| Homeschooling your kids can be an exciting | | | | community again. Encouraging your kids to |
| time, but it can also be a time of isolation | | | | make friends with other homeschoolers is |
| and loneliness. Day after day, you work hard | | | | crucial for the success and development of |
| to give your child the education they | | | | your children. |
| deserve, but others around you don't seem to | | | | |
| understand your situation. You may feel stuck | | | | Going online is a great way to find others |
| at home, while others around you are out and | | | | that share your passion for education. |
| about going to playgroups and social events. | | | | Homeschooling sites are excellent when it |
| You may even feel depressed or sad at your | | | | comes to finding lesson plans and crafts, but |
| lack of social opportunities. | | | | they are also a great way to make |
| | | | homeschooling friends! Message boards and |
| There seems to be a dividing line between the | | | | forums are a fun way to find friends that |
| public school children and the homeschoolers, | | | | share your same goals and passions. It is |
| and many a friendship has dissolved over the | | | | encouraged to jump right in and start |
| differences in believes and lifestyles. This | | | | responding to other posts, or start asking |
| can be bothersome for children, but even more | | | | the burning questions that you want answered |
| so for the parents. | | | | about your child's education. Many even have |
| | | | a place where you can create a buddy list and |
| So how then, do you strike a balance? How do | | | | communicate one-on-one with others, which is |
| you find others that understand your | | | | a fun way to make friends. |
| lifestyle choices, and most importantly, how | | | | |
| to you find friends and playmates for your | | | | Next, look within your own community. Many |
| kids? Luckily, there are several places to | | | | communities have homeschooling organizations |
| find just the right fit for you and your | | | | that offer not only support but socialization |
| kids! | | | | opportunities as well. There you can set up |
| | | | field trips, play dates, and even sports |
| First off, it's important to know that you | | | | events for your kids. |
| are not alone in your homeschooling | | | | |
| adventure. There are a number of resources | | | | With a little bit of time and effort, you and |
| and tools available to you. You just have to | | | | your kids can begin experiencing the joy that |
| know where to look. Once you find the right | | | | is homeschooling in a whole new light. |
| resources, you will begin to feel a sense of | | | | |