Sarah Jones asked:


Homeschooling your kids can be an exciting time, but it can also be a time of isolation and loneliness. Day after day, you work hard to give your child the education they deserve, but others around you don’t seem to understand your situation. You may feel stuck at home, while others around you are out and about going to playgroups and social events. You may even feel depressed or sad at your lack of social opportunities.

There seems to be a dividing line between the public school children and the homeschoolers, and many a friendship has dissolved over the differences in believes and lifestyles. This can be bothersome for children, but even more so for the parents.

So how then, do you strike a balance? How do you find others that understand your lifestyle choices, and most importantly, how to you find friends and playmates for your kids? Luckily, there are several places to find just the right fit for you and your kids!

First off, it’s important to know that you are not alone in your homeschooling adventure. There are a number of resources and tools available to you. You just have to know where to look. Once you find the right resources, you will begin to feel a sense of community again. Encouraging your kids to make friends with other homeschoolers is crucial for the success and development of your children.

Going online is a great way to find others that share your passion for education. Homeschooling sites are excellent when it comes to finding lesson plans and crafts, but they are also a great way to make homeschooling friends! Message boards and forums are a fun way to find friends that share your same goals and passions. It is encouraged to jump right in and start responding to other posts, or start asking the burning questions that you want answered about your child’s education. Many even have a place where you can create a buddy list and communicate one-on-one with others, which is a fun way to make friends.

Next, look within your own community. Many communities have homeschooling organizations that offer not only support but socialization opportunities as well. There you can set up field trips, play dates, and even sports events for your kids.

With a little bit of time and effort, you and your kids can begin experiencing the joy that is homeschooling in a whole new light.