Why Joining a Homeschool Co-Op Was One of the Best Things We Did
But it's not just about the support. It's also about the community you get to build.
Your kids can make friends, and you can make mom friends and parent friends, too.
This is going to be my fourth year in a co-op, and when we first joined, we were new to the city. We didn't have any friends or a community here. Since joining a co-op, I now have a few very close friends, and many others that I know I can call on for help if needed. My son also met his best friend at one of our co-ops.
One of my best co-op-related experiences to date is a surprise baby shower! As the school year was coming to an end, and my due date for my second baby was approaching, one of my dear mom friends at co-op asked when my baby shower would be. I told her there wasn't going to be one, because I didn't have anyone around to plan it. She's my son's favourite person, so she invited us to spend an afternoon with her so my son could play and we could just hang out. Needless to say, when I arrived, her house was filled with almost all the families in the co-op; those who couldn't make it sent gifts. I was floored! All the love my son and I received that day, and the unexpected shower of gifts for my baby... it all left me speechless, and feeling so blessed.
Being part of a co-op has honestly been one of the best things for my family and for me.
If you're considering joining a homeschool co-op this year, I highly recommend it. Here's why...
We recently had our homeschool co-op orientation, and honestly, seeing all the other homeschooling families, meeting the moms, and hearing from our leaders, who are also homeschooling moms, felt so refreshing. It reminded me just how much support you can find while homeschooling.
Being in a homeschool co-op gives you opportunities to connect with other moms and parents in different stages of their homeschooling journey. You meet families who started homeschooling when their kids were younger, families homeschooling multiple children, and moms who have been exactly where you are; whether that's homeschooling with a baby in your arms or trying to figure out how to balance everything.
There are so many questions that come up when you're homeschooling, and being part of a co-op gives you direct access to a group of people who can help answer some of those questions.
Curious about where to find a homeschool co-op?
I actually found ours through Facebook groups because, honestly, Facebook seems to have everything! There are so many local homeschool groups where you can find information about co-ops, meetups, activities, and other homeschool families.
Search for homeschool groups in your area or city. Eg. I would type "Maryland Homeschoolers", " Baltimore Homeschoolers", "Homeschooling in Maryland", or any iteration of this for your respective state and city.
Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or you've been doing this for a while, think about joining a co-op. It could make a really big difference in your homeschooling experience.
Hi, I'm Christal!
I'm a SAHM of 2 amazing kids, and I'm passionate about learning and sharing my experiences as a homeschool mom, homemaker, and home baker. If even one of my stories brings value to your life, this entire blog is worth it! Thanks for dropping by!
