simple home, I have never bought boxed curriculum namely b/c it seemed too “boxy” and we couldn’t afford it anyway with all of our children. We have 5 students now.
I have finished planning out our history reading (both family and independent) and have all but 3 books (found most of them used this year which was awesome).
I am now looking at their math. We used Math on the Level, so that involves a lot of planning on my part as well, BUT it really works for us so it is worth it. But PHEW! I totally get what you are saying.
I am a bit stumped on grammar too. I have an English degree, and don’t remember ever learning grammar (though I obviously did). It just seems so natural to me, but it isn’t for all of our children I realize. My son, 8th grade approaching, is using Rod & Staff, and I have seen improvements. He doesn’t like it, but I know he wouldn’t like any grammar curriculum. It is working, so we are going to continue on but it is S-L-O-W and I’m OK with that.
I have admittedly looked at some on-line writing classes that get high marks at Homeschool Buyer’s Co-Op.
I wanted to mention Word Roots by Critical Thinking Co. That has been a real help this past year to us, and we are going to continue on with it. I bought the CD-Rom as I needed something that I didn’t have to grade, and two of ours LOVE the computer (so this gave them some screen time but with a purpose).
Just thougth I’d mention it as a possibility for your son (my son with ADHD loves Word Roots and wil be doing A2 this year).
And finally, I can relate to all you said! It IS worth it, but that doesn’t make it any easier to figure it all out!