As a second generation homeschooler I have witnessed, and personally encountered, many homeschoolers and homeschool parents. One thing I have noticed from these encounters is that community is important!
Growing up we were apart of a wonderful group of homeschool families who did field trips, and pretty much life, together. They basically became family and to this day we still keep in contact with some of the group even though we are scattered across the country.
In our group we had many different children with each of us having our own strengths and weaknesses, hobbies and interests. But despite our differences we became the best of friends. And this is where most of my favorite childhood memories come from.
Our moms also became close friends who supported and loved on each other as they each journeyed through their own homeschool experience.
Each one of these parents poured their heart into their children but also gave love to all the other children as well. Learning happened from not only our own household but from our community of friends too.
Homeschooling isn’t always an easy road to travel but with community, friendship and love we all persevered through challenges together.
When you’re in the midst of teaching your children (and therefore learning yourself) life will give you many challenges to overcome. When you don’t have community to encourage you and let you know you aren’t alone, it can be even harder.
Homeschool communities aren’t only there for friendship but for that encouragement when it feels like you’ve hit a brick wall. When your kid isn’t grasping what you are teaching, when you find out your child has a learning disability and you don’t know where to turn, when you are trying to figure out what curriculum is best, this is all where community comes in and “saves the day!”
I’m going into my 4th year old homeschooling my own children and what a lonely road the first couple years were. I wasn’t apart of a group because I didn’t know of any to join so I did something totally out of my comfort zone and started my own group.
We just ended the first year and I have learned so much and can say I am glad I did it! It started out small, which is great when you’re learning, but it has grown little by little! Kids and parents both finding like minded community and friendships.
Along with our homeschool group we found the most amazing 4H group, with mainly homeschoolers, where my kids get the opportunity to learn and grow with a likeminded community.
My kids have loved learning and playing with all their new friends from both groups and I have greatly benefited from being in communities of women that are in the same point in life I am.
If you have yet to find a community that supports and uplifts you on your homeschool journey, I highly recommend searching some more or starting your own community! Who knows, maybe there are moms out there just like you needing what you need. Come together and build your community together!
If you have a community I’d love to hear all the benefits and experiences you have encountered from it! Leave a comment below and tell us all your wonderful stories!
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