I am involved in three support groups in my area. I use each group for different reasons. One group is for co-op. Here at Random Uttering co-op is called Friday School. This is a great way for the kids to interact with other children in a classroom setting. So Friday mornings we get up very early and get ready for Friday school. We are there from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. . Its really a full day. If it were up to me, I would love to sleep in on Friday but because the children enjoy the experience so much it is well worth the sacrifice on my part. The next group was organized by a few ladies at my church. This group meets once a month and its focus is keeping the homeschool mom encouraged while she juggles all her titles, christian, wife, mom, teacher, daughter, friend etc. . When we get together our discussions are not about the how to's of homeschooling. Generally we discuss a few chapters from a book we have all agreed to read while the children play. The children also have a curriculum they are going through. Currently we are going through the Peacemakers book, which teaches children how to resolve conflict. The final group I recently joined is a great resource for me because of the monthly support meetings which focus on the how to's of homeschooling. I am really excited about this last group. I joined a group similar to this last year that was very instrumental to me beginning my homeschool journey but the meetings were just too far away.
In addition to the support groups, many people find that online groups can be beneficial as well. I have joined two groups. One is a general homeschool board http://www.homeschoolspot.com/ the other is a board dedicated to the particular method I will be implementing next year http://www.welltrainedmind.com/ .
The final must have is a homeschool best friend. You will be so grateful for your bestie. After God this person will be the one who you can call anytime. Yes, this is a person who will listen, encourage and support you on this journey. Preferably this person will also be a homeschool mom as well. Only a homeschool mom can fully understand what another homeschool mom needs. I currently do not have a homeschool bestie. I do have a few friends that can relate but no one has the bestie title.
Another avenue for support are national or state support groups these groups keep you abreast on legal informaiton regarding homeschool that's pertinent to your state. I have yet to join either of these organizations. Perhaps this will be the year that I join one. http://www.hslda.org/ If you go to the HSLDA site you can find support groups in your state.
