Mastering Social Life as a Homeschooler: Cultivating Community & Connections
Let’s talk FAQs—specifically the ol' "But how do they make friends?" question. Spoiler: homeschoolers aren’t living in social isolation. In fact, we’ve got some fantastic ways to connect, make friends, and build community. So, if you’re wondering how to get your kids out there and socializing, I’ve got you covered.
Here are some creative, fun ways to build community, make connections, and help your kids thrive socially.
Find Your Homeschool Squad
Local homeschool groups are your best friends when it comes to finding your people. These are perfect for playdates, meetups, or even full-on co-ops.
Where to Find Them:
- The HOM Network: Your go-to for online support, resources, and real-life connections. Find local families and swap tips, tricks, and maybe even carpool duties.
- Facebook Groups: A quick search for homeschoolers in your area can open up a world of park days, field trips, and meetups.
Why It Works: Homeschool groups build a solid sense of community, and nothing beats having a network of like-minded parents to turn to for support, ideas, and that occasional sanity check.
Dive into Extracurriculars
Your kids can still join in all the fun extracurriculars without stepping foot in a traditional school. Whether it’s sports, theater, or coding club, these activities give your kids plenty of social time—and bonus points for helping them explore new interests.
Where to Start:
- Community Centers: Sign up for local sports leagues, dance classes, or after-school art programs.
- Music & Art Studios: Perfect for creatively inclined kids who want to jam with others or dive into painting or sculpture.
- Youth Organizations: Think Scouts, 4-H, or debate teams. These groups are social by nature and focus on teamwork, leadership, and communication.
Why It Works: Extracurriculars are an awesome way for kids to connect with peers, bond over shared interests, and build lasting friendships—all while sharpening new skills.
Join (or Start) a Co-Op
If you’re looking for deeper connections and more structured socialization, homeschool co-ops are where it’s at (shoutout to Carolina Kids Co-op!). You get the support of a community, and your kids get to hang out with the same friends week after week.
How to Make It Happen:
- Build It Small: Start with a couple of families and grow from there. Organize weekly meetups around lessons, field trips, or hands-on projects.
- Shared Teaching: Rotate teaching duties so each parent gets a chance to shine in their area of expertise—whether it’s science experiments, art projects, or history reenactments.
Why It Works: Co-ops offer a consistent social circle while giving you a team of parents to lean on for support, ideas, and camaraderie.
Field Trips for the Win
Learning doesn’t have to happen at home, and socializing doesn’t have to happen in a classroom. Museums, zoos, nature trails, and historical sites make for the perfect backdrop to group learning experiences—and some easy social time.
Ways to Maximize Field Trip Fun:
- Group Outings: Round up your local homeschool crew for a group adventure to a museum or science center. You’ll be learning together and making memories at the same time.
- Homeschool Days: Many attractions—like aquariums and zoos—offer homeschool days with special programming. Grab your squad and make a day of it!
Why It Works: Field trips are fun, engaging, and naturally social. Plus, parents get to hang out, too, and maybe sneak in a coffee while the kids explore.
Go Digital with Virtual Social Groups
In today’s world, socializing online is a legit way to make connections. Online communities, gaming groups, and virtual classes can be great tools for connection.
Where to Start:
- The HOM Network: Offers virtual meetups, group learning sessions, and discussions where homeschoolers from anywhere can hang out and learn together.
- Online Classes & Groups: Many platforms offer live classes where kids work with others on projects or engage in group discussions, building friendships in the process.
Why It Works: Virtual socializing offers flexibility and access to a wider community of homeschoolers. Plus, it’s a great way to meet kids with shared interests from all over.
Schedule Regular Meetups & Playdates
Sometimes, all you need is a regular get-together to keep your kids (and yourself) connected. Playdates and meetups are an easy way to keep the socialization flowing without overthinking it.
Keep It Simple:
- Weekly Playdates: Find a local park, library, or backyard and set up a standing playdate with other homeschool families. It’s low-pressure and fun.
- Rotating Hangouts: Shake things up by hosting at different locations—one week at a park, the next at a science museum, and so on.
- Add a Theme: Turn meetups into mini-adventures with themes like nature hunts or art-in-the-park days.
Why It Works: Regular meetups create a sense of consistency, helping friendships develop naturally over time—and giving parents a built-in support group.
Building Your Village
Socialization doesn’t have to be a stress point. With a little creativity and some intentional planning, you can give your kids all the connection, friendship, and community they need. From co-ops to playdates to online meetups, the possibilities are endless.
It’s about building a community that fits your family’s unique lifestyle and values. So whether you’re meeting up IRL or hanging virtually, you’ve got plenty of options for creating meaningful connections. Now go find your homeschooling homies!
— Amanda Jo, Co-Founder & CEO, The HOM Network