9 Ways to Help Your Homeschooler Find Friends4 min read

Introduction

If you’ve been homeschooling for a while, you’re probably aware that the topic of socializing is utterly irrelevant. You’re undoubtedly aware that the stereotype of a strange, unsocialized homeschooler does not apply to the majority of home-schooled children. If you’re new to homeschooling, have recently relocated, or live in an area where there isn’t a vibrant homeschooling community, you might be wondering how to assist your child make friends.

We recommend you to go through this list wherein you’ll find 9 legitimate ways to help your little ones find their homeschooling mates.

1. Join a support group

Joining a support group is a great way to meet other homeschoolers in your area. Field excursions, playdates, co-ops, and holiday parties are just a few of the ways that most organizations provide opportunities for people to get together. State on homeschool support organizations can be found using the search box below. On the Homeschool Legal Defence Association’s Homeschool Organizations page, you can look for homeschool support groups by state.

When you click on the link for your state, you’ll see a list of other groups organized by county. You can also try googling your state name plus the keywords “homeschool support group” on the website of your state-wide support organization to find local listings.

2. Check out online groups

For many years, a Yahoo-based email group served as the primary source of local homeschool support.

Look for links to your local group’s social media accounts on their website, or search for local groups directly on Facebook. One of the advantages of an online support group is that members may get to appreciate one other before meeting in person, avoiding some of the discomforts that often accompany initial meetings.

If you’re moving to a new region, online organizations are also a great opportunity to make contacts with other homeschoolers ahead of time.

3. While your kids are busy somewhere, visit kid-friendly places

Head to your local playground, library, indoor play area, children’s museums, or other places where kids congregate. If there are school-aged children there during regular school hours, there’s a pretty good chance that they’re homeschoolers. Don’t be afraid to ask. Everybody makes friends at least a few times that way.

4. Join classes or co-ops for homeschoolers

While the emphasis in these environments is on learning, there is always time for youngsters to talk before or after class. Suggest a group playdate or make plans with the parents of a child or two with whom your child gets along. You might not have to do much if you have older children.

5. Host a get-together

If you invite them to a reading club, an art display, a nature club, or just a play date, your kid’s friends will come (usually). Try a neighborhood park, a kid-friendly restaurant, a library, or even a bookstore if you don’t feel comfortable organizing an event at home. Many bookstores are willing to hold book club meetings in their establishments.

6. Go to church

Yeah, we know not everyone attends church, and you shouldn’t go just to meet friends. However, if you do, then you’ll agree with the fact that it is a fantastic place for meeting friends.

Local churches can be easily found in your area. You can choose a church in a variety of ways, based on your religious history and what’s available in your region, but it’s critical to pick one that’s close by and accessible so you can feel like a part of the community.

Most people have some idea of what they believe, but many are also curious about what else is out there.

7. Pursue hobbies

Following your child’s interests can be a great method for him to make new friends. Your children will have the opportunity to meet individuals who share their interests while participating in activities such as:

• Sports
• Drama and community theatre
• Dance
• Homeschool or community classes such as art, photography, music, or baking
• Volunteering

8. Be bold

It’s a good idea to start teaching kids how to be confident and not let fear control them at a young age. The lesson of getting back up after falling and facing fears will stay with someone well into adulthood.

Qualities like this will aid in the success of youngsters as they grow older. When a youngster is bullied, it can be difficult to know what to do. In the same way that a child can act courageously in school to succeed, they can act boldly in the face of bullying to overcome their obstacles.

Whether a child has witnessed bullying, has been bullied, or has been the victim of bullying, they can all profit from a brief discussion about how to stop bullying.

9. Maintaining old friendships

Make an attempt to keep your children’s current friendships whether you’re switching from public school to homeschooling or relocating to a new region. Make plans for visits and play dates, or have the kids communicate via Skype or FaceTime. Allow them to send letters, call, text, email, or chat on Facebook.

Most children only require an excuse to get together in order to begin making friendships. Fostering those bonds may take a bit more effort for homeschooling parents than it would for parents of children in a traditional school setting, but the benefits are well worth the effort.