August 9, 2023 – When You Need Help: Where to Find Support

Mercy Every Minute

Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

We Need Each Other

You would think I would have a handle on home education after thirty years. I know what each grade needs, I know how to keep records and create transcripts, and I have bookshelves that are bulging with all the educational things. But even with only one child left in my little school, I still find myself in need of the insight of others who have done this. I have never had a year where I didn’t say, “I need help!” We all need help. Where do we find it?

Today, there is an overwhelming number of resources, helps, and opinions available. But the best help I have found has been through God’s Word, time in prayer, and discussions with my spouse. Time with support group or co-op families, and time listening to podcasts has also been helpful. (Be sure to listen to our newest podcast as I share my thoughts on this topic at www.HomeschoolShow.com).

When others share the details of their curriculum, their schedules, and their struggles, it brings a sense of community and reinforcement for those seasons when you feel inadequate, overwhelmed, or discouraged.

There are many benefits for you and your children in being part of a local group that go beyond just “socialization.” It just takes that first step of getting connected. I have been blessed to be part of some wonderful support groups, as well as had seasons of aloneness. I have learned and grown in each season.

Even with the best tools and support from others, I have sometimes felt alone because of heavy trials. Feelings of aloneness can suddenly overtake us whether real or imagined. Here is the good news: we are never, no never, left alone (Hebrews 13:5).

We can build each other up and bear one another’s burdens while we homeschool our children. We need each other. We need the wisdom of God. If you have been doing this for a while, be the person others can come to for help as you keep God’s children Home. Where They Belong.

“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

~Deborah

More support from the pages of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine:

Supporting My Wife’s Choice to Homeschool by Todd Wilson
Homeschool Support Groups: Do You Need One? By Pamela Greer
When You Feel Alone (And You Will) by Deborah Wuehler

Try our Basic Therapy program and save 35% with code TOS this month. Join 300,000+ families who have trusted Lexercise to identify and treat dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Learn more at Lexercise.com.

Stacy Farrell

HomeschoolAdventure.com

Where to Find Support (When You Need it Most)

Bust the Myth

Have you ever felt that asking for help was a sign of weakness? Or worse . . . that it signaled failure?

Quite the opposite is true. It takes strength, courage, and godly humility to recognize when you need help—and to ask for it.

Inevitably, when the need for help arises, Satan loves to whisper deceitful words of guilt and shame. Don’t fall for those lies.

Seek First the Kingdom

The Bible says to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

The phrase “all these things” is all-encompassing. Homeschool matters are no exception. When you need help, first and foremost, seek the Lord.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Look to Your Husband

After seeking the Lord, seek the counsel and support of your husband. Our husbands can often provide a perspective that we simply cannot see in the moment.

If you, like some of my dearest friends, struggle because your husband is not engaged with your homeschool, pray. (No doubt, you already are praying, but please keep praying).

“The Lord holds the heart of the king in His hand” (Proverbs 21:1).

Follow in Godly Footsteps

Pray, also, for the Lord to lead you to a mentor. Although it can feel awkward to approach someone, a mentor relationship could be the answer to those tear-stained prayers you’ve been praying.

I was drawn to my mentor because she loved Jesus and had articulate, well-mannered teens.

Anyone can be a mentor, but be discerning. Look for someone further along in their homeschool journey—with fruit that you respect.

Join a Co-op—with Caution

Whether you’re just starting to homeschool or are a veteran, look for local support groups such as homeschool co-ops. If possible, connect with fellow homeschoolers in your church.

Today’s culture places much emphasis on socialization. However, beware. It’s easy to get involved with so many homeschool groups, co-ops, and extracurriculars . . . that we’re never home to homeschool!

Don’t lose sight of your original goal: to lovingly nurture and equip your children. 

His love,
Stacy 

FREEBIE: Need to Manage Your Time More Effectively?

As a veteran homeschool mom, I’ve learned a few things you can do to maximize your time and achieve your priorities. These strategies work because they’re realistic—no “Super Mom” superpowers needed. Download for free here: https://homeschooladventure.com/op/5-time-management-strategies-for-homeschool-moms/

About the author

Surprised by Jesus, Stacy went from an unmarried, childless, thirty-something career woman to a Christ-following wife of more than twenty-eight years with two sons she homeschooled K-12. She battled fear and overwhelm, but survived and thrived. Author of more than fifteen books—including the award-winning Philosophy Adventure and newly released Food Prep Guide, she loves to equip and encourage homeschool families. Visit her at HomeschoolAdventure.com or at her newly-launched site: FoodPrepGuide.com.

Who knew writing could be so much fun? We give high schoolers and middle schoolers the tools they need to communicate effectively. https://clearwaterpress.com

Lee Binz

You Are Not Alone

Being a homeschooling parent can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s natural to encounter moments when you need extra support. Remember, you are not alone! There are many resources available to assist you. Take a deep breath and know that assistance is within reach.

• Local Homeschooling Groups and Co-ops: Connecting with fellow homeschooling parents in your area can be a great encouragement. These groups often organize regular meetups, workshops, and field trips, providing opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, and receiving guidance from experienced homeschoolers. Co-ops can provide opportunities for parents to pool their resources and expertise, offering specialized classes or shared teaching responsibilities.
• Online Communities and Forums: The internet offers a vast array of resources and online communities specifically designed for homeschooling families. These platforms allow you to connect with like-minded parents, ask questions, and seek advice. Online forums, Facebook groups, and homeschooling websites can be excellent sources of support, irrespective of your financial background.
• Curriculum Providers: Many organizations offer homeschooling curricula and resources that cater to various subjects and learning styles. These providers often have support networks, including online forums or customer support channels, where you can seek guidance on curriculum selection, lesson planning, and teaching strategies.
• Local Libraries and Community Centers: Libraries and community centers often host homeschooling support groups, educational programs, and workshops for parents and children. Explore the offerings at your local library or community center, as they may have resources to assist you in your homeschooling journey.
• Financial Assistance Programs: Financial constraints should not hinder your ability to provide a quality education for your children. Investigate local, state, and national programs that offer financial assistance, grants, or scholarships specifically tailored to homeschooling families. Non-profit organizations, homeschooling associations, and government initiatives may provide financial aid, curriculum subsidies, or access to educational resources.

Seeking support when needed is crucial for your success as a homeschooling parent. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Embrace these opportunities for guidance, encouragement, and connections with fellow homeschooling families. Together, we can create a strong and supportive community that empowers our children’s educational growth.

About the author

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a speaker and author of more than 30 books about homeschooling high school. An expert on homeschool transcripts and getting scholarships, Lee’s mission is to encourage and equip parents to homeschool through high school. Grab some of the complimentary homeschool resources from Lee and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

The best homeschooling online safety solution – Real-time filtering and prevention of inappropriate content, app/website blocking, screentime management, & more! Visit www.canopy.us for more info.

Pillar of Knowledge

Roger Smith

Lean on Me 

Finding help is important! But real help comes with skin. Online resources and organizations are good. A friend to lean on makes all the difference. And that is what I mean by skin.

Every homeschooler needs to belong to a local support group, even if it is just two other families. Because homeschooling is widespread, everyone is near someone else who has homeschooled longer. Find them. Google it, Facebook it, Instagram it. Find your state organization (every state has one) and ask them to connect you to a real person in your area.

“It is not good for man to be alone,” and that includes homeschool moms. We all need someone to listen to us, and to offer a different perspective, resource, or reason to continue or to change.

Help is closer than you think, no matter what the issue. We are better together, and life is more fun doing it with others. Find someone and invite them to meet at the park for PB&J sandwiches while the kids play. It could change your life, . . . and you may find a friend to lean on.

About the author

Dr. Roger Smith is a family doctor in rural Louisiana, where he and his wife, Jan, raised four adventurous children who are all grown, making their own mark in the world. He speaks and writes on parenting issues and produces brief videos that can be found on Facebook @ParentingMattersNow

Stuck on how to teach writing to your learner? The Learning to Write with the Charlotte Mason Method course on SchoolhouseTeachers.com will cover the “why” of teaching writing, narration, copywork, dictation, living books, descriptive writing, expository writing, narrative writing, persuasive writing, imaginative writing, spelling, and grammar. Get confident with teaching writing and discover the possibilities of exploring these avenues of writing with your child.