There came a point where I looked around and realized that most homeschooling families I knew who had kids beyond about 7th grade had put those older kids in school while usually keeping the younger ones at home. I reasoned this must be because kids get more difficult as they get older, as they are finding themselves and turning into mini adults.
I was talking with a friend who is feeling the burnout. I realized I am also feeling it and my signs include avoiding doing school and leaving the house to do other things or calling Animal Jam and Moshi Monsters "school." I found some great links on homeschool burnout in case you are going through some of it. And remember, if you do put your kids in school, you are not a failure. You have to do what is best for your family. I will miss seeing you during the day at homeschool group stuff and my kids will miss your kids, but we understand. Please read on:
Dear Homeschool Mom Who Wants to Quit
The Ever-Rocking Penelope Trunk, mom with Asperger's and has sons with it, as well
Penelope also takes on Parent Burnout
A mom of five talks about putting her kids in school
My whole blog is dedicated to encouraging burnt out homeschooling moms, moms considering school, and former homeschooling moms. I have several new posts on homeschool burn out. https://rest-for-the-weary.blogspot.com
Yes, I count a day at Science City as "school" ... they are engineering and building and using their minds.
UPDATE: Four years later and we are still going strong. I have a 1st grader, 3rd grader, 6th grader, 8th grader and 10th grader (sophomore in high school). Going to a co-op a few hours one day a week has helped a lot, and virtual school got us through for a couple of years until I was ready to kick it to the curb and start doing my own thing again, much of which involves advice and programs from:
Brave Writer (mom of 5 grown kids "gets" me and calms my fears of the future)
Read Aloud Revival (Catholic mom of 6 swears reading aloud to your kids will create lasting and meaningful connections and I see it in my home)
Homeschooling Sisters podcast/blogs (they don't try to be perfect)
Khan Academy (free math and more program) so we can track their progress, no matter how fast or slow (progress is progress!)
Reading Eggs for my struggling readers
YouTube (such great educational stuff, including Crash Course)
Teaching Textbooks for math so it feels like we are getting something done
Educational field trips and social times, like having a Mardi Gras party for our coop at our new home in the country
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