Homeschool socialization - Involving your children with other children?

by Lyn
(Darlington, SC)

How do you involve your children with other children when there are no homeschool support groups close to you, you live in a very small town and there is no children for them to spend time with at church?

My Response: That's a good question. Do you have any recreational facilities in your area where they could take swim lessons, gymnastics lessons, join in community soccer or basketball?

We live in a small town too but there are biddy programs for almost every sport at the school for elementary students where they let homeschoolers participate. My daughter did 1 year of traveling basketball when she was in 6th grade and did community soccer in another community about 1/2 hour away. Another daughter has taken ballet classes for the past 11 years.

It's hard to recommend when I don't know much about your children's interests.

Are there any places that offer art or pottery lessons? This could just be a local craft person. I know my children have taken classes from local Stampin Up dealers and drawing classes from a lady that owned a craft store.

They might not get as much interaction with other children in classes, but interaction with adults can be even more positive.

You also might be in a season of being at home with each other. It's amazing what children can come up with when they don't have other children around to play with.

You might be able to find a yahoo group or a pen pal online where your child could communicate with other homeschoolers.

I hope these suggestions helped. Let me know if you need more help.

Comments for Homeschool socialization - Involving your children with other children?

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 09, 2009
 Involving your children with other children?
by: Anonymous

Three of them want to take music lessons but we can not afford the instruments. As for tv we do not watch any regular tv. All we watch is videos/dvds. My children get two movies and three 30 minute computer sessions a week. I have always limited them in order to try and get them to think and use their brains instead of just veging out in front of the computer or tv all day.

Response: That's good that their tv/computer time is limited.

If they want to take music lessons and they are supposed to be able to take them, then the instruments should be out there somewhere. Do you have a freecycle list or craigslist in your area? Post signs at the library and tell anyone you can think of that might have some access to the instruments your kids want to play. You would be surprised at how many instruments are just sitting around in people's houses not getting played. Keep searching and asking. You should be able to find someone who has the instruments you want for a reasonable price and maybe even for free.
Nov 09, 2009
 Involving your children with other children?
by: Lyn

None of my children can be involved in sports or anything strenuous because they all have a heart condition. As far as crafts or pen pals, none of them are interested in this. That is what makes it so hard. They just don't have a lot of interests. I might just have to see about some type of art class though even if they aren't interested. They need some kind interaction with other children. I wish I didn't have health problems because I could just start a homeschool support group.

Response: That's a difficult situation. I forgot to mention music. Would they be more open to music lessons or classes?

I think you're right in making them take a class. If they know it is just for a few hours or a few classes, they will might be more open to it.

Are they allowed to watch TV? Sometimes if they spend lots of time on the TV or computer, they don't want to do anything else.

Hope you find something that works for you.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Questions.