Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy It's too much work: minivent and frustration

RE: Strict lines.

I have no idea if they are typical of groups in my area. I was in another state before this one and the other groups I joined when I moved to my current state were groups in name only. There was zero activity on the messageboards and in real life. So this is my first group where I actually have met people. Perhaps it's the homeschooling style for the majority of the regular and very active members? They follow their curriculum very closely and adhere to the age guidelines in whatever method they are choosing fairly strictly. I figured it was because it works well for their families, but never thought that they'd make it a point to extrapolate it onto *my* family! Especially since this group (as it was intended by the person who started it) is supposed to be about supporting eachother during our homeschool journey and being tolerant.

All that to say, I don't really know. It boggles me.

Me, too. My best advice: keep your eyes peeled for other groups while you hang out with this one. You may very well find something better out there. I know I live in an area with a highly active HSing community, but I find it hard to believe that this is the best there is for you.

At least I hope there's better!

Worst case: maybe you can suss out some like-minded people and start your own group.

Any GT support groups in your area? Even if they're not for homeschoolers, you might have some luck finding like-minded people there.

I'll keep thinking. I really do feel for you and wish I could do more to help you! It's so hard to feel so isolated!

There's a gifted homeschoolers group. I am part of their messageboard, but haven't drummed up the courage to really participate. I know it's GT denial combined with years of suffering from "Impostor Syndrome". (Heck I still feel like an impostor!) The constant fear of what if we don't really fit there, either. I know, I know, I won't know unless I actually do it. Still if we get rejected there then what does that leave?

I am typically not so woe-is-me. I feel like I will soon be approaching a crossroad and need to start mapping out the next leg of my journey. I need to work on my own internal change management.

<reassuring smile>

I hear you.

Give the GT group a try though. I suspect you might very well feel like you found a home. At worst, it's no better than where you are, and you're really out nothing except maybe hope for better. But empty hope that you never explore doesn't really give you anything, right? Try it.

Or maybe some combo of the two groups will give you what you need. Chameleon syndrome can serve you well even into adulthood if you know how to use it to get your needs met.

And FWIW, you don't sound woe-is-me to me. You sound like you need some support, somewhere to belong. That's normal. BTDT! You're okay. Just try the other group and see how it goes. I'm hoping for good things there!

I'll expect a full report, you know.

Thanks!

Yes, I know empty hope is no hope at all! I can't promise I will have the courage to try the other group any time soon, but when I do (because I am certain that I will eventually have to and that "eventually" may be a lot closer than I want to admit) I'll have that report ready!