This is a concerning trend, but I don't believe it is something that is just with homeschoolers. I know plenty of grown-ups who don't write legibly or make well-constructed sentences and paragraphs. And I do believe the problem can be overcome if emphasis is placed back on ALL children and adults to learn how to speak, write (handwriting), and communicate well in written form.

I agree with someone else who said the texting and email generation of today are doing it just as a fad. Kids (and some adults, too) think it's cool to go electronic w/ communication rather than writing notes out by hand (like from days gone by). I'm not saying good handwriting and well-thought-out communication isn't important. But it's just taken a back seat to the typing email/texting generation of today.

Again, I believe it can be solved if emphasis is placed back on the importance of not letting handwritten communication be a thing of the past.

>>I'm a little worried about my own dc. I know I'm not giving them what they would get in a more structured environment and that bothers me. I try. Some of my dc complain about "school" and don't try that hard. It's compounded when their friends aren't getting the schooling they ought to be having!!<<

Just wanted to say (since I have "stressed" about these same issues at times), there are always going to be pro's AND con's to homeschooling (relatively speaking). The question is, what are your goals and would a school environment or homeschool environment be the best way to reach those goals?

I know a couple of my children would do well with more academic competition, but that is not reason enough for me to cast aside the huge number of benefits (and our priorities) with homeschooling. Yes, there could be a few things gained in a school environment, but for my family there would be far too many things lost. If I choose, there are options, especially in the later years, to provide more structure, "competition," etc. such as online classes.

You also have to stay true to the calling God has given you. You are responsible to be obedient to Him and leave the results up to Him. Take the concerns you have about those other children as opportunities to see if you need to make any adjustments in your own schooling, or as simply an opportunity to be thankful that you don't have that kind of "fruit" in your family...but to be on the alert for it.

Your children can learn so many life lessons on your farm that others simply don't have the opportunity to learn. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34

Chrissy