Thank you so much for your reply and help! Really appreciate it. I have since received mails from other homeschooling moms.

I will definitely check out the support group you mentioned. I live in Ampang, KL and there are not as many homeschoolers (at least to my knowledge) around here as in PJ or Subang. So, it would be good to get in touch with anyone close to my area.

Thanks so much again!

Have a great week!

Blessings,
peiyin

Yes, it does look like H1N1 is going to get worse before it gets better. But I don’t know if I would be able to offer advice about being in church in times like this. It seems to me that’s a call each person or family has to decide depending on the circumstances one is in. If a particular neighbourhood your church is located or if the area you live in is already an Influenza A ‘hotspot’ or especially vulnerable – lots of kids and adults down with flu, etc- you’ll want to take the necessary precaution.

I don’t know when precaution becomes paranoia, but Mexico initiated a 5-day nationwide shutdown in May this year which apparently contained the spread of the virus.

Whatever decision you make, ensure that everyone is on the same page. Children especially need to know that their parents are united in their decision and committed to see it through once it’s taken. Sure, you’ll have to explain clearly what’s happening and why you have chosen to do what you are doing. Very young children may not be able to understand fully and are easily overcome with dread, so you’ll need to exercise wisdom. However you also can take this period of confinement as an opportunity to teach hygiene and a little bit of science. It’s also a good time to encourage faith and prayer so your kids know where your confidence comes from!

Meanwhile, here’s one online resource for talking to kids about H1N1 – http://snurl.com/qdwow – released by the National Association of School Nurses, and the National Association of School Psychologists.

If you want to interact or meet up with other homeschoolers, you should join a network/ support group such as HOMEFRONTIER or MALHEN. You didn’t say where you live though. Anyway, I’ll put a word out for you and have our homeschooling families email you personally if that’s alright.

Take care, and blessings to you and your family too!

David Tan

Thanks for the very helpful and informative booklet! I really appreciate it.

With the news of the possibility of H1N1 getting worse, what do you think of going to public places like Church on Sundays? My hubby is really worried for our young kids – we have 6 year old and a 1 year old baby.

Since I homeschool, the kids are already cooped up at home with me 24hrs a day every day of the week! If we stop going to church, then my kids will have virtually no opportunity to meet other kids! Not only the kids are feeling agitated, I am beginning to feel that I’m losing my sanity!

Is there any homeschoolers community group that I can join or meet up with? I’m in so desperate need of social company!

Pls advice…appreciate it.

blessings, pei yin