A homeschool community gives you a social network and a source of informal advice.
Lots of new homeschoolers worry about how their children will make friends, but you may be surprised that it’s easier than you expected. To get you started, here are some practical ways for you to connect with other homeschoolers—for yourself and your kids.
LOCAL GROUPS
Search Facebook and meetup.com for your nearest city and the word “homeschool.” (This is how I found our homeschool group, which—eight years later—is still our go-to homeschool resource.)
ONLINE FORUMS
You can often find fast, friendly advice in homeschool forums and Facebook groups. A few good ones: The Well-Trained Mind (not secular but trends toward more academic homeschooling) and Secular Eclectic Academic Homeschoolers (they have dozens of Facebook groups, but I just follow the main one).
HOMESCHOOL CLASSES
Check your museums, parks, attractions, and nature centers for homeschool classes. Many offer monthly activities for homeschool families. If you sign up for a class or activity on a topic that interests your child, she’s likely to meet other homeschooled kids in your community who share the same interest.
OUT AND ABOUT ON WEEKDAYS
Visit libraries, museums, nature centers, parks, etc., when school is in session, and you’re likely to run into fellow homeschoolers.
