Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One big concern is lack of socialization and loneliness. Where do kids find a circle of friends?

OP here. There are many homeschool co-ops which are basically one day a week of "instruction" by other co-op parents. They tend to be non academic classes, but this is not always true.

A one day a week co-op provides a friends group that is regular. From there, one can find people to join to do other things like field trips for homeschoolers, etc.

And do they often hang out with these friends? Or do they just see them at these planned events?

Dp. There is so much going on in the homeschooling world that kids tend to run into each other at various groups, classes, co ops and homeschool days. Homeschoolers are a big, diverse group, but it's a small world. My kids have friends from the various groups and they're close friends with several kids. Most homeschooling kids are so busy that the best time to hang out is after class, etc, which they do regularly.

So they have regular social lives? I guess that’s one thing that gives me pause. I’d want my kids to have normal friend groups where kids hang out at each other’s homes or go hang at the mall/movies etc. I wouldn’t want their socialization to be centered on these planned homeschooling activities. I know some kids are interested in that, but mine are so I am just answering honestly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One big concern is lack of socialization and loneliness. Where do kids find a circle of friends?

homeschool co-ops! sports. scouts. other organized activities. we love homeschooling because our kid actually gets to socialize MORE and has a really wide circle of friends.

Kids who go to school do sports, scouts and other activities. But it’s *on top* of school so they actually have much more opportunity for socialization than homeschooled children.

Those activities are *on top of homeschooling* core classes, which can be done at home, online, or in person class. The type of "socialization" your kids experience involves same age kids. The type of socialization my homeschooled kids experience is with same age, close in age, younger and older children, adults of various ages and senior citizens. My children are comfortable speaking with anyone, no matter their age. Being able to hang with same age peers isn't socialization. Being able to converse with anyone is a social skill, which many homeschool children achieve at a young age.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One big concern is lack of socialization and loneliness. Where do kids find a circle of friends?

OP here. There are many homeschool co-ops which are basically one day a week of "instruction" by other co-op parents. They tend to be non academic classes, but this is not always true.

A one day a week co-op provides a friends group that is regular. From there, one can find people to join to do other things like field trips for homeschoolers, etc.

And do they often hang out with these friends? Or do they just see them at these planned events?

Dp. There is so much going on in the homeschooling world that kids tend to run into each other at various groups, classes, co ops and homeschool days. Homeschoolers are a big, diverse group, but it's a small world. My kids have friends from the various groups and they're close friends with several kids. Most homeschooling kids are so busy that the best time to hang out is after class, etc, which they do regularly.

One comment I receive frequently is, "I'd like to homeschool, but I don't think I could do it." Reasons include working full time, lack of confidence in their abilities, fear the child won't listen to them, "socialization" and spending so much time with their kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One big concern is lack of socialization and loneliness. Where do kids find a circle of friends?

OP here. There are many homeschool co-ops which are basically one day a week of "instruction" by other co-op parents. They tend to be non academic classes, but this is not always true.

A one day a week co-op provides a friends group that is regular. From there, one can find people to join to do other things like field trips for homeschoolers, etc.

And do they often hang out with these friends? Or do they just see them at these planned events?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One big concern is lack of socialization and loneliness. Where do kids find a circle of friends?

homeschool co-ops! sports. scouts. other organized activities. we love homeschooling because our kid actually gets to socialize MORE and has a really wide circle of friends.

Kids who go to school do sports, scouts and other activities. But it’s *on top* of school so they actually have much more opportunity for socialization than homeschooled children.

1) Social isolation for kids. Lack of independence (being so reliant and “tied” to mom). School provides everyone a nice break, and that goes out the window with home schooling. 2) worried about hurting their chances for college.

I’m afraid that I won’t maintain the schedule and will have too many days that I say “we will do it tomorrow.”

Anonymous wrote:One big concern is lack of socialization and loneliness. Where do kids find a circle of friends?

homeschool co-ops! sports. scouts. other organized activities. we love homeschooling because our kid actually gets to socialize MORE and has a really wide circle of friends.

Anonymous wrote:One big concern is lack of socialization and loneliness. Where do kids find a circle of friends?

OP here. There are many homeschool co-ops which are basically one day a week of "instruction" by other co-op parents. They tend to be non academic classes, but this is not always true.

A one day a week co-op provides a friends group that is regular. From there, one can find people to join to do other things like field trips for homeschoolers, etc.

One big concern is lack of socialization and loneliness. Where do kids find a circle of friends?

The biggest thing was my concern that my kid wouldn't do what I asked so they wouldn't learn anything. My oldest was really defiant (I never considered homeschooling her) and I was concerned that it would be power struggle after power struggle with my younger kid.

I was also concerned about my ability to maintain the routine.

Lastly, I was concerned about my ability to keep my son in contact with other kids. And I have actually mostly failed at this. It's okay though because homeschool was always going to be temporary; we just started because virtual learning was a fail and I figured anything I did would be an improvement. Then I did it this year because I realized DS has ADHD and I'd like to get in managed before he goes back to public for fifth grade.

I'm so glad I am doing this! It's hard but it was absolutely the right decision. The pandemic obviously sucks but homeschooling has been a silver lining.

I love that you're doing this! I think lots of kids would benefit from homeschool, even temporarily. It has also been really fun for me to learn all the things I'm teaching him.

People tend to be scared of the county review. Not sure why. We found the teachers were actually better than the kids actual teachers when they were in MCPS. Much more mentoring, nicer and encouraging. Wish they could have the homeschool reviewing teachers help change the MCPS culture!

OP again: for example, lack of support and judgment from family members is a common one. Even if a person feels confident in EVERY other way.

I'm a longtime homeschooler, and I am creating a video series for prospective homeschoolers.

I want to address the most common fears or concerns which cause hesitation in people to take that leap.

I have my list I've compiled over the years, but I'd rather hear from you!

There is no wrong answer.


Thanks in advance!