Site Meter Mom Is Teaching » Blog Archive » Answers for the Lonely Homeschoolers

Answers for the Lonely Homeschoolers

by Summer Minor

Friday’s question was written by a mom who was worried about not having a good homeschooling community around her to be a part of. She was unsure if her kids would get plenty of chances to interact with other kids. I got some great comments from other homeschoolers on this question.

For some public schools offer more chances to be with other kids, and that is seen as a definite bonus. But for those who want to homeschool this can feel like a set back. What can you do if you live in an area that is not overflowing with other homeschoolers? Sharon J. gave a great comment on this:

What do kids in your area do during the summer months when school is out? If they are in sports or park district programs in the summer, it is a good time to meet the kids (and parents) and work out playdates during the school year.

If you really want to meet other homeschoolers, keep your eyes open. When you go to the library during school hours, do you ever see a parent with kids? Ask them if they homeschool. Your librarian may also know of others in your area. Keep you eyes open other places too. I know I like to run errands, like grocery shopping, etc., when school is in session and people are at work, so I can avoid crowds. We often meet others who homeschool doing the same thing.

Don’t overlook the internet as a source of networking and support as well. There are numerous yahoogroups where homeschoolers can meet and network with others that might be just one town over. For some who are truly isolated, the internet can be a valuable source of support from your virtual homeschooling friends.

When I made the choice that I was going to homeschool I did not know a single other homeschooler in my area. From my own experiences in school I knew that the mysterious “socialization” was not a major part of public schools as is thought. Sitting in a room with 25-30 other students that I cannot talk to is hardly a social experience. Because of this I was not worried about a lack of time playing with friends, I knew that would not happen in school either. I also knew that there would be plenty of time to play and make friends at the same time the children in school do. After school, weekends, breaks, and summer would provide plenty of free time.

And, as I am finding out, there are more homeschoolers in my area than I knew. They aren’t going to be running around with signs hanging from their necks, sometimes you will have to search for them.

, ,


3 Responses to “Answers for the Lonely Homeschoolers”

  1. Jo Says:

    That is a really good answer and also a good question. I worry about those same things whenever we have to move but I’ve found that if you just do a little digging you will find others.

  2. Dana Says:

    I did not know a single homeschooler until I started. Then, suddenly, they are everywhere. Part of it is that tell-tale sign of multiple kids at the library during school hours. Or the three kids lined up at the dentist office working on school work while a fourth is in “the chair.”

    I haven’t made many connections, however. We are in a different place, I guess. Most of them want to get together and leave the kids with the hubby’s while they chat over coffee. Sounds great, and what a wonderful way to spend an evening! Except my hubby doesn’t work the 9-5 shift, and I’m not dropping them off at a sitter so I can have a cup of coffee.

    Now I’m rambling…but there are definitely a lot of groups out there if you look. You can also try going to yahoo groups and just googling homeschool + your state. You will likely find someone and they will be able to direct you to real people.

  3. Candy Says:

    I guess I don’t worry too much about the whole “socialization issue”. ;) We’re beginning our 8th year of homeschooling and I feel like we’re doing just fine. We are blessed with a large homeschooling comunity through our church, but it’s never been an issue for us.

Leave a Reply


About Mom Is Teaching



Mom Is Teaching Author(s)
    » Jerri-Ann

Blogging Flair

Parenting & Family Channel Posts

  • What Is A Yogo Anyway?
    We were never allowed to have horrible snacks in our house and by horrible, I mean the good kind. I think the most outrageous snacks we had on hand were Kudos bars, you know the chocolate covered [...]
  • Tread Lightly
    As you may or may not know, my local newspaper ran an interview with me in this past Monday's paper.  It was actually on the front page.  So, as I continue to write in various places, I [...]
  • Busy Summer & Crazy Kittens
    This summer has been hectic but its been fun and full of ups and downs. I won't whine too much or bore you with all the dirty details of the negative stuff. Suffice to say I pulled my back and [...]
  • A Little Step
    A few months ago, I wrote about how Peanut's grandparents wanted to take her to Florida in January. I couldn't do it...I got the most awful feeling in my stomach, so I said no. I definately trust [...]
  • School Days
    Wasn't it just yesterday that I drove my twins home from the hospital at a snails pace? How could it be that I just let my five year old children board a bus to take them to a far off, wondrous [...]
  • Being Late is Cool Tomorrow
    I thought I would give all you latecomers (those who are chronically running late) a head's up about tomorrow- "National Be Late for Something Day" (September 5th). That is fitting for me about one [...]
  • Zooni Hats
    I LOVE promoting and supporting mom owned companies and Zooni is another great company I want you all to know about. Celebrating childhood is what Melissa and Michelle had in mind when they set [...]
  • Can We Talk About the School Bully - Part Two
     Part One is here.   I've mentioned the manner in which I was bullied and why I think I was bullied.  I explained why I think the bullying was allowed to continue.  But, just in [...]
  • Accessorize Your Ride
    I am always on the lookout for a unique, fun baby gift. What do you give a baby that has everything? What about a Babie Plate. BabiePlates are the trendy Swedish baby name license plate and [...]
  • Seventeen - reasons to laugh!
    So, have you ever sat down and READ the magazines your daughter is thumbing through and reading carefully and taking notes on? When Seventeen or Cosmo Girl arrives at our house, there's giggling, and [...]

Hot Off The Press

  • McFarlane Goes Online, Wish Groening Would Follow
    One of the never ending debates, these days, is usually The Family Guy versus The Simpsons. The shows are very similar, and the creative staffs have certainly been competitive, even to the point [...]
  • Rethink Social Networking
    If you want to have it all - and I do - you have to make sacrifices of less-than-worthy activities, obligations, even relationships. Ouch. Did I just say you have to sacrifice relationships? Well, [...]
  • 2008 Toronto International Film Festival Begins
    The 2008 Toronto International Film Festival kicked off yesterday, September 5, 2008. Last night actors, producers, and directors partied at the Time Style & Design RocknRolla After Party. The [...]
  • Gratitude. My plans were...and then...a moment now.
    Peace to all who visit. Peace is not a dirty word. Bless you all, and thanks for visiting. mindmovies.com I woke up this morning planning my online business. I decided to build my biz [...]
  • Elisabeth Hasselbeck on Hannity & Colmes Tonight
    The View host Elisabeth Hasselbeck will appear on Hannity & Colmes tonight to talk about Sarah Palin and the election. The description of the show says, "Has Sarah Palin ushered in a new era for [...]
  • What Is A Yogo Anyway?
    We were never allowed to have horrible snacks in our house and by horrible, I mean the good kind. I think the most outrageous snacks we had on hand were Kudos bars, you know the chocolate covered [...]
  • What the....
    First sumo wrestlers and now THIS? Check it out.... A VERY interesting wake up call.... After the cut! Dan: Not everyday you're woken up by a gorilla.... Dan thought it was Memphis [...]
  • Paris manipulates Toronto Festival, aims on creating more hype
    When Hayden Panetierre branded her friend Paris Hilton as a marketing genius, did she also mean manipulative? Well I would think so. To prove of her being manipulative and [...]
  • Whoopi Goldberg "Distressed" that John McCain has become "Republican talking head"
    Whoopi Goldberg has written another blog entry, this one about John McCain's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. In the entry, she writes about how she has always liked and [...]
  • Diversity group discusses hate crime bill
    A recent diversity presentation highlighted the concept that intent is more important than damage in hate crimes. A discussion Thursday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium involved new [...]