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