homeschooling someone else's child

This last week we have had a guest. He is a great kid my kids have known all their lives. He is 12, the son of my husband's ex wife, and the brother of my step daughter. He (D)is having a hard time at home, his parents recently separated and he has been taking a lot of anger out on his mum. My dh and I offered to have him for a few weeks to help her and help him have a break, give him a taste of homeschooling, some playtime with my kids, and also have my dh really bring him into line and teach him how to manage his anger, and behave better (dh is a therapist).

Well, so far, he has been well behaved, and all three kids have been having a ball all week. I must admit we have been doing a bit less work than usual, but still, it has really helped my kids see what a good time they have homeschooling. D is amazed, we are usually finished by soon after lunch. Before school they get to go bikeriding and swimming as long as they are ready to start at 8.30. For lunch break they can again go bike riding and swimming. Reading is considered part of school.

D's mum said he wouldnt read. So my first priority was to put a book in his hand and tell him to read it. I searched my shelves and came up with the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. Not hard to read, a great classic, short enough to not be overwhelming. Well, what a hit. He is asking to read it. He loves it. The kids are in bed now, all reading thier own books. I am happy he is loving it. My son, who turns 10 tomorrow, has just received Eldest, the sequel to Eragon, this evening as an early present. He is so happy. I am so glad my love for reading is catching on to my kids, and then they can share that with D.

I hope we have D for a while. He seems to be a good influence, he is easy to have around (because he is pretty scared of dh and is behaving very well, even does his own chores here) and I think my kids are helping him a lot. I don't know what it would be like for him going back to school after tasting the love and freedom of a healthy homeschool though.