United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Paula:
You don't have to explain to anyone why you are scared of letting go. Most moms would understand what you mean without an explanation!
You are a great mom, very outgoing, so funny and always yourself. I know you are not keeping Aaron home for your benefit! That's ridiculous!
Good luck on figuring out what to do next! =)
Krista

Krista your such a sweetie!
luv ya
Paula

I know I should stay out of this but I have a couple of comments for Null. Obviously, you've never been around homeschoolers. My SIL homeschools her 7 children and they are not socially lacking at all. She teaches them about God and academics. They play soccer, dance and ride horses. They are very active and have a ton of friends. I personally think you should think twice about your comments or at least get the facts! Our children here don't start K until the age of 5, 3 is way too early. Paula if you believe one more year would be helpful to Aaron, then you should wait.

Paula,
Matthew had his meeting for transition into the 3-5 IU program. I was concerned for him to go into the IU because most of the kids are mentally delayed and I did not want him to regress into any behavior. I was going to express my concern about "classroom setting" at the end of the meeting. Before I got the chance to do that they stated that since he is fine mentally they will continue services in the home and when we put him in a regular preschool they could go there to work with him. I would check with your case manager to see if this type of service is available in your area.

Cindy

Paula, I am sorry that I offended you. You did not need to explain yourself - I know that you are a good Mom - and more importantly - you know that you are. I think that alot of what I said got completely misunderstood. Good luck in whatever decisions you make. And, you are right - they do grow up too fast.

Hey girl I am here any time you need me. Just call!!!!!
Tabitha and i love bot you and Aaron so anything I can do I will cause you have done SO much for me!!!!

I used to think that homeschooling wasn't the greatest idea because I wondered how the kids were to get the social interaction and learn the group process... but I am thinking more and more about it every day. Maia's teacher is a lunatic - when the kids need a time -out she tells them that she's going to send them to Siberia to freeze. The kids in school call her "slowpoke" and laugh at her as she moves around and plays. I'm beginning to see less and less positive things about the social and group process.

I know that there is a huge homeschooling community here and the kids get together for specialty classes during the week.... they hire a teacher to do an hour class in Spanish,and other subjects that the moms don't know how to teach. I am seriously going to begin looking into this.

I love Maia but I want her spirit nurtured and not ripped apart. I have a meeting this week with the teacher, the principal and the therapists. We shall see.

Paula,

While I tended to agree with "guest"'s comments all along (not null - just for clarification). Now that you have shared this info. about what happened at the pediatrician, WOW, I would be scared too! and VERY protective! Maybe you can organize some regular play dates with other kids his age. Sign up for mommy and me classes, take him to play places where you can watch, but sooner or later he will go to school - even if it's not until kindergarten. I would probably hold off until he's in kindergarten, but even then, you can't be there all of the time -- so maybe you should start soon educating him about his arm and how to react if anyone tries to pick him up. As he gets older, he'll understand more. My non-bpi child is 4 and he is VERY outspoken. He doesn't let anyone do anything with him that they shouldn't!

Good luck!

- Michelle

The homeschool thing and socializing thing is especially easy if you live in an area where there is a strong homeschooling community-you will probably find that there are more opportunities to socialize and collaborate with other great homeschooling families than there are hours in the day.

it is very hard to let go of ANY child let alone one who has "health related" issues/problems.
Both my boys have issues, Michael has Autism and Gavin has robpi.
They are both completely different children, I couldn't hold Gavin back from doing anything he wanted to - it would be impossible - he is a real
go -getter.
He came home from school last week (we live in the UK) with a letter for an application to go on a
ski-ing trip to the USA next year (he will be 13.5 yrs)
He REALLY wants to go - I am terrified at the thought of him travelling to the other side of the world, of his arm getting cold, of him having to be responsible for keeping his arm warm ( we have VERY mild winters here) let alone getting in and out of ski wear,
in my minds eye, I have him being stretchered off the slopes and being hospitalised with a broken leg and an injured arm.
Will I let him go?
theres - no question if he gets picked by the school
he can go - my fears and worries won't stop me from allowing him to go, because of the type of nature he has I know that for him, all the things I worry about will be an adventure - the chance of a lifetime.
I think only a parent knows their child completely and can judge what is right for their child.
I did ask Michael if he wanted to go too - knowing that he would be horrified at the thought of travelling 12 hours on a plane away from home.
His response?
" I don't tkae risks"
Thats my boys!
Karen
PS I KNOW for a fact that if Gavin does get chosen, the only child who will come home in a cast, will be Gavin!