Thread: Weekly Poll: What are you looking for in a local homeschool support group?

We all probably have a "wish list" of things we would like to be true about our local homeschool support group. This week, let's see what kinds of things make the list.....

Check all that apply to you, and then feel free to elaborate in the reply section.

Um, I'm not really looking for a local homeschool support group. I'm pretty happy going it solo in the real world and getting my support here in the virtual world.

What we have is what we want.
We have a place that we can go hang-out with friends and take classes once a week, adult's who are like minded to talk with, lots of friends and plenty of outside activities to join.

We have a couple of different groups that serve different purposes - two very small, just a couple of families co-op groups that meet in different homes that are for learning, but also for social stuff - for me and the kids. These groups are really our homeschooling community.

But I'm also the mod of a smallish inclusive group for elementary age kids. That group runs a book club, an MNO, is good for field trips and general networking and discussion with other homeschoolers.

We're also sort of part of a couple of massive local lists that provide information about local goings on and issues related to homeschooling but aren't really personal, get to know you kinds of groups.

We have a large family and plenty of friends but they just don't "get" us when it comes to homeschooling (and I mean that with all due respect to my family and friends, lol). I would love to find a group with like-minded homeschoolers who do not judge and are laid back. My daughter has friends, but I would love for her to have homeschool friends as well.

i really want layed back socail support and fun activities, but not too many. My kids have a hard time making freinds. I found one person in town who has 2 kids who get along great w my kids, but we live 30 minutes from each other and his older child is in public school. Hopefully martial arts will go well - its a homeschool class.

Like-minded homeschoolers
Just having some adults to hang out with
An opportunity for my kids to make friends

But really, the second two tie in more to the first. We have a great group of moms and kids we know because of MOMS Club, so we have friends and lots of activities to participate in, but we're the only non-Christians. And most everyone is very Christian. If there was a secular homeschool group around here I think it would expand our circle of friends to some more like-minded people. It can get lonely in the bible belt.

I checked them all - though I have all of that in our current group.

Like-minded homeschoolers

By 'like minded', I mean both those who feel the same way I do with regard to belief, and those who are open-minded and inclusive. As much as I complain about the abundance of faith-based groups here, it must really be nice to have a forum in which you can freely express your beliefs, confident that everyone around you feels similarly.

Lots of activities for my kids to participate in & Co-op Classes

I'm not a 'stay at home' mom. I don't like to be at home for long periods of time, and my oldest is like that too. My youngest is more of a homebody (like his daddy), but overall, we're on-the-go types. We like being out and learning things as we go, rather than being stuck at a desk and so the more things that we have the opportunity to do, the better. The homeschooling group gives us a bigger range of things to do because we get group rates on admission and can carpool - so it cuts down on the cost, which allows us to do more.
I'm really interested in the co-op thing, too. Ours will formally begin in October - we'll meet 1x each month, and only have one class right now (subject will change, and/or add more as we go along. We're content to take it slowly for now). We're very excited about starting that!

Just having some adults to hang out with & An opportunity for my kids to make friends

This is a key point for me. I ADORE my children, and as they get older, they're becoming interesting conversationalists (outside the normal adorable childish chitter-chatter) and I do enjoy that... but sometimes I just NEED some adult interaction! And they need to meet people, too. Activities and new people in the group and field trips help us all.

Other (elaborate in the comments)

For me, a great deal of satisfaction comes in the organizational aspect of maintaining the homeschool group. I enjoy lesson planning and organizing field trips and creating the website - it's all fun to me. Work, yes - but it's relaxation to me.

~h

I voted:
Like-minded homeschoolers
Just having some adults to hang out with
An opportunity for my kids to make friends

Being around other's who homeschool is supporting, hearing their successes is inspiring.

I already have a network of friends but currently I'm only acquainted with everyone in the group. They are all religious and I'm the only non-believer in the group. I'm hoping with this last summer rotation that some new homeschool families (that are secular) will join the group. First meeting is next Friday. I'll be listening for key words that will indicate that they are not schooling for religious reasons.

We are isolated here on our little piece of turf in Spain (aka Mayberry). There are only a hand full of kids his age here and most of them are hoodlums. The kids in the HS group are all good kids regardless of their religious beliefs. Being part of this (the only) HS group has allowed my son to met and make new friends.

We are looking forward to being part of a secular group once we return to the states.

I just want my kid to make friends otherwise I couldn't care less. I wish I didn't have to bother at all! LOL I like my virtual support for myself but honestly I don't mesh well with most other homeschool moms even the secular ones. I always feel like I can't fully be myself. My ideal group would be just playdates. I'm not much into academic gatherings or field trips much altho we've done our share of both in the attempt to Make Friends. Currently we're not active in any groups although I subscribe to several on yahoo and mostly just lurk. We moved last year and I'm finding it hard to jump in and mingle with so many new people.