that pain, has got to be the absolute worst feeeling for a parent.
My thoughts and INTENTIONS for good healing for your family,...
my H and I were at our wits ends wondering how to deal with him. (This was one of the MAJOR stressors of our M, btw) S is extremely bright, he was reading off the charts in 4th grade. He loves to read and is quite a thinker and very creative. We tried everything the schools suggested, but nothing worked. So finally we let him take his equivalency test and pulled him out of the system. This was the middle of his junior year. At that time he was 16. One of our big worries was that he couldn't write...So we had him write a paper for us every day. He did it! and he had one of them published by a University sponsored publication, and later he submitted one for a college course and got an A.