For us the decision to homeschool was an easy one. I happen to go to a church where almost all the members of the church (it’s a small church) live within a two block radius of each other. Not only that but almost everyone homeschools. So I live within walking distance of a whole bunch of other homeschoolers.
You’d think we’d get together all the time, but the truth is we don’t. We have different aged children, some moms have teenagers and others of us have preschoolers, and to meet their needs we’ve tended to go in different directions. But I realized yesterday that as I was talking to others, we were all really very fortunate (or really I’d rather say blessed) to have such a built in support system.
While it’s true that I’d rather co-op with people whose children are my own age, I love talking to my friend Pat who has teenagers and adult children. She’s been homeschooling for an awfully long time–at least a couple of decades. There is a certain wisdom that is gained through experience. I am confident in my homeschooling endeavors but it’s nice to have the perspective and wisdom of someone who has been there and done that with several children.
It really is important to have some sort of support system. There is something invaluable about having a go to person to ask all sorts of questions. So today I’m encouraging you to go find a support group. It doesn’t mean that you have to find a co-op that you love or attend support group meetings necessarily. It just means that you have to find at least a few people who can support you in your homeschooling endeavors.
I’ve heard people say that support groups aren’t for them but I’d have to say that you really don’t know what you’re missing. I don’t think that you have to go to every activity, every meeting, or every get together. I do think that having people you can go to that share your vision for home educating your children is very, very helpful–especially when things are difficult or when questions arise.
Look soon for a listing of support groups by state.
Related Blogs:
Building Your Homeschooling Community Part 1
Building Your Homeschooling Community Part 2