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Homeschooling can be hard. We all know at least one veteran homeschooling mom who has found her groove and makes it look easy. When asked about it, she will tell you that “it’s a way of life” for her family, or it’s a natural extension of their day. It wasn’t that way for me at first. I was tired, frazzled, and in great need of support.
What’s Her Secret?
My need for support started before I even began homeschooling. Being a stay-at-home mom was something new to me. The women in my family worked outside of the home, and, to be honest, I didn’t really pay much attention to my friends’ moms who stayed home.
Before I began homeschooling, I was active at my church three days a week helping with childcare for the ladies’ Bible studies they offered. (Hooray for a “job” that allowed me to keep my children with me!) The other two days of the week had time devoted to writing and editing. I managed to work out a routine for household tasks, naps, and errands. Then we started homeschooling.
Learning Hard Truths
I somehow managed to squeeze in schooling while still writing and working at church, but after that first year, I felt stretched so thin that something had to give– I chose to put my children’s education as a top priority. I gave up working at church and even put my writing aside. Neither decision was easy to make.
As the months went by, I managed to get into a routine of sorts. But those first years were hard; I was either pregnant or had an infant for many of them. I discovered that when you have children under the age of five in the mix, each year is a different challenge.
Homeschooling is equivalent to having a full-time job. Some days your laundry won’t get done. Some days supper will be late. Many days you’ll wake up and wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into! But, I kept plugging along with the help of some good friends.
A Good Support Group
Before I ever began homeschooling, I joined a local support group. Did I really need to add one more thing to my schedule? From an activity standpoint, no. From a sanity standpoint, yes! Having a good support group of like-minded women has been a God-send for me. They understand my struggles. We laugh at each other’s “child stories” because our child has done that, too! They know the changes that take place each year in a homeschool. Some have been there already; others are watching to learn from my experiences. Finding the right support group is like finding long-lost friends.
Support makes all the difference for many homeschooling moms. Learning from others helps you find a routine, get in your groove, and find balance and peace. Having a support group also allows you a place to vent your frustrations, ask questions, and seek prayer when needed.
Do You Have a Support Group?
If you don’t have anyone supporting you as you travel on this homeschooling journey, why not? Find someone! While in-person groups are often the best choice, not everyone can find time in their schedule for meetings. And sometimes there won’t be a local group to meet your needs. When this happens, online support groups fill the gap.
Social media is overflowing with “groups” of homeschooling moms. Many homeschooling bloggers have forums or bulletin boards for their readers to interact in, as well as closed groups on Facebook. Whether you’re looking for support that is specific to the curriculum you use, your location, or the number of children you have, you’re sure to find something online.
Brag About Your Group!
I would love to know more about your group! Is it local or worldwide? Does it have a large number of members or is it a small accountability group? Is it location-specific or curriculum-specific? How often do you meet, and what types of activities do you do? Are there activities for the children, or is it strictly support for the moms?
Leave a comment and brag about your support group! You can also pose a question about finding or forming a group (I’ve done both on my journey). I also welcome notes through the contact form, if you want to send a question that way. Whatever you choose, I’ll be sure to answer!
