It'll work itself out in the end... I'd say that I could help, but the only help I can offer is my mother (she's a teacher, been an administrator, and knows schooling systems like the back of her hand)... but I'm sure that that isn't such a great help for you either... I mean, like, having to ask a favor from soemone whom you don't know at all.

But I can offer you good wishes and hopefull feelings... as much good as they may do you <3

I appreciate it none the less. <3 My mother's an elementary teacher so she does know school, but I'm still very hesitant about the idea of public school.

*nodsnods* well... lol, again, only if it helps, my mother is special ed (she also does math, soc studies, eng... yeah, list goes on -.-;;;) for elem to HS, and used to also work for a private school... now she's in public, but that's mainly cuz the private school got pricked out with a dick-priest >.>

*Hugs* One way or another, Barra will grow up to be a beautiful young lady.
Is there any kind of support group for parents you can talk to?

Yeah, but you know how Shy I am around other parents.

I think you should, you've got nothing to be shy about, you're a single young mother who's taking responsibility and initiative in her daughter's life, you should be proud of yourself, hell even I brag about you! :)
Chin up foxy, I'm rootin for you and Barra.

try this website, or others, this is the best one I could come up with on a search.

Linx?

sorry forgot the link http://www.our-kids.org/

hope it help, about the only thing I can do is offer my support from afar as well, i was one of the outcast children in elementry school.

i.... dont know what i can say
i mean i dont have any disablitys nor my parents or anyone in my family
i usualy have something witty to say about a situation like this but i got nothing really
i mean there are some things i do know
if the disablity is very noticeable.... i am very sorry to say this but with the enviorment i have
your child WIL be picked on to a mass degree in Public school
I have seen it myself a little in elementary school but more when Intermediate school kicked in
and sadly i didnt help the kid out back then *mostly becuase i had my own problems with racisim*
but personaly i would think if i where a parent ... i would probly try to give the kid all the affection i can
it shouldent be that disablities push others away from someone and single them out
but it is a part of reality...
the only type of possible salution i would ever have is Private school since there is less kids to pick on him/her
and from what my mom has said it isnt good to be home schooled becuase you might lack social skills

Kids who are home schooled and kids who grow up without siblings are right up there in the socially awkward circle.
I agree, schooling is better.
I didn't have a disability growing up, but I was a very awkward child because of my parents divorce and I was picked on a lot through grades 3-7, but you know, even if I could change my history so that I wasn't bullied I wouldn't, it might sound horrible but it builds character, I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't grown up with all that adversity, I think it made me a better person.

meh you state a good point
truely before my bullying situation i would never punch someone back for hitting me

Well I may not be a parent but I was home schooled so I know what that is like. And my best friend since I was 12 is legally blind and was tormented in school and whatnot so I can at least maybe share some experience with you and maybe help you think about it. It's been forever since we last spoke anyways and I kinda miss ya.

To understand this correctly, his have a partner or friend who grew up in such a way, myself knows what do to, but I think its all up to you for whats best.

Did you ask your you current boyfriend about this, I noticed you didn't say anything about that, was wondering, maybe he'll know :D

oh this is a debacle indeed! having been one of those children I can attest to the terrible cruelty kids are capable of. That was the 80s when parental control still existed over most of em. I can only wonder whatthey are like today. I am glad for her sake you know the weight of your decision. I can't advise you but I hope and pray that you will find a working solution.

Rhari
You're a good person.

I wish your child luck and hope that your child has great experences with it. * hugs*
I'm no parent so i can't say i know how you feel. But i can understand why you would be so nervous.

*hugs*

*Nods.* I think you'll make it alright.

I can fully understand your fears, Rhari. I still remember all the years of school I went to, and it all seems like bullshit now... especially after I graduated College just a couple months back and found out just how much of the "higher learning" could turn out like the useless knowledge taught in grade school!

I wish you and your child the best, and I hope that just because your daughter has vision issues they don't try making her out to be mentally incompetent...

Stop thinking! It's SO dangerous! *screams and hides*

I wish I could offer you more than just my moral support. Take care and remember, you've got loved one swho will help.

I've been in special education before, NOT FUN!! I did not like it one bit, but the Cheyenne (yes, Wyoming) school district completely gave up on me over my anger management and because I was late to every class, and was sick for many days (that's actually another story entirely). I could not manage time very well, but the special ed class was torture. I would have rather dealt with the stress of missing assignments than have that label forced on me. I went to the psychologist EVERY FRICKEN DAY just to tell him how pissed off I was!

Now, here in Pennsylvania I finally do get to be with the other children, am out of the special classes and am once again going to class to class like a "normal" child. I can manage my time better and have gotten good grades (but this year they were as volatile as the stock market). I still have to deal with Asperger's Disorder, as well as some anger management (election year and my support for Obama reallyscrewed me up, but again that's another story entirely) and emotional problems, but at least I am with the other kids. Had I stayed in Cheyenne, they would have had a lawsuit on their hands I swear it!

Although you and your child's problems may be more or less severe, I'd just like to give you my perspective on the subject. You should put the child's needs before your own wants. Also, think of the child's gifts. What can the child do well? Is there a talent that they can perform? How can the child express his/her self? Praise the child for that, as it may help them down the road and is critical!

I am a very lucky person who had help along the way. I wish you and your child the best of luck, and hope that things will work out.

Agreed...thinking is very dangerous territory. I'm tripping over potholes at the moment, myself.
Aww, Rhars...I miss you so much. You need to talk to me more; note me for my phone number if you need it!

Boy, I know how she feels!

Just happened to stumble upon this, I do not know you or your situation, but all I can tell you this: Teach your child to be proud of themselves, to value unique traits that make us who we are. Yes, you can worry about bullying, but those who have been bullied end up being the stronger, better people in the end.

I was bullied a lot, being fat, socially awkward, having a mentally disabled parent, going through several divorces. My life in school was messy, but you know, I could handle it. It would have been so much easier if my mother had been more help.

Confidence kills bullying.

Awww! Cutenes! ^^