Published here with permission from The MOORE REPORT INTERNATIONAL - September/October 1998

The Moore Foundation, Box 1, Camas, WA 98607

Questions and Answers

"What About a Part-Time Working Mom?"

QUESTION: I've just completed your book on successful homeschooling. I have two daughters who are grown, but I have my 13-year-old son at home yet. He is enrolled in the local middle school (7th grade) and is having problems this year. There are many behavioral problems at the school and just yesterday a bunch of boys ganged up on him, hit him, and threw his backpack in the garbage. He's very unhappy with the situation as am I.

Would you please send me more info and maybe a contact in my area? I work out of home four days a week, but will start to telecommute one day a week in January, so I will be home three days a week. Can a child of 13 be left with projects and complete them by himself? I think he could, but I need info on your curriculum and costs, etc. A.B., WA

ANSWER: We don't usually recommend that a child the age of your son be left at home more than an hour or so. Your son needs your presence most of the time. The Moore Formula philosophy does not call for plowing through a pile of textbooks; the study is build around projects and experiments much of the time. It would not be viewed as much fun if he were doing those alone all the time.

Sometimes parents will be able to find a service activity for the student which means he has adult companionship. An example would be a 12- to 15-year-old student who helps Grandma or Grandpa, Aunt or Uncle with his/her work, or in the workshop or garden. An older person many times appreciates having the strong back and willing arms of a young person.

This is a good opportunity to ask the Lord to show you a way to provide the supervision and service opportunity that would help you feel comfortable leaving your son at home while you are gone.