Support is a Gift You Give to Yourself

If you have not yet sought out homeschool support yet, either where you live or "virtual support" on the internet, I hope you will make that a priority in the new year.  None of us is an island, and we were not created to struggle through our journey on this earth alone.  If you are not sure where to start, try some of the resources here.  Reach out, you will be glad you did!

A to Z Home's Cool

A to Z Home's Cool!
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Regional and world wide homeschool associations, support groups, laws and other local home- schooling esources such as field trips in places all over the world.

Christian Homeschool Hub

Christian Homeschool Hub
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A community for Christian HomeSchoolers.  Connect with other Homeschooling Parents.  Learn from other homeschooling parents.  Share your knowlege and resources and encourage on another.

Homeschool.com

Homeschool.com
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Homeschool.com's drop-down menu, by state and region is convenient, but there is a bit of sorting that you must do, as paid-ads are mixed into the list that comes up for your region.

Local Homeschool

Local Homeschool
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You can tell this site is well-cared for. Lots of active links. Many groups listed - including Yahoo groups.  The link "Search Groups" is on the left side of the screen. Options to search by Community, County or State available.

Yahoo Groups

Yahoo Groups
Yahoo groups are an excellent alternative to an actual physical support group.  When we lived in a rural town, there were no physical support groups close to my home.  I found loving, attentive support in a Yahoo group. You can use the search bar for with any specifications you like. (i.e. "Denver Homeschool Support")
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Facilitating Social Development

Many people, when they hear that we homeschool, see an opportunity to ask the burning question: "What about socialization?"  We encounter this query less frequently than we used to, but it still comes up pretty regularly.  It is important to understand that our children can be well adjusted socially, but the social development through homeschooling is usually very different in appearance than that of a public or even privately-schooled child.

When I am posed with curiosity regarding our social exploits, the answer I normally give is this:  "Well, let me ask you a question.  What do your children do during the summer?"  The usual response goes something like this:  "My kids play baseball, or swim with the swim team, or play with their friends in the neighborhood."

These people are typically shocked to hear me say:  "That's what my children do too---All year.  They play soccer, and volleyball, go to Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, play with neighborhood friends, have sleep-overs and host lemonade stands.  We add to that our homeschool group activities, Lego club, chess club, speech and debate and youth group at our church.  Our social plates are full.  In fact, I would say my biggest challenge is saying 'No' to social opportunities!" 

Our experience may differ slightly from other homeschooling families, but I would not say it is by any means unusual.  According to the HSLDA, data on homeschool students' activities and community involvement reveal that, on average, these children are engaged in 5.2 activities outside the home, with 98% involved in two or more. 

Possibly the most significant differences in the social development of a homeschooled child is 1) They are not limited to playing with only peers in their age group and 2) They are not peer-dependent.  The idea that kids must be with friends daily is a belief perpetuated by the public school system.  Homeschooled children are much more likely to be content during those times in which they must entertain themselves or play with siblings.

Consequently, homeschooled children are much less likely to become peer-driven.  Unlike many of their publicly schooled peers, who  become so fixed on the opinions of their classmates, that they will not chose their clothes or make decisions without first asking their friends.  Anyone who has attended public school has experienced this.  The kid in school who marches to the beat of his own drummer is rare.  Homeschooled children tend to be less peer-driven.  Thinking for themselves & confident in their interests.
We have been involved in some really wonderful circumstances that my children would not have had if they had been in school from 8 am until 3 pm.  We have had many volunteer opportunities, which I value tremendously.  My children have been able to learn firsthand that they are very privileged (even though our family lives on a budget) and there are many people in this world who have significantly less than they do.  We have found ourselves in fortunate happenstances through seemingly insignificant activities.  At one time, my children and I regularly attended a local farmer's market, and my son was invited to learn how to make kettle corn with a merchant we had come to know there.  My daughter earned free horseback riding lessons by volunteering at a stable that gave low-cost lessons to disabled children.  The list of experiences we have encountered by our flexible schedule and willingness to try new things is too lengthy to catalog here!

I guess what it boils down to is this:  If you provide ample opportunities for your children, and encourage them to step outside of their comfort zone the possibilities are endless.

Socialization: Rules vs. Respect

In her insightful article, Julie Ann Sih discusses socialization and social codes learned by homeschooled children verses their institutionally-schooled peers.
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