Social Outlets for Homeschooled Kids

The biggest criticism or concern I hear from non-homeschooling families when I mention our own homeschool, is the potential for isolation from other children. I often wonder how much social time it takes to produce a well rounded individual, but seriously doubt it takes a classroom full of children.

There are countless ways for the homeschooling family to insure their kids have the means of developing deep friendships with other children their own age, and have continued opportunities to make new friends along the way. One of the perks to being a homeschooling mom, is I have the priviledge to choose those avenues and consequently have a great deal of influence over who my kids hang out with and I'm usually there when they do.

Just a few suggestions for getting your kids involved in communities of children:

1. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and other similar organizations.

2. Gymnastics, dance, karate, swim lessons, soccer teams and little league teams.

3. Homeschooling groups, associations, clubs, field trips and homeschooling coops.

4. Church groups, Sunday School, Mid-week programs, MOPS, Mom's Day Out programs, etc.

5. Library activities, often available to young children.

6. Art classes and workshops hosted by area retailers

7. Here's a revolutionary idea... host your own homeschooling playgroup, art or craft workshop, pizza party, day at the park, day at the museam... whatever suits you. If it's a hit, make it a regular monthly event. If you're purchasing supplies, most homeschoolers won't blink an eye at covering the expense. Charging a couple dollars per child, isn't usually a problem.

8. Play dates, at any age. When you're kids aren't small any longer, you might choose a more mature name, but getting together with friends for nothing but fun, is a very important part of growing up healthy.