Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

As homeschooling in America continues to grow, homeschool support groups must grow to meet the increasing needs. Mike Smith explains why on today's Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:


The future forms of homeschooling support groups will be driven by a divergent set of needs. Some needs will be best met by highly organized, professional services created by inventive entrepreneurs. Others will find their greatest support from small, volunteer-led groups that emphasize fellowship and encouragement. The needs of parents will dictate the form of future support.


But all support groups need to take to heart a central principle in their thinking: homeschooling parents, especially moms, are being pushed to the limit. Groups that place too great a burden on moms will wither away to nothing. Groups that give parents a sense that a little effort on their part yields a great result for their children will be wildly successful.


Division of labor is key to success. The needs parents have for encouragement and fellowship will continue to be a big part of the reason they join support groups. Many homeschooling parents, especially those new to homeschooling, seek companionship from others who have embarked on the same journey.


The self-sufficient pioneers who started the homeschooling movement in the 80s and 90s are beginning to be replaced by the next generation. New leaders must not only remember the core reasons for homeschooling's success, but think forward and anticipate needs of the future. Until next time, I'm Mike Smith.