We’ve been homeschooling for a couple of months now and so far everything is going really good. The biggest concern I have is being self disciplined enough to stay on schedule. We have stayed on schedule for the most part, but its so hard for me! The second hardest thing? Finding kids for my son to play with! I know, I know…everyone thinks that homeschooled kids don’t get any socialization and IT’S NOT TRUE. Really. It isn’t. My son could be in activities every day of the week, but I am not much for socializing myself, so we really don’t know a lot of other children!
And so I did what any crazy mom would do and I started a local homeschool group. There are two groups in the next city over, but the majority of the activities they plan are a twenty to thirty minute drive for us and I really hate to drive that far all the time. And so I got all brave and started up a homeschool group for my city. Within the first week I had over 10 members. Our first play-date is this Wednesday and OH MY WORD I am so scared. These people expect me to be the leader. Not a role I play very well. They will expect me to introduce myself and talk to them and BE SOCIAL and I am so shy in new situations with people I don’t know.
You know what, though? I think its going to be okay. My son needs this and so I’ll do it. I’ll probably whine and cry about it, but I’ll do it.
Now, everyone keep your fingers crossed that I don’t start hyperventilating and pass out during conversation with some other homeschoolin’ mama. That would be quite embarrassing.
[tags]parents, parenting, kids, children, homeschooling, socialization, friends, adults, courage[/tags]
Photo graciously provided by carf, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved
5 responses so far ↓
Wacky Mommy // Sep 14, 2007 at 11:07 am
You are brave, girl. Just have a notebook with you and Look Important. You can write down ideas and suggestions. That’s what any good leader does.
Megin Hatch // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:23 pm
NICE!
I can’t wait to hear how much fun it is. It’s so great to make these real word connections.
Keep us posted.
Chris // Sep 14, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Karly–I did something similar when my daughter was two. I started a playgroup and jeez I just couldn’t believe myself! I am typically so shy and not much of a socializer, but everybody who joined the playgroup assumed I was “normal” and I found that as I kept playing the part of, you know, regular social person, it got easier. I still have to have a lot of down time. In fact, we’ve been laying quite low the last few weeks (after a very busy summer with family and friends).
We’re homeschoolers, too, and I’m using this time to plan our fall “curriculum” (basically, figuring out unit studies and activities for each week’s topic). In the fall, we’ll start hooking up with our homeschool friends again once a week or so. My daughter also will take swim, yoga, and dance lessons, so she’s getting plenty of time with other kids that doesn’t require me to do any organizing or socializing (thank goodness).
My one piece of advice: don’t get involved in disagreements between other parents. Some may try to draw you in, as “leader,” but just like with the kids, it’s often better to let them figure it out for themselves.
Good luck with your new group! Let us know how it goes.
Stacy // Sep 17, 2007 at 8:27 am
I am homeschooling this year also. I signed up for a virtual academy called k12 it is free and all over the country. They send you all the curriculum and art, science, and music supplies. They have meet and greets and a teacher who works with you every step of the way. It has been a huge adjustment for all of us but we are trying to keep a open perspective. My boys who are 12 and 10 are seeing for the first time how smart they really are and in two weeks their confidence and self esteem have soared not to mention they have less tummy aches and worries about bullies. I hope this kind of school becomes the wave of the future it keeps parents accountable and offers a great future for both the exceled kids and those who need more help. I am amazed at this online school. Check it out tell me what you think.
As for the social part I asked my doctor (who has read many articles) about it. She said that those who are homeschooled are better able to transition into the adult world after graduation because they have learned to model their parents behavior instead of their peers. They learn by watching our interaction with others. They’ll learn to deal with society and social groups by watching you. So when you are at your play dates remember the greatest social lesson they are getting is by watching you deal with social issues. Good for you!!! They see someone who is leader and brave. Best school lesson I can think of.
Leslie // Sep 21, 2007 at 6:49 am
Good luck! Let us know how it goes. I’m sure you’ll do great!
Leave a Comment