Homeschool

Abby keeps asking me to homeschool her - seriously. I know most kids wouldn't want to, but she does. And this isn't just a recent thing. She has been asking me on and off for over a year. It's not that she has a hard time in school. She does really well - her teachers love her, she has lots of friends. But I think she is often bored and she loves being home. She's a homebody through and through. And she loves to read and do projects and help around the house.

I had her read a story tonight about a little girl who homeschools. We talked about the good things and the bad things -- like the fact that she wouldn't have friends to play with everyday, no TV during school time, doing work even when she didn't feel like it, doing extra chores, etc. She is still gung ho over the idea.

I, personally, have always felt a desire to homeschool my kids. I'm trying to decide if I am in love with the idea of homeschooling - seeing, in my mind, a perfect house and a happy mom and child learning together. Whereas the reality will probably be far from that on most days (esp re the house!).

At the same time, I know, I truly believe, that Abby would thrive in a homeschool setting. She is already doing really well, but I think learning at home would suit her and she would take right off.

So here's the situation:

PROS

I'm going to be home anyway

When I do work, I can take her with me and still help her with her schoolwork

She would most likely thrive

It could be a fantastic thing for us

She can always go back to public school if it doesn't work and be 'none the worse for wear'

It will be investing in my child

CONS

It will be extra work for me

She might get bored with it

Cost

????

So what do you think? I am trying to think this through. Garr supports me either way. I really can't think of any more cons. Any suggestions?

Edited to add: Abby is in 1st grade. She is reading at a much higher level though - probably a third or fourth grade level.