From homeschooling to college: Navigating the leap with a bipolar child

After elementary school, my daughter earned a scholarship to the Philippine High School for the Arts. Any mom would be thrilled when her child got a scholarship. So I didn’t think twice and sent her to this art boarding school, oblivious to the challenges that lay ahead.

In the first quarter, I guess I already noticed signs that she was struggling, but I brushed them aside, thinking it was just a phase. During the Christmas break, I sensed her reluctance to return, but I insisted, believing it was for the best. Then, less than a week after the break, I received the call that changed everything: she had harmed herself.

After consultations with doctors, my daughter expressed her desire to continue her education rather than take a gap year. But who would accept her halfway through the school year? More importantly, I couldn’t let her attend traditional school again, knowing that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

I looked for alternatives until a friend suggested homeschooling. I met with many providers, but one, Gopala Learning Haven, stood out. Laksmi Maluya was incredibly understanding, and she and her family have been instrumental in my daughter’s successful completion of high school. Both she and I broke into tears on graduation day; one chapter had closed, and now Maia is opening another.

College, I know, will be a huge challenge, but it’s a journey we must embark on. The path has been fraught with emotional complexity, including fear, joy, hope, and trepidation, magnified by my daughter’s bipolar disorder. But as we stand on the brink of this new chapter, I’m filled with determination and belief in her ability to succeed, knowing we’ve already overcome so much together.

Maia at The Mind Museum; part of her learning activity for home-school

The Homeschooling Experience

When I was faced with the need to keep Maia under close watch after her episode at the art school, the decision to homeschool became clear. We set out on a journey with Gopala Learning Haven under the doctor’s instructions and her determination to continue her education.

The Benefits and Challenges

Our homeschooling approach leaned heavily on interest-led and experiential learning, tailored to Maia’s unique interests and passions. Instead of relying on standard syllabi and textbooks, we dug into subjects that fascinated her. Her deep interest in history and social issues led us to museums and documentaries, turning her social science and history lessons into engaging, real-world experiences.

For business and geography, we turned to board games, transforming traditional learning into enjoyable, interactive lessons. Maia’s love for crocheting was nurtured as part of her art education, allowing her to create and even sell her crafts. Science was taught through captivating documentaries that piqued her curiosity.

Physical Education (P.E.) presented a challenge, as no member of the family was particularly keen on sports. We chose malling as our form of physical activity, but an unexpected delight was discovering Maia’s talent for archery during a family outing to the mall.

This approach allowed us to prioritize Maia’s mental well-being and align her education with her interests, nurturing her creativity, intellect, and sense of self. Homeschooling proved to be a fulfilling and adaptable way to educate her, but Maia soon decided she wanted to go back to traditional school.

Maia filling up pots with soil for her planting project.

Maia filling up pots with soil for her planting project.

The Journey Back

Maia’s desire to return to traditional schooling was fulfilled when I enrolled her in a local school for Grade 11. But life can be a bummer sometimes. The pandemic threw a curveball when Maia returned to traditional school. She was forced to learn from home, and this led to depression, making her struggle with modules, which she was not really used to.

We were forced to reassess our approach, always prioritizing her well-being. Knowing there was only one thing that could help her get back on track, we went back to the support and structure that homeschooling with Gopala provided.

Returning to Gopala, even at the expense of paying for two schools, was about ensuring Maia’s learning and good health. The family’s support, combined with unique experiences and opportunities, made homeschooling a nurturing environment, albeit this chapter of Maia’s education being a rollercoaster, filled with surprises, and requiring constant adaptation.

Lessons Learned

Flexibility: Tailoring education to Maia’s interests and needs kept her engaged and thriving.
Family Involvement: Everyone’s support contributed to a well-rounded education.
Prioritizing Mental Health: Continuously evaluating and adapting to her mental health was vital for her success.
Building Real-World Skills: Internships and experiential learning prepared her for real-world challenges.

Many are surprised by Maia’s intelligence and adaptability. Tests may not be her strength, but her homeschooling journey has shaped her into someone ready to face the world’s complexities. Her intelligence, adaptability, and resilience are a testament to what homeschooling, with the right support and approach, can achieve.

Preparing for College: A New Chapter

The transition from homeschooling to college is a thrilling and uncertain journey, filled with anticipation and anxiety. For Maia, this new chapter is both an exciting opportunity and a source of concern, especially considering her bipolar disorder.

Finding the Right School: Maia’s particular needs guided our search for colleges. Lengthy entrance exams were not an option, so we sought schools that offered alternative admissions criteria. We found a suitable institution in Taft, but the logistical considerations were just as vital as the educational fit.
Choosing a Dormitory: The choice between a daily three-hour commute and dormitory living led us to search for the right dorm. Security, proximity to school, and understanding of Maia’s condition were crucial. After several inquiries and a personal recommendation, we found the perfect place, one where Maia could feel safe and supported.
Travel Independence: Maia’s excitement for her new adventure was evident when she chose to practice the travel route to Taft on her own. By taking the LRT, she demonstrated her determination to be independent. The decision filled me with worry, yet I also recognized the importance of her autonomy.
Emotional Preparation: The emotional complexity of this transition is undeniable. My worry and fear are ever-present, but we must face them head-on. We’ve scheduled an appointment with her psychiatrist to ensure she has ongoing guidance and support in this critical phase.
Strategies for Parents: For parents in similar situations, the preparation for college is multifaceted. Consider your child’s unique needs when choosing a school, be vigilant about their living arrangements, and support their independence while also seeking professional guidance. Communicate openly with your child and embrace the excitement and uncertainty together.

The road to college for Maia is an intricate dance of excitement and caution. Every step is considered with care and love, and while uncertainty remains, the promise of growth and discovery propels us forward. As we prepare for this new chapter, the lessons learned through homeschooling continue to guide us as we embrace the unknown with courage and hope.

What Lies Ahead: Hopes, Fears, and Expectations

As Maia prepares to step into the world of college, the mingling of hope and fear in my heart is palpable. I hope that she will face her classmates with resilience and wisdom, not giving in to pressure or losing herself in the pursuit of kindness. The world can be harsh, but my wish for Maia is to be braver and stronger.

High grades, once a symbol of pride, have taken a backseat to the more vital goal of preserving mental health. The lessons learned through Maia’s struggles have reshaped my dreams for my children, emphasizing well-being over academic accolades. After all, life’s true evaluation lies in how we perform at work and in life, where mental stability can be the linchpin of success.

This new journey is daunting, filled with the unknown and the inevitable letting go. But I am not alone. My support system, though small, is mighty, and together we will navigate this next chapter just as we did with homeschooling.

For other parents facing similar challenges, know that you are not alone. Embrace change, seek support, and find joy in the process. Your fears and hopes are universal, and the courage to move forward is within you.

Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments. Your stories add to the collective wisdom that can guide us all.

Read Also: