tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825270.post7913325213814801371..comments2024-03-15T11:36:07.561-05:00Comments on CAMP HOMESCHOOL: Chewy Molasses Cookies.....(best ever)Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01988615707414674312noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825270.post-78639086948560411372016-02-20T00:10:50.423-06:002016-02-20T00:10:50.423-06:00Kim, I'm so glad we're connecting! I have...Kim, I'm so glad we're connecting! I have the very same concerns about providing friends and preparing Joe for an independent life. Am I doing enough? Are we enough for him? What more should I be doing for him? Is he learning enough? Am I teaching him the right things? The questions go on and on. However, I'd like to point out that as a homeschooling mama I have the same questions concerning all my other children. I truly believe if your heart is in the right place, you will seek out and provide the best for all your children, no matter thier ability or disability. <br /><br />The friends thing: First, I have a wide family (oldest is 18, youngest is 2). Joe will benefit from his siblings marrying and having children. Chances are we will become a large network for him. You might look into homeschool groups in your area that could provide fun time, friends, etc. Maybe he has a special friend from school; that friendship could be continued with weekend playdates or movie nights. We have the opportunity to be part of our local school district's virtual program. Joe actually goes to school on Fridays with a group of typically developing children. It's a long drive, but the break is worth it. Most school districts are required to allow homeschool students to take classes. Maybe Charlie could take a class. <br /><br />You say, "It's been a rough year!" Without more info, I can only guess as to what kind of problems are going on. It always helps me to make a list of the good and bad of a particular situation and then make my decision from there. Good luck to you. Stay in touch.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01988615707414674312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12825270.post-91385206941201643402016-02-19T16:34:55.693-06:002016-02-19T16:34:55.693-06:00Jennifer, hi! I found your blog through the Homesc...Jennifer, hi! I found your blog through the Homeschool and Down Syndrome Facebook page. We have three boys. We are homeschooling our 7 year old this year, our 5 year old is in preschool, and our 10 year old son, Charlie, has Down syndrome and is currently in public school. It has been a rough year! We have thought very long and hard about homeschooling Charlie, and we are leaning heavily toward starting this March. I have been enjoying your blog, your faith perspective, and all your posts about educating Joseph. My biggest fear about homeschooling Charlie is finding community for him. Who are going to be the friends that he is able to connect with on his own wavelength (benefit of his special ed classroom), now and in the future when his brothers move on from home. My second biggest fear is if I will be able to do a good enough job to prepare him for leading the most independent and meaningful life he is able to lead. Anyway, I will be following your blog. We are in Northern California on the redwood coast. :) --KimKimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16979494101351514296noreply@blogger.com