So you have decided to homeschool. Fantastic! Now you are probably wondering where all these other homeschoolers hang out and where do you find them!
One of the biggest concerns homeschooling parents have, especially those who are new to homeschooling is the socialisation aspect. There are so many ways to meet other homeschoolers, make friends, and embark on learning adventures together.
Facebook seems to be the place where all the homeschool parents hangout, organise activities, share information and offer support. This would probably be your first port of call. To get started just type in your city/county/town/state in the search bar and a host of different groups will pop up.
I just did a search for “homeschool Houston” because that is an area we are looking at moving to. There were 87 different groups available to join. Granted you probably won’t want to join all the groups but I would select the ones most relevant to you as well as one of the larger groups as that is where you are going to find a significant amount of information about what is going on around your area.
If you are of a particular religious denomination there will be Facebook groups, although they are probably international groups you can definitely post in the group and ask if anyone from your area could point you in the right direction. People are always happy to help out.
Homeschool Co-ops
Co-ops are groups of families who work together to provide classes, activities and social activities for their children. Some co-ops may only include 3-5 families and others can have several 100 children!
The co-op we attend has around 10 families and 30 or so children. We meet each week and a parent takes charge of a lesson, and has an activity to correspond with that lesson. The children then have 90 mins of free time to play with their friends.
Co-ops can be relaxed or structured it depends on what you are looking for. There are some co-ops that run for a full day like a school where there are actual classes for different age groups and parents can drop their child off. Most often the classes and activities are run by parents on a volunteer basis or on some cases the parents will pay an expert in the field to teach the class.
You will most likely be required to volunteer your time at some point either weekly or on a rotating roster. This may include anything from teaching, supervising lunch time, helping in the nursery or being a class helper.
Co-ops generally require a fee. Depending on what is involved this can definitely vary but in usually very reasonable and most often just enough to cover insurance, building hire and materials. For our co-op we pay $50 per semester.
Field Trips
Field trips are a great way to meet other homeschoolers. Field trips are usually organised by groups, either co-ops you belong to, church groups, or local Facebook community groups.
When someone organises a field trip the price is usually significantly cheaper than if you were to go individually to a museum or theatre production.
When kids attend field trips with kids they are in co-ops with it just gives them that extra bit of time to form those strong friendships.
Libraries and Rec Centres
If you head to the library or rec centre during the middle of a week day and you see a bunch of school aged kids, chances are they are homeschooled. Don’t be afraid to go up to their parents and introduce yourself. They will be most likely happy to talk to you and let you know what’s going on in the area. If your kids are getting along well don’t be shy about suggesting a play date at the park or something the following week.
Many libraries and rec centres also have special homeschool days where there are activities provided or cheaper entry. Theses are usually advertised on their bulletin boards or newsletters. The same goes for museums, skating rinks and zoos.
Homeschool Conventions
Homeschool conventions are fabulous for both the parents and the children. There are opportunities for you as the parent to attend classes and lectures on homeschooling, education and parenting. It gives you the chance to connect with other parents and share your ideas. It is actually just fantastic to be able to be surrounded by adults having grown up discussions…that centre around your kids but you take what you can get right?!
Meanwhile the children are able to be involved in different projects. These are often service based projects or fun classes. Older teens can sometimes volunteer to help run programs for the younger children or in the kitchens etc. It is a fantastic chance for kids to connect from all over the country and form lasting friendships.
At the end of the conventions there is often a big party or dance for the older kids which many look forward to with much excitement.
There are conventions held all over the country in every state. Many religious denominations put on conventions that tie in with their faith but there are many many secular ones too.
Homeschool Camps
What kid does not like camping with their friends?! The are lots of homeschooling camps put on by various groups. These are much like typical Summer camps and can have a theme such as “space camp” etc.
There is usually an option for these to be family camps too. This means that your whole family can attend together. What I really like about this is that many families make these camps apart of their family tradition and come back year after year. It is a beautiful way to maintain friendships across distances. Thank goodness for modern technology because these kids are going to have friends all over the place!
Sports Teams
Just because you homeschool does not mean your children will be deprived of sports teams. Many states allow homeschoolers to play on the local public school sports teams. However there are also many homeschool sports teams that compete.
Homeschool Hobby Groups
There are many different groups out there that are organised for homeschoolers. These include children’s choirs, drama groups, and art groups.
These children get together to perform for parents and in the community. They put on art shows and showcase their work.
Book clubs are very popular! If your children are young these are usually read aloud books that you read to them. You then get together with a few other families to discuss and have afternoon tea. Or something along those lines. As your children merge into the teen years these become great little social gatherings of book analysis and eating….because teenagers always love to eat!
I love that there really is a place for everyone in this homeschooling community.
You Can Make Friends Who Aren’t Homeschooled too
Homeschoolers aren’t limited to only being friends with other homeschoolers. You can make friends in lots of other places too. Friendships are going to be deeper, more meaningful and beneficail if they are based upon maturity and common interests. I would start by identifying what my child’s interests are. If they don’t really have any interests then expose them to all sorts of different things they may like.
Sign them up for extra curricular classes like dance, martial arts or art classes. There are many great friendship opportunities here. What is even better is that when they get together they aren’t all likely to be attending the same school so your child won’t feel left out as they talk about people and situations they are unaware of.
Volunteering is a brilliant use of time and a way to give back to the community as well as making friendships. You can find volunteering opportunities online or many libraries will be able to tell you of what is available in your community.
Local community groups can bring together children with similar interests. Your local city website should have a list of different groups and when and where they meet.
Church groups and youth groups are a fun way to make friends. Even if you are not part of any church or denomination most churches have fun week night activities for children and youth as a part of their ministry.
Scouts and other similar programs offer more friendship opportunities for kids.
As you can see there are so many different ways to find other homeschoolers and to find friends for your children. It can definitely be scary to step out and reach out. I was terrified at first! However the parents and children I have met have been some of the biggest blessings in both my life and my children’s lives.
There is such a fantastic camaraderie among homeschooling parents. Reach out and they will bring you in and support you, build you up and love on your children.
