Dear Mom,

You have already begun the process of home schooling because you want to do what is best for your daughter. That is almost always the first step parents take in the home schooling journey. Take each step one at a time.

You have discovered for whatever reason that your daughter is not doing well this year. That situation needs to be addressed as soon as possible, and home schooling may be the solution.

Home schooling does give you freedom, and part of that freedom is that you choose where to begin. What makes the most sense, keeping your daughter and her needs in mind? Think about your daughter's strengths and weaknesses. Use her strengths to address her weaknesses, but go at a comfortable pace. There's no need to rush. You can begin with just one class. Maybe that will be a drawing class. Drawing can be the starting point for research, science, writing, history, and so much more. If drawing helps your daughter focus, then use that skill. She will be motivated to read about what she is drawing and to observe people and landscapes (or whatever her subject is) more closely. Science begins with close observation. Artists actually do quite a bit of research, and they often keep written journals of their art projects so that they will remember what works and what doesn't. Some of them even have secret recipes for mixing colors. Your daughter might enjoy reading selections from Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks.

Regarding governmental rules, check with your state home schooling organization. You can find your state information at www.hslda.org. Other than those rules, you are responsible for making your own school rules.

On the CHC Web site, you can read information about CHC's program High School of Your Dreams. This guide allows you three different options for high school. The online information will help you decide if this program is right for your daughter. Because you indicate that she could do without school, if you mean without the structure of school and a standard curriculum, then High School of Your Dreams sounds like a strong possibility because it is more loosely structured than a traditional school. High school subjects and assignments can be made to fit your daughter's strengths.

Keep praying. If God is calling you to home school, then He will supply what you need when you need it.  And you may continue to turn to the online Support here at CHC as additional questions occur.

Peace be with you,

Sandra Garant