Should I Homeschool My Extremely Shy Child?

by Karin
(Tennessee)

I am a mom to two wonderful boys. My oldest is sixteen and the youngest is six. My older child has Asperger's Syndrome and attended public school until 9th grade. At that time, we decided to home educate him and he has thrived.

My youngest attended a private christian pre-K last year and he cried everyday. He is so outgoing at home and with his grandparents, but becomes so shy around children his own age. He is quiet around adults, but will talk when spoken to. He has a speech delay and sees a therapist twice weekly. We decided to home educate him for Kindergarten. He did well academically, but missed out on making friends his own age.

We live in a very small rural town where homeschooling is not the norm. There are no support groups. We see children at the park and the library, but my son won't approach them and goes out of the way to avoid them. I know that he wants friends his own age and he has mentioned wanting to go to 1st grade at our public school, but then will cry and say that he wants to stay home.

I'm torn and I want so much to do the right thing for him. Should I continue home education in the hopes of building his self-confidence and character despite his missing out on friendships with his peers, or should I enroll in public school and endure the tears and teasing (due to his severe speech delay)?

Hi Karin,
I have one word for you... Yes! :)
I will let other website visitors respond first; someone may have dealt with the same situation with their child.
Blessings,
Heather :)