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.