by Danielle Poorman
One of the most frightening things about pursuing homeschooling is traveling the road alone. Anxiety and doubt are the biggest joy-stealers homeschooling parents can wrestle with, and they come when we are at our lowest. The good news is that we don’t have to experience the trials and triumphs of homeschooling alone. A homeschool support community is the best way to cultivate confidence and lean into the Lord’s beautiful journey for us. Whether it’s a few bosom friends, a mentor, an online community, or a large body of like-minded families, finding support is essential to cultivating a thriving homeschool.
Finding Your Community
Finding a group of like-minded people who can encourage and edify you is one of the best ways to cultivate confidence in your homeschool. However, this is often easier said than done. Depending on your location, personality, or life circumstances, searching for like- minded individuals who share your homeschooling hopes and dreams may seem difficult. I’ll admit searching for support is also a vulnerable step. Dwelling in a community, even in a monthly discussion group, can ignite trepidation, sending us running for the hills or abandoning our homeschool plans entirely. In Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Solomon reminds us that “two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” We are not meant to do life on our own but with a faithful and loving community that will take us by the hand and encourage us in our vision. We are meant to find our people.
Building Support through a Labor of Love
So, how do we find our community, especially when we are unsure where to begin? Many parents like searching online because they live in smaller communities or communities that may lack homeschooling resources. Don’t let a lack of local resources stop you from building a lasting support system. Some helpful online resources are:
- SchoolhouseTeachers.com
- Homeschool.com
- Home School Legal Defense Association
- Ambleside Online
- Search social media pages for “Homeschool + (your town)”
- Local libraries
- Church communities
In his book The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis writes, “What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.” As we search for our people, our tribe, we will find those who want to cultivate the same homeschool vision that points our children to Christ.
Whether you want to join a homeschool cooperative or find a close friend to walk alongside you, these resources can help you make a connection. It will take work, but remember: it is a good and glorious work. It’s a labor of love for the Kingdom.
Cultivating Confidence with a Support System
A homeschool support system goes beyond lending a hand (or crying shoulder) in quadratic equations, Latin declensions, or literary analysis. A solid support system will help us grow in confidence in our unique calling as homeschooling parents. The people around us can bear our burdens, guide us toward virtue, and love us faithfully. God has given us unique spiritual gifts to share with one another, and we may never truly know how those gifts will instill confidence in our fellow believers. Our homeschool support system is a unique community, an extension of God’s grace. It helps mold, refine, and encourage us to pursue a deeper vision for our homes and children.
How Then Shall We Homeschool?
Homeschooling in unity will help cultivate a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere in our homes. What does this look like? First of all, this does not necessarily mean we all gather together for lessons each day. Nor does it mean we will not experience chaotic or stressful moments (or seasons) in our homes. While homeschool support is not a magical solution to dissolve the troubles of our days, it is the emotional and spiritual antidote for temptations and trials that so easily beset us each day. The more we dwell together in unity and share the joys and sorrows of our academic and personal struggles, the more we grow confident in our calling as homeschool parents. How then shall we homeschool? We shall homeschool in the midst of doctors’ appointments, sports games, dance recitals, bread baking, piano lessons, Shakespeare recitations, and nature studies. In the mundane moments and weary weekdays, we shall homeschool together to the glory of God.
About Danielle
Danielle is a former classroom teacher turned “work-from-home” and homeschooling mother of two. She now spends her days teaching her children, reading numerous books, encouraging fellow homeschool moms, and sharing her gifts with others. Danielle also shares encouraging words for homeschool moms on the Homeschooling With Heart blog (www.theoldschoolhouse.com/blog).
Copyright 2023, The Old Schoolhouse®. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the Author. Originally appeared in the Winter 2023-24 issue of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, the trade publication for homeschool moms. Read The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine free at www.TOSMagazine.com, or download the free reader apps at www.TOSApps.com for mobile devices. Read the STORY of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and how it came to be.