Homeschooling and Socialization: 4 Tips for Building Friendships
Navigating the social development of homeschooled children can be a challenge, so we’ve gathered insights from founders and CEOs to share their successful strategies. From leveraging technology to foster global friendships to joining groups for interactive socialization, here are the top four strategies they’ve implemented to ensure their homeschooled children have plenty of opportunities for socialization and building meaningful friendships.
- Leverage Tech for Global Friendships
- Blend Co-ops with Extracurriculars
- Daily Play and Structured Activities
- Join Groups for Interactive Socialization
Leverage Tech for Global Friendships
I have been smart in trying to provide my homeschooled child with abundant social opportunities. Joining online organizations and forums that cater to their interests, like coding and literature, has been our first technological achievement. Because of this, they have been able to form friendships with people all over the world who share their interests, which has been really beneficial for their mental and emotional well-being.
Additionally, I have started a community service initiative that brings together youth from all walks of life. In addition to teaching my child the importance of giving back, this activity will introduce them to many cultures and help them develop important social skills like empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving.
Last but not least, we are active members of the homeschool community and often attend workshops and activities that are open to all families.
John Palmer
Founder, Grabtext
Blend Co-ops with Extracurriculars
In order to ensure that my homeschooled child has enough socialization experiences, I have enrolled them in a local homeschooling co-op. This setting provides group learning experiences and projects, allowing students to form friendships with people who share similar educational trajectories.
In addition to homeschooling, we have participated in extracurricular activities, such as athletics, art lessons, and science organizations. Regular playdates and community events supplement these scheduled activities by creating relaxed contexts in which my child can spontaneously develop friendships.
This combination of formal and unstructured social situations has helped my child make important connections and maintain a vibrant social life. These efforts show that with the correct strategy, homeschooling can provide rich social and developmental experiences that meet the diverse needs of developing children.
John Butterworth
Founder and CEO, 10kschools
Daily Play and Structured Activities
My son is homeschooled, but he has no shortage of friendships and opportunities to socialize. In addition to playing with his cousins, friends, and neighbors’ kids on an almost daily basis, he’s also involved in more structured activities, such as a drawing class, judo, and soccer.
John Frigo
Ecommerce Manager, Best Price Nutrition
Join Groups for Interactive Socialization
To ensure my homeschooled child has ample socialization opportunities, we’ve joined local homeschooling groups and co-ops, providing regular interactive sessions with peers. We also engage in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and community service projects that align with their interests, facilitating friendships with children who have similar hobbies and values.
Nicolas Krauss
Founder and CEO, dasFlow Custom Sublimation Apparel
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