| Homeschooling your kids can be an exciting time, | | | | to make friends with other homeschoolers is |
| but it can also be a time of isolation and loneliness. | | | | crucial for the success and development of your |
| Day after day, you work hard to give your child | | | | children. |
| the education they deserve, but others around | | | | Going online is a great way to find others that |
| you don't seem to understand your situation. You | | | | share your passion for education. Homeschooling |
| may feel stuck at home, while others around you | | | | sites are excellent when it comes to finding lesson |
| are out and about going to playgroups and social | | | | plans and crafts, but they are also a great way |
| events. You may even feel depressed or sad at | | | | to make homeschooling friends! Message boards |
| your lack of social opportunities. | | | | and forums are a fun way to find friends that |
| There seems to be a dividing line between the | | | | share your same goals and passions. It is |
| public school children and the homeschoolers, and | | | | encouraged to jump right in and start responding |
| many a friendship has dissolved over the | | | | to other posts, or start asking the burning |
| differences in believes and lifestyles. This can be | | | | questions that you want answered about your |
| bothersome for children, but even more so for | | | | child's education. Many even have a place where |
| the parents. | | | | you can create a buddy list and communicate |
| So how then, do you strike a balance? How do | | | | one-on-one with others, which is a fun way to |
| you find others that understand your lifestyle | | | | make friends. |
| choices, and most importantly, how to you find | | | | Next, look within your own community. Many |
| friends and playmates for your kids? Luckily, | | | | communities have homeschooling organizations |
| there are several places to find just the right fit | | | | that offer not only support but socialization |
| for you and your kids! | | | | opportunities as well. There you can set up field |
| First off, it's important to know that you are not | | | | trips, play dates, and even sports events for your |
| alone in your homeschooling adventure. There are | | | | kids. |
| a number of resources and tools available to you. | | | | With a little bit of time and effort, you and your |
| You just have to know where to look. Once you | | | | kids can begin experiencing the joy that is |
| find the right resources, you will begin to feel a | | | | homeschooling in a whole new light. |
| sense of community again. Encouraging your kids | | | | |