Homeschooling is amazing! I love it! I couldn’t have done it for almost 20 years if I didn’t. But I didn’t do it all by myself.
When I first started, it was just my four boys and me. We were having fun, but it grew increasingly stressful. I started questioning myself and needed others to talk to others. I needed a community.
I had to look around a bit to find one that fit for our family. I tried one that seemed good. The people had similar values and goals, but it didn’t work. We didn’t feel welcomed. I had my sons in a PE class, and I found some networking and support opportunities there, but I wanted a more organized activity. I kept looking. I finally found a woman who had been homeschooling her daughter for several years and was getting together a group. She was a mentor to me, even if she didn’t realize it. I could see in her what I wanted to be. She organized our group and opened up her home to meet when the weather didn’t allow us to meet outside. I think we all thought we were joining this group for our kids. We had classes and even brought in and paid teachers in some cases. But the real power was in the support we gave each other.
Twenty years ago, the Internet wasn’t as big a thing. We didn’t have Facebook and all the other places online to get support and have questions answered today. And while these resources are fantastic, it isn’t the same as an in-person community. In a community, you get to know other people, and they can get to know you on a much deeper level than you can ever get to know someone online.
My family belonged to this first group for a couple of years, and then we moved from Arizona to California. I decided to join a homeschool charter school right away. I was hoping that it would provide the community we were leaving behind. It didn’t really, but it allowed me to meet others, and eventually, I was able to find another woman that was willing to lead. That was thirteen years ago. Her kids have all graduated, but the group she started is still going.
My homeschool community is made up of families that support each other. We see our differences and challenges but also our strengths. They know my family and my youngest son has grown up in this group. We have classes, and my friends teach my son. And I teach their kids. By joining together, we create a synergy that benefits everyone.
My homeschooling community is where I share my fears and concerns. I find a shoulder to cry on when things aren’t going well and the encouragement to go on. It is also where I can share my victories and have others celebrate with me. I find support, and I give support.
AND it is an excellent place for my son. My four older sons have graduated and moved on, but they loved their time in our community, and when they have the opportunity to help in it, they still do.
As a homeschooling parent, I’ve realized that while I’ve always started in a community for my kids, one of the reasons I’m still homeschooling is the support I’ve received from my peers.
If you are starting out, find that support system for yourself. You don’t need to do it alone. If the only support you can find at first is online, great! But don’t stop looking for that perfect in-person community to get to know you and your kids.