The Homeschool Minute ~ Hal & Melanie Young – Homeschool Support Groups

We’ll never forget the day. Melanie was concerned about our newborn. Our little one was breathing too fast when she nursed–had she been exposed to RSV?–so Melanie took her to the doctor’s office. The doctor gave her a glance and said, “She looks great to me!” but when he stuck his stethoscope to her chest for a moment, he began screaming. “I can’t count it! Get the EKG machine!” Soon they were rushing to our local hospital to meet the Life Flight team. On the way, Melanie texted a prayer request to a friend in our homeschool support group.

Why are we telling this story? Because many homeschool moms today think they get all the support they need from Facebook groups, Pinterest boards, blogs, and all the other great online resources you guys have that didn’t exist when we were starting. Let us tell you something, though. The internet won’t meet you at the hospital and hold your hand. The internet won’t take your family at home a meal. The internet won’t haul your children to band and history club and 4-H when you can’t. Your support group can be a real and crucial source of help in times of trouble.

In a support group, you can see who is giving you advice–and there’s a lot to be said for that. There was a mother on a homeschooling email loop who was very widely regarded for her knowledge of our state law–though she consistently gave bad advice! When we contacted her about a particularly bad error, she said, “Oh, I didn’t know that! My oldest is three and we’ve haven’t had to comply with the homeschool law yet.” When you can watch a mom interacting with her children, it will tell you a lot about whether you want to take parenting advice from her!

Besides, your younger children don’t have the internet for their friendships. At least, they shouldn’t. Joining a homeschool group will give you and your children a great place to make friends who are likely to share your values. We’ve made lifelong friendships through our support groups. And it’s great to see other moms when you’re having an awful day. “My children have been wild all day. They’re driving me crazy!” When another mom answers, “You know, mine, too! It’s rained all week. I bet they have cabin fever,” you realize that it’s not your kids and it’s not your parenting. Whew!

Join a support group near you. It’ll be a blessing. It has been for us.

Your friends,

Hal & Melanie

We’re traveling across the country in the next month. If you’d like us to stop in your area, please let us know here. You can find out more about our speaking here. AND we’re planning a LIVE Boot Camp 9-12 in either Denver or Colorado Springs. Can you help us find a location? Email us and let us know!