Making Connections

Last month, I shared about “Homeschooling Through Life Challenges“.   It can be tough and you can feel overwhelmed by changes that may happen in your family.  I know things have been a struggle for me, moving to a new place.  I miss all of our old friends, especially from our church and homeschool group.  Not only do I miss them, so do our children.  I thought I would share ways that the kids and I have been dealing with our struggles and hopefully it will help someone else who may be going through a similar situation.

Do Your Research

First, before we even left our old town, I started doing research on homeschooling and groups in the area that we would be moving to.  There are several places where you can find this information at.  The first place I check was HSLDA.  Not only does HSLDA have  this great resource, you can also check the homeschool laws of the state you will be moving to.   By checking with HSLDA to see if there were any local homeschool support groups, I also checked to see if there was a state homeschooling group.

The state homeschool support group will also have a list of the groups from around the state.   Finding a local group may take a while to connect if there are several to choose from.  You want to make sure that you find the right one for you and your family.  Supports can offer a variety of benefits.  They can have park days, field trips and even a mom and/or dad night out a month.

I also am a member of The Homeschool Lounge and went to the state group there, to see if I could find any information about homeschool groups in the area.  This is actually where I made the connection to the homeschool group that we eventually became part of.  This homeschool support group has something for everyone in our family.  Even the dads!

Online Homeschool Support

There are several other places online where you can find support.  Obviously, The Homeschool Village is a great place to find encouragement!  I know I have truly been blessed by being a part of this amazing group of ladies for the last year.  There are several other homeschool groups that I also enjoy reading encouragement from; The Homeschool Post, Hip Homeschool Moms and Homeschool Mosaics.  That is just to name a few.  I know if you were to do a search, you could come up with many more.  A lot of these homeschool groups have very active Facebook pages where you can interact with thousands of other homeschooling parents.

Be sure to check your local libraries for programs that they offer.  Some libraries do work with homeschooling groups and will offer classes at the library.  The library will often have a list of local groups in the area, or even have a contact person they can out you in touch with.  Another place you can meet people and your children can interact with is at your local recreation center.   There is always a sport that is being played.  Check with them to see if they even offer a homeschool P.E. class.

If all else fails and you are still having a hard time finding a homeschool support group, then start one!  It isn’t that hard to do.  Just put the word out; make a flier, leave your name with the local library or even put an ad in the paper.  Start small with a play date at the park!  The important thing is making a connection with other fellow homeschoolers.   Just know that you are not alone in this homeschooling journey.

Are you a part of a homeschool support group?  Can you add any other homeschooling blogs or websites that offer support?  Please share in the comments so others will be encouraged!