Homeschooling is not a journey you travel alone. It takes a village, but with homeschooling you get to pick your village. That is why we are part of a homeschool group.
A homeschool group is not just for the children. It is a place for parents too. It is a place of learning, encouragement and support for one another. We should be there for one another and answering each others questions. It is a place for new homeschool parents to feel welcome and seek support, because we have all been there. A homeschooling group is for the entire family.
Homeschooling is not just something we do. It is our way of life. It is our journey and I’m glad to have such an awesome village!
Why Should I join a Local Homeschool Group or A Social Media Homeschool Group?
If there is a homeschool group in your area, I encourage you to join and attend some of the events. The kids get to make new friends, learn new things and the moms get to start building a support system. There are no wrong, dumb, stupid or crazy questions. We have all been there and done that and “Got TheT-Shirt” and will probably do it again. If we have not done it, then as a group, we can talk and figure out something that works or might help. We all want what is best for our children and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Keep calm and homeschool on!
My first year of homeschooling was the hardest year so far. I’m not saying I’m an expert and know it all. I’ve been homeschooling for seven years and I’m always learning something new with the help of my homeschool support system. My homeschool support system is made up of my social media accounts and my local homeschool group. I’m thankful to these wonderful Moms that are always there to lend a helpful hand when I need it. It takes a village and I have been blessed with a great one!
With the help of the internet, a support system is just a few clicks away. If there is not a homeschool group near you, look into Facebook groups, homeschool blogs, and other social media groups. Moms do not have to be face to face to answer questions, encourage or offer help and homeschool tips. Facebook groups give us the ability to ask/answer questions from moms that have been there and done that. Reading homeschool blogs give us ideas we may want to try, because what we are currently doing may not be working. Social media allows us to help moms all over to not feel alone and let them know they are doing great!
What Should I look for in a homeschool Group?
Here are a few things I look for in a homeschool group. First, I look for an encouraging group for parents and children. I enjoy talking to other Moms and Dads and hearing about what curriculum they use and things they like and do not like to do in homeschooling. I like learning from others and asking questions. Second, I look for encouraging children and children that have things in common with my children. Finally, I look at what kind of events do they do as a group. Are the events fun, educational, and something my children will enjoy? A homeschool group should be welcoming, fun, and educational. These are just a few things I look for in a group.
Every homeschool group is different and it is ok to belong to more than one. One group may have more activities than the other, one may be closer to your home, and one may not fit your needs. It is ok to try them out and ask questions. Here is a good example: If you are looking for a Christian homeschool group, you would not want to join a non-Christian group just to be in a group. Make sure the group fits the needs of you and your children.
What Homeschool events should I attend?
When it comes to homeschool events you need to be careful on which ones you attend. Make sure it is something that your child or children would like and understand. You do not have to attend every event. We try to attend on or two events a week. Everyone’s schedule is different and you do not want to burnout trying to go to every event that is scheduled. Just be careful to not over do it on activities.
Have You Ever Asked Yourself These Questions?
Am I failing at the Mom thing? Am I doing what is best for my children? Am I teaching them everything they need to know? Am I feeding them the right foods? Are they involved in enough activities? Are they involved in too many activities? You are not alone!
I ask myself these questions more than once a day. It has taken me a long time, many sleepless nights and countless hours of talking to other Moms to help me realize I am not alone and I am not the only one that thinks like this. If you are keeping all of this bottled up and burning the candle at both ends, it is not good for you. Talking to other Moms really does help. It helped me to realize that I am NOT failing at this Mom thing. I may be hitting bumps along the way, but not failing. Remember you are not alone and not the only Mom that feels this way.
We Need to Enjoy our Kids More and Not Worrying so much.
Our kids are important to us. We do want what is best for them, but we cannot drive ourselves crazy, for a lack of better term. We feed them, clothe them, educate them, take care of them when they are sick and we LOVE them. We are so busy worrying and running from place to place all the time. We need to slow down and make sure we show our children that we do love them. Do not just tell them, buy them things or expect them to know. This one little thing will make all the craziness and worry ease up and help you enjoy the Mom thing.
Do Not Compare Yourself to Other Mothers!
As a dear friend pointed out, In this age of technology, it is easy to compare yourself to others because of social media. Most people only post the good stuff or the best parts of their lives. To quote that dear friend, “That is why true friendships are so important to go through the trenches together.”
When you feel like you are failing at the Mom thing, please remember that you are not the only Mom that feels that way. Remember you love your children and to stop and try to enjoy the Mom thing. Lastly, remember that you are a Mom and you got this!
When I was homeschooling my first year, I felt alone, confused, scared and worried I would mess everything up. Then I discovered a homeschool group with a great support system. As a homeschool mom, we need to be there for each other to encourage, lift up and help new homeschooling moms to not feel alone and disconnected.
If you are reading this and feel like you are alone, discouraged, disconnected, and have no idea what you are doing, you are not alone. We all have felt like that at some point in our homeschool journey. Please reach out to a homeschool group, Facebook group or Google some homeschool blogs. There will be a Mom to offer words of encouragement, lend a helping hand or just listen.
