GVD22 Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 (edited) Do you think you need to be a part of a local group to be successful? Because of scheduling conflicts I can't really attend meetings with a local group at this time, though I am open to it for the future. Anyone find, they don't really need it? Anyone in Broward county(Florida) have a great group they're a part of? Edited December 10, 2008 by GVD22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I'm not part of a homeschool group, unless you count these forums. The biggest thing I would like to be part of a group for would be the social aspect of one. Otherwise, I don't think they are necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 we were part of a group a short time when the kids were like 10 and 13. It wasn't really a support group but they got together for different things (homeschool skate, prom, a few classes like writing and Biology). Anyway, before that and since, we haven't been part of one. We didn't and don't need one and see no real reason to be part of one. To me, it's more trouble than it's worth. I'm sure other people like groups. But it most certainly is not a measure of success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I am a member of an Online local group, but don't get together with them until the summer time when we join in on the park days, and maybe 1-2 times a year I pop in on coffee night. THe online aspect serves my needs though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beansprouts Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I am not, even though we have excellent groups in my area. I have the same issue as you: no time. I like to think we are successful ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 Me neither. When we have been a part of a group, the costs have not outweighed the benefits. For it to be beneficial, the curriculum has to fit in with our needs for the year, the activities have to be things my kids would be interested in, and the moms have to equally share the load. Some years this is true, other years (like this one) it's not. If you join a group for the fellowship, you have to make sure they have other activities besides the co-op. The one's we've tried don't and the kids don't really get a chance to make friends and interact. Same with the moms. Unless there is a "Mom's night out" or something like that, I don't get to interact with the other moms because I'm working. I much prefer to have a social group than a co-op. Blessings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 (edited) We went to classes twice a year where we used to live. It really ate into our schedule and wasn't that much social time for ds. Since we moved we have not been involved in a group. I think we do fine. Ds has friends in the neighborhood, and is starting in community sports. I don't suppose there are many classical homeschoolers in my area anyway. I same copy of the WTM has been at the bookstore for two years. Most of my support and researching comes from these forums. Edited December 10, 2008 by elegantlion can't spell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renee in NC Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 We are not. We have been in two different groups two different times in the past, but both times it was more work than it was worth. I'd rather get together with a few homeschooling friends now and then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 Never have been, have no desire to be in one. I tend to be anti-social though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melanie Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 We aren't. We tried last year, but we all got tired of the time wasted, the drama, the lack of organization, and the endless park days and parties. Not to mention having to constantly justify our religious beliefs and our decision to allow our children to eat candy. :glare: So far we haven't suffered from lack of involvement. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GVD22 Posted December 10, 2008 Author Share Posted December 10, 2008 These responses make me feel so much better. :) I've been feeling like I should be a part of a group. I never felt that way before, it's only been since we moved to a new area that those feelings have come up. I too, would prefer to just spend time with other homeschooling moms and their families. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paula in PA Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 We don't, though there are several in the area. Let's just say I don't fit in. :D I do feel we are doing just fine without one, but I have considered starting a more inclusive one myself, just for the social aspects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn in OH Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 The only groups I am part of are online groups. There doesn't seem to be a support group in my area. There is a co-op, with a waiting list, and frankly, many of the women in the co-op have given me the impression that they don't really care for newcomers and are rather snobby. I'm on the waiting list. I hope I have perceived these women incorrectly. I don't really want to be a part of the co-op, but I am doing it for the kids. They don't currently get to be around enough other children. I also thought they might enjoy some of the classes that just aren't as fun when it's only two students (choir, drama, etc). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I have been in the past, but not now. None near by are the right fit at this stage of the game. But I never say never... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelly in VA Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 You let them eat CANDY? Oh, the horror!! :lol: Shelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 We've never done a co-op. My kids (I've been told!) are well adjusted. We did a park group for awhile. It was horrible. Dd7 was totally ignored by the other little girls and came home crying. Ds11 was bullied. We quit. We get together with friends (of all sorts of education persuasions - and some without kids!) when we can. We have wonderful friendships and my kids are happy. I was part of a wonderful support group for moms that met at night once a month. It was really educational for me and helped me at a time when I needed a lot of help with the nuts and bolts of homeschooling. I hadn't discovered this forum yet! When that group disbanded this board has been a good substitute information wise. I do get together with some wonderful women that I knew from that group (and incidentally are members of this board). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkwynn Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I'm in one but mainly for letting DS get out and play with other kids, and the field trips. I don't think anyone in my group is a classical homeschooler, but I AM in Broward county and would LOVE to meet up with others! I'll PM you more info. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlemaiden Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I've never been a part of one. I've entertained the idea once or twice, but it never seemed necessary. I would do one in the future for educational purposes, but that is it. We have plenty-oh socialization in our regular routine to need to hang with other homeschoolers. I *do* really like meeting with another homeschooling family every now and then for dinner or just to hang and play to let my kids see that they aren't the only ones.:lol: Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I thought we didn't need it. We lived in NC when we started homeschooling and the way they are set up it really encourages community support groups, interest groups, and just community homeschooling in general. It was ok and I was moderately involved. I didn't feel it was any special addition to our experience. It mostly gave me something to do and the occasional kid thing. However, after being in AL for 4 years I can definitely see the need for it. Our guys were much younger and it just really didn't matter as much then. Alabama's set up or lack of one, creates a closed community or no community homeschooling experience. If you aren't involved with one of the few local churches providing this ridiculous "cover" then you are solo. I don't agree with any of the few local churches around here, so I'm not in their group and not invited to do so either. I'd love to see more of a homeschooling community thing going on because our guys feel like they are the only homeschoolers here. They are nearly never around any others in spite of the fact that homeschooling is really popular here. I'm not the type to get super involved and rotate my whole homeschooling around any group but the socialization that we could be experiencing here during our preteen years could be really nice. Oh well. If we could just hurry up and get to Atlanta I'm hoping it will be better. Homeschooling in Alabama is rotten. Just ask me to list the ways.... LOL! Or not! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I am in a support group but there aren't many "meetings;" mostly we trade ideas/info online. They do have monthly Moms' Night Out at our local Barnes and Noble that I try to get to most of the time. There are also three co-ops; I don't participate in any of those. For us, we need to be home and "sticking with it" to make progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura W. Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 We are currently not part of a local group. We did enjoy the times we were able to be part of a group - my children and I made good friends through ours, and enjoyed the benefits of a co-op and lots of organized field trips. Now we live where there is no local group, and our homeschooling is going just as well as before. A local group can add to your homeschooling experience (as can many other things), but it is not necessary for a sucessful homeschool. Blessings, Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 Not in a group, never been in a group. These boards are my group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I'm officially a member of the county homeschooling association, which allows me to receive their newsletter. Now and then there's a tidbit in there that I appreciate. I've never actively been part of any other homeschool organization, though. Just not my cuppa, though my boys probably wish that wasn't the case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I'm not part of one locally either. The idea of gathering with a group of other moms and young kids frankly gives me the hives. I can handle it online, but IRL... yeesh. I always feel like a total outsider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 We aren't. We tried last year, but we all got tired of the time wasted, the drama, the lack of organization, and the endless park days and parties. Not to mention having to constantly justify our religious beliefs and our decision to allow our children to eat candy. :glare: So far we haven't suffered from lack of involvement. ;) During all the years of homeschooling (ds is starting college next semester) we have never joined a group. Had it been available, I may have tried but in retrospect I don't think we have missed that much. If you are plugged into something (church, youth group, 4-H, etc) your children have a place for social outlet and for homeschooling support you can use this board and network in other ways with a homeschooling community. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 The idea of gathering with a group of other moms and young kids frankly gives me the hives. I can handle it online, but IRL... yeesh. Well, since you expressed the thought, I'll just go ahead and say :iagree:. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I am a member of an Online local group, but don't get together with them until the summer time when we join in on the park days, and maybe 1-2 times a year I pop in on coffee night. The online aspect serves my needs though. I did this one year. I knew we would likely be moving clear across the metroplex at the end of the school year [and we did], so we only participated in an online group's few holiday parties/ state swap. I was fortunate enough to meet leslie in tx and our kiddos hung out a few times a month for fun. We got a LOT of school done that year, lol! but we did miss the social aspect. and honestly, I don't get much out of the groups homeschooling wise. I just like groups :) I use the online forums for real homeschool info. I tend to give more than get at the homeschool groups because of that. Online info junkie, yes-sir-ree...... i do agree that homeschooling groups aren't necessary for everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 have been marginally part of one, but I have trouble committing-LOL-just not enough time. I find schooling three, one in high school, working part time and attempting to maintain some kind of order in this place is all I think I have time for. I'd love a social outlet, for myself, but honestly, my friends online, RL, and family do that for me. And dh of course. I've never thought we were missing anything. As Ria and others have noted, co-ops haven't impressed me with the caliber of their offerings, so here we are, stumbling along on our own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 We had never been in one up until this past Sept. when I thought it would finally be a good fit for our family. The dd's dance schedule conflicts with all of the group's activities, so we haven't been to one meeting. However, they send out a wonderful newsletter and I have found so many great things through that. I am astounded at the contacts the local group has. For instance, if it weren't for the newsletter, we wouldn't have known about a scholarship from a beekeeping organization. My dd applied and was accepted. They also pass on information on tours, activities, etc, that we don't have to go/take with the group, which I appreciate. But for co-op or classes, nah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 It was great to have a group to meet other moms; but then you sort of grow out of it, as you have a group of friends that you like and you just get together with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgilli3 Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 No groups for us either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 Do you think you need to be a part of a local group to be successful? Because of scheduling conflicts I can't really attend meetings with a local group at this time, though I am open to it for the future. Anyone find, they don't really need it? Anyone in Broward county(Florida) have a great group they're a part of? Nope. We tried it one year when the kids were little, but it didn't work for us. I really can't spend that much time during the day out of the house. I have too many schedules to juggle. It barely gets done as it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I am currently my own homeschooling group. Only family in the area. I was in a group in the past and it depends on what you want out of the group. I needed some support and networking with other parents, we did yearly testing, a monthly field trip and a weekly gym class at a local gym. These were all great. We had a highly organized leader who took charge and ran the group. But the purpose of the group was to support your family's homeschooling efforts and provide a homeschool community not to run classes (other than gym) or meet with huge regularity. I think that can make a huge difference. Decide what you want or need from a group before you join. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 We've tried various groups over the years, both existing and ones in which we were part of the start-up. As non-Christian but academically-focused homeschoolrs, we've just never found a compatible group. A much better option for us has turned out to be searching out non-homeschool-specific activities in our community that match my kids' interests: community theatre, dance classes, archaeology/anthropology clubs, model rocket clubs, choirs, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamnkats Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 If we had a local group we'd go, but no groups where we live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runamuk Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I don't belong to one, but I'd love to find a secular group to meet with. Not necessarily for educational purposes, but I'd like for my two to meet other homeschoolers in our area. We live in a neighborhood that has a lot of older kids and the classes we attend don't allow for much socializing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 We don't belong to one either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tricia Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I've been homeschooling for over 21 years and I have never been a member. With as many children as I have I just have never had time for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsdash Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 no group for us, either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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