by Angela Lasch
Oct. 1 2025
I remember like it was yesterday when I first began homeschooling and joined the PSP at my church. Although everyone was lovely and welcoming, I recall feeling overwhelmed and intimidated. I vividly remember walking around at one of our first parent-only events, feeling like I had no friends and no one to talk to. Although I now know that wasn't the case, at the time it seemed to me that everyone had their "clique" and was highly experienced, knowing precisely what they were doing. I went home that night feeling lonely, isolated, and depressed, thinking I would never "belong" or have homeschool friends.
To say I was a shy introvert would be an understatement. I remember offering to help and trying to talk to people, but it seemed everyone was on a mission with somewhere to go and something to do.
I want to mention that this group did try. I was placed in a small group within the larger group that met together at formal meetings, and I had a group leader I could turn to with questions. Although the group was making an effort, we know how easy it is for new people to get lost in the crowd. Sometimes events can be chaotic, and as leaders, our to-do lists are lengthy. We need to slow down and be mindful of those sitting alone, needing a friend.
Understanding the New Family Perspective
We need to remember what it was like when we first began homeschooling. All generations share common fears that new families face: being judged by those who disagree with their choices, the fear of not fitting in, and the dreaded "What if my children fall behind?"
Just today, I reached out to a new mom I'm mentoring, and the first thing she said was, "My kids are so behind on their schoolwork!" She's already ready to quit.
We also need to remember that new families in our groups may come from different backgrounds. They might be new to homeschooling entirely or transitioning from a different group.
Another factor to consider is the differences in personality. You might have new parents who are extremely extroverted and can feel overwhelming, but you may also have parents like me who are highly introverted and need you to make a point of reaching out to them. Then there's the third group who simply want to get the minimum information and head home.
Strategies to Avoid Disconnect
If you don't already have a mentor program in place, I highly encourage you to establish one. Not all families need a mentor, but I recommend making this non-negotiable for all new families, those beginning first grade, and again for students entering ninth grade, especially if you are a PSP that requires paperwork.
Make sure the mentor connects with families before the first meeting of the year. This way, the new family has one friendly face they recognize.
Mentor Family Program Development
Selecting Good Mentor Families Pray over who would be good mentor families in your group. Look for families who have homeschooled for a few years, have a strong relationship with the Lord, and possess a servant's heart to help others. If possible, consider recently retired homeschool mothers who have extra time and want to encourage the next generation.
Training Mentors Give mentors clear direction. Encourage them to pray for their assigned families, send them Scripture, and be available through texting, phone calls, or meeting in person, even if it has to be at the park so the children can play. Don't let families hide, but don't be intrusive either. Encourage genuine community.
Rotating Mentor Assignments Don't burn out your mentors. Generally, if someone is willing to be a mentor, they're also very involved in ministry, leadership, and homeschooling their own children.
Moving Forward
Let me encourage you to remember what it felt like when you first began homeschooling and joined a homeschool group. Whether you were an introvert or extrovert trying desperately to fit in, or you were the type who just wanted information and was ready to leave, be aware of your new families. If you don't have time personally, assign someone to seek out those new families to give them a positive experience and that feeling of community.
"And above all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:14
