My 17-month-old knows how to say her ABC's, count to ten, sing songs, and say words like "bumble bee" and phrases like "I love you." Many people have told me that she's very advanced. I planned to stay home with her until she starts kindergarten, but I'm worried that if she really is gifted, keeping her home may hinder her development. How can I tell if she's actually gifted? And what sort of learning activities can I do with her at home? - Parenting.com
5 questions to ask yourself before you send her off to school - Parenting.com
7 easy strategies for getting them off to a good start - Parenting.com
38% Yes
"Not all children learn the same way, and the public schools' "assembly-line" approach isn't able to handle all their differences." --Christa Kane, Springtown, TX
"It's not a kid locked in a dark hut by an antisocial parent. There's a great deal of flexibility and freedom in homeschooling." --Beth Edwards, Holyoke, CO
"Education is a process that can happen any-where, and traditional schooling is just one way to do it. Home-schooling's not a new concept -- just a for-gotten one." -- Bonnie Haley, Mt. Juliet, TN
62% No
"School is so much more than academics. It teaches kids how to function in society. It's not perfect, but it gives children the experiences they need to survive in the real world." --Carrie McCulloch, Cave Creek, AZ
"Kids need to be exposed to other children so they can develop the social skills they need. Also, kids need a break from the house!" --Chelsea A. Correa, Atlantic Beach, FL
"Many parents don't have the knowledge or expertise necessary to properly educate their children. It can be done, but it's very hard to do." --Sheena Snyder, Virginia Beach, VA
Want to change your school?
Parenting and Georgetown University has teamed up to launch Mom Congress, a brand-new program to help moms connect and advocate for positive change in their children's education.
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