The first year we homeschooled was a real adjustment for everyone. There was the transition from public school, adjusting to having my kids around all the time, developing our homeschool routine, just to name a few. There’s a lot that goes into your first year.
It was especially hard for us because we felt alone a lot of first year of homeschool. We’ve always lived away from our extended families. We didn’t belong to any kind of homeschool organization and the few co-ops in the area where we lived had long waiting lists. To be honest, I was also concerned about how well we would fit in or if we would even feel welcomed into a homeschool group.
I told myself that I wanted to establish a baseline for how we did homeschool first before I became influenced by how anyone else did it. The kids had church, sports, and after “school” activities to keep them “socialized”, so I thought we were good. It wasn’t until we moved to a new area the next year and joined the local homeschool co-op that I came to realize how much we were missing out on!
Our local homeschool co-op has been a huge blessing to our entire family which is why I want to share 4 reasons you should consider joining a homeschool co-op.
Reason #1: No Man is an Island
As an introvert, I have to confess that I had to discover this lesson the hard way. I was confident that I had researched what I needed to start homeschooling. I had carefully laid lesson plans, sound curriculum choices, a picture of what our day should look like—the whole shebang. What I didn’t anticipate was my need to connect with other people.
I’m not a social butterfly, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need social interaction outside of my little clan. No matter how organized, put together, efficient, or effective you are as a homeschool mom, you need interaction with others. Who better than families with similar outlooks, making similar sacrifices to raise their children?
Reason #2: Homeschool Co-ops Rival Pinterest for Ideas and Information
Okay, maybe that’s an over-exaggeration, but not even social media can rival the transmission of ideas and information that comes as a result of face-to-face interaction. Homeschool parents are a wealth of experience and are often more than willing to share their expertise—especially the veterans. That selfless sharing of lessons learned and encouragement really helps. High school transcripts, PSATs, credits, and dual credit programs seem a little less intimidating when discussed with other mamas!
Reason #3: Did I Mention There's No Such Thing As Supermom?
If there is one lesson I’ve learned from having my kids around me 99.99% of the time, it’s that I cannot be everything to them nor can I supply their every need. That is God’s job! He certainly equips us to raise our children, but sometimes the equipping comes in the form of other parents/teachers. Co-op classes are wonderful opportunities for kids to be enriched in ways that we can’t always provide as parents juggling so many shifting priorities.
I’ve been thrilled with what my kids have been able to explore via co-op classes: sewing, art, PE, dissection, entrepreneurship. There’s no end to the amazing classes creative homeschool co-ops offer—from the practical, to the think outside the box variety!
Reason #4: Socialization and Community
Perhaps the most common (and most annoying) question homeschool parents are asked is, “What about socialization”? I’ve read some pretty snarky (albeit funny) responses to the socialization question too. While homeschoolers have a long list of activities which “socialize” our children, a homeschool co-op can provide a place where everybody knows your name. You can your kiddos can forge meaningful relationships that develop into friendships. Homeschool co-ops serve as a kind of centralized hub that can also help to connect you to other things going on within the larger community such as:
- Volunteer opportunities
- Extracurricular groups and activities
- Community events
- Homeschool resources outside of the co-op
Another benefit is that many co-ops organize activities traditionally found in public schools such as Prom, yearbook, homeschool band/choir, and or homeschool sports.
In my estimation, the positives of participating in a homeschool co-op far outweigh the negative aspects once you find one that fits your family. Will there occasionally be someone who rubs you the wrong way? Maybe. Will there be times that you don’t feel a part or engaged? Possibly. Can some groups be catty or cliquish? Absolutely. But a co-op is also what you make of it. Patience, a friendly disposition, and a willingness to work can go a long way in helping both you can your kids fit in and grow as people.
Kendra
