Support groups can really help: when you feel all alone, when you want to get your children involved with other homeschoolers, when you have questions about anything, when you are threatened or harassed by the authorities, etc. Every state has some type of state group, with county, regional, and/or local chapters. The best way to find out about a support group near you is to ask another homeschooler. If you don't know any, or if you are new to the area, check the library. The librarian will most likely be familiar with many of the home school families in your area. If you still don't find a group, do an internet search for "home school support groups", and list your state.

Co-ops are also nice; parents share classes so that the children can benefit from the knowledge and experience of others. For instance, some co-ops get together once a week for group sports, science lab, foreign language, art, etc. Usually a parent or two offer (or are asked) to teach some subject which other parents are not comfortable with. The children get the benefit of working with others and submitting themselves to an "authority" other than their parents, but in a more controlled environment than many public schools. Also, the groups usually go on field trips together.

Now, what I'd like to hear from you is, What things do you and/or your children like best about the support group or co-op you are a part of?

-- Cathy N. (homekeeper86@sympatico.ca), February 15, 2002

Answers

The companionship of people who really understand why we do what we do is probably tops on my list. We've been quite lucky with family support of our decision to homeschool, although my inlaws threw a bit of a fit. But there is a world of difference between SUPPORTING and UNDERSTANDING. My wonderful SIL is incredibly supportive, but can't understand why we aren't free to do things in the mornings. She doesn't understand that we can't just leave our seat-work until the afternoon at the drop of a hat. She is very supportive of our decision, but doesn't understand the schedule we've developed, or why we would need one. Being able to talk to other homeschoolers on the good AND bad days is the biggest reason I love my support group.

My kids love the events planned by the group -- it means a change in our normal schedule and an adventure or two. Also, while they have many HSed and non-HSed friends, they are VERY social and always look forward to the possibility of a new kid being involved in an activity that they can get to know.

The effect of HSing has been I've gotten my elder son back -- I was scared he was lost to us forever -- he'd turned from a sunny, happy- go-lucky little boy into a stubborn, introverted loner. HSing has allowed us to guide him not only in his education and faith, but in the types of people (and the types of attitudes) he is exposed to on a CONSISTENT basis. I had no control over what other kids parents were teaching their kids -- and those kids brought that to school -- something I will not make the mistake of doing again. No matter what anyone says, things such as racism, prejudice, disrespect, verbal abuse, and physical abuse, are rampant amongst the children of our public schools.

The support group gave me the confidence I needed to pull my son from this environment, and never put my younger son into. For that alone, I appreciate the group!

-- Tracy (trimmer31@hotmail.com), February 15, 2002.