What my 5 year old taught me about science

Today's homeschool chronicles. 

Ryan is working on senses for science. He was supposed to circle the things we can smell.
Me: Can you smell flowers?
Ryan: No. All of your flowers are fake.
Me: Can you smell a spoon?
Ryan: Yes! If it's clean, it smells like soap. If if has food on it, it smells like food.
Me: Can you smell a skunk?
Ryan: No, because you won't get out of the car when you see one.
It's cool to see the world through his eyes. (PS...ALL of my flowers aren't fake.)

Today's homeschool chronicles. Why I homeschool. My oldest son has always been bright. He was a quiet toddler who could entertain himself with a few Hot Wheels cars. He went to pre-4 at a private school where he was promoted to kindergarten two months after school started.

Then the letters started. "He's very smart but he talks a lot." "He can't sit still." "I moved his desk next to mine." "He's not mature enough to be in this class."

It continued into 1st and 2nd grade. His test scores were off the charts. So what could be wrong? I was told his punishments weren't harsh enough. Spank him harder. Take away his toys. Don't let him go on field trips. Pray. Deny him meals.

Punishment didn't work. Once I asked him why he acted up, he shrugged and said he was a bad kid. He'd overheard a frustrated teacher say it about him. He was 6. We transferred to at least 4 schools searching for a good fit.

He didn't fit. Teachers gave up. He was discouraged. I cried daily. Why couldn't he be like the other kids? He was so smart but was always in trouble for being too silly, too figgity, too talkative. He was suspended nearly 20 times in one year.

His doctor suggested having him tested. I didn't want him labeled so I refused. Years passed. I thought he'd grow out of it. Maybe prayer would work.

The decision to homeschool was difficult. My best friend is the only one who supported me. People said I'd ruin him. I doubted myself. Then I realized I had to do what's best for him and ignore the critics.

Halfway through our first year homeschooling, I took him to be tested. Something was different. I saw it for myself. He was diagnosed and the doctor explained exactly what was going on in his brain. I felt bad for all the years I punished him for something he couldn't control or understand.

Homeschooling allowed me to change his curriculum if it wasn't working and focus on developing him as an individual instead of trying to force him to be like everyone else. I'm in a community with other homeschool parents who support each other. He's thriving. This is his last year being homeschooled. The journey hasn't been easy, but it was absolutely worth it.