Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Kids aren't the only ones who need socialization with others. On today's Home School Heartbeat, Mike Smith says that parents need time to fellowship with their homschooling peers too.

Mike Smith:


Every homeschooling mom needs a friend who also homeschools. Every homeschooling dad needs a friend who will hold him accountable for carrying out his responsibilities to his family. This is probably why so many support groups have formed through churches and religious communities.


Many support groups create opportunities for dads to get more involved in the homeschooling. Moms really appreciate it when support groups encourage fathers to demonstrate their support for homeschooling on a practical, daily basis.


The first homeschool support groups were started primarily for this purpose. And this will always be a need in the homeschooling community. It is likely that small groups will always be the backbone of the homeschool movement.


One support group leader recently told us, "When we were small, every parent was an aunt or uncle to every child in the group. It was special. It is something that we've lost in part as we have grown larger."


Bigger isn't always better. Small compatible fellowship groups may be the best approach to meet homeschoolers needs. These small groups can link up with larger groups and state organizations for secondary issues. Technology, too, makes this easier and easier as time goes on.


Getting involved with a homeschool support group can be vital to the success to home education. Support groups, in turn, must become future-minded as the needs of the homeschool movement progress and develop. If you are looking for a support group in your area, contact you state homeschool organization. Until next time, I'm Mike Smith.