Michael Smith:
So what can you do to help military families?
Share your resources. It is often difficult for military families to obtain home schooling supplies, especially when they are transferred overseas.
Share information. Moving as often as some military families do, it becomes an endless process of finding resources in their new communities. Local home schoolers know who the good doctors are, who is giving piano lessons, and the good sites for field trips. When local families share these inside tips with new military families, it helps them settle in much quicker.
Let them know you're there. If you live in a community near a military installation, your home school group can become an important resource for military home schooling families. But they may not know you exist, so try to make your group as visible as you can.
Invest time. If military families come through your community, make an effort to get to know them. Your friendship will be greatly appreciated!
And finally, pray for them—and let them know you are praying. Military life adds a lot of extra stress on marriage and family. The fact that you are praying for a family makes a tremendous difference.
HSLDA provides a group discount program for military families. Please call for further information.
Home schooling is challenging and when you add the military to the mix it can become even more so. The Home School Court Report recently did a cover story, "Called to Serve" which profiles this subject. Ask us for your free copy when you contact us. Call us toll free at 866-338-8614. Or go to our website at homeschoolheartbeat.com.
