I homeschooled my middle child for some time, not because of health issues, but because she just wasn't mature enough for what school expected from her.
I got criticisms because her cousin who is the same age knew how to count, knew her alphabet and could read. I ignored as best I could.
When I had to put her back in public school, I chose to put her in kindergarden instead of first grade. This got further eyebrow raises from family members. They thought I "failed."
Now she is in first grade and has a reading level of fifth grade. Her math is alright, and her retention of other subjects is superb. She is at the top of her class. Her cousin who is the same age and a year older in school, now goes to her for reading help.
Point is, my kid just needed more time to mature her brain before she got stuck in the system.
It is a great decision and "falling behind" is just a farce. Who cares if it takes them a couple extra years to master certain skills? The point is that they master them, not when they master them.
Kids are different and reach milestones at different times. Homeschooling requires a lot from a parent: pedagogical skills, patience, preparation and so on... Many live under the impression that a home schooled child will fall behind with his studies, although is usually the opposite scenario.
I will not give up, I find boost here... =)
Wow. Thank you for these. It gives me encouragement to be persistent in our decision and also not to compare our kids with others. I will have alot to learn from you @metzli. ❤️ You are a wonder mama.