Growing Homeschool Friendships

It takes an investment of time and effort to make and grow friendships with other homeschool moms, parents, and families. These ties can be fulfilling and encouraging while at the same time providing support. Friendships give us opportunities to grow and take the time to notice the needs of others. In addition, having faithful friends who walk alongside us can help us go through challenges encountered during our homeschool journeys.

Pray - Set aside time to pray and ask the Lord to guide and bless you in your desire to have homeschool friendships. Ask the Lord to show you ways you can help others and show the love of Christ. Then be open to where and how He guides you to people and places to help. Trust that the Lord will provide and answer your prayer in His timing. 

Here are a few Bible verses that speak about friends and friendship:

• Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loveth at all times.
• Proverbs 18:24 - There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
• Proverbs 27:9 - Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
• John 15:13-14 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Remember, the Lord is always by your side and a friend to you always through both good and difficult times. 

Engage - Be part of a homeschool group locally or online - or both. Check out the Facebook group Homeschooling with The Canadian Schoolhouse. Chances are, someone else has the same question or interest as you or your family has, and that could lead to a new friendship over the shared activity or interest. Or, you could consider starting a homeschool support or co-op group yourself either in your neighborhood, at your church or library, or online. Seek out local homeschool interest groups in your area for activities like:

• Walks or hikes in warmer weather
• History, farm, or science days
• Sports such as soccer, basketball, and tennis
• Activities such as band, sewing, art, theatre, and dance

Another way to be involved is to join the homeschool board or attend the Annual General Meeting of your local board or provincial homeschool association. You will see how the meetings are conducted and learn about the issues that homeschool families face. The wisdom, support, and prayer you can provide as you share your time and suggestions will be an encouragement to support and strengthen homeschooling in Canada.

Think about the possibility of volunteering at a homeschool convention or conference. There are many benefits to this including meeting many homeschool parents and homeschool vendors, being able to listen in on sessions, receive a discounted or free entry to the convention or conference, and gaining an understanding of the amount of work that goes into organizing and running a convention or conference. Many homeschool conferences also have sessions for children or teens so that the whole family can attend, learn, and meet other homeschoolers.

Reach out - Check in with homeschool parents, just to see how they are doing. If it is nice weather, plan and schedule an outdoor (even if it is winter) playdate or field trip. During colder weather, plan a cookie baking day. While cookies are baking, make some hot chocolate and enjoy a special morning or afternoon treat. Share resources such as The Canadian Schoolhouse and The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, upcoming conferences, curricula, favourite books, games, and more. 

If you know of homeschool families in your neighborhood or at church, consider hosting a year-end talent show or outdoor picnic sometime in May or June. It could be a fun time for parents and children alike to begin and grow homeschool friendships, just as the summer is starting, as well as share talents and interests or things learned throughout the school year.

You can find more articles on The Canadian Schoolhouse about homeschool socialization and connecting with homeschoolers.

How Homeschool Socialization Makes Better Kids
Get Connected with Your Homeschooling Team

By developing friendships with other homeschoolers and in the homeschool community, be prepared for many moments of learning, fun and adventures, and blessings. There are many ways to meet homeschoolers whether through conferences, local or online homeschool support groups, and in your neighborhood. You will get to know others who are at different stages of their homeschool journeys and both be encouraged and encourage others throughout your homeschooling years.

This article has been written by homeschooling staff writers of The Canadian Schoolhouse (TCS). Enjoy more of our content from TCS contributors and staff writers by visiting our Front Door page that has content on our monthly theme and links to all our content sections.