The week of July 4th I called maybe 6-8 homeschool groups, hoping to find one to join. Yesterday was the first I actually spoke to a live person instead of an answering machine. The man was the first to call back. He asked all about my church life- where I go, am I active, do I attend regularly, etc. He asked why I homeschool and I gave him a very brief answer about the things Kevin endured. He paused a minute and then told me that group homeschools purely for Christian reasons and anyone coming in would be expected to think the same way. He didn't come out and say I wasn't welcome, but he gave me other phone numbers to try instead. I felt discrimminated against! I did a basic search online for homeschool groups in this area and they came up. There was no mention of the particulars of joining. Now I'm apprehensive about anyone else who might call me back, if any do.
Oh wow! That sure puts a bad look on Christian Home School groups eh? Well not every group is that exclusive so keep looking! I was just thinking today that the group I had actually tried to join three times now, has again dropped the ball and not responded to call me back again even after having attended one of thier meetings and spoken to live peoples! The group is awesome but they are so over grown it must be difficlult to know who is new. I have tried to start up my own at church a few times, first when we were Children's Pastors, and again as just a parent. So far everyone is either not serious enough about the thing or just doesn't like me (grin) but seriously I just figure God has our family set asside to school on our own for His purposes at this point! Be blessed today!
Yep, that's only one group, Becky, don't give up yet! I had a hard time finding groups and getting established somewhere when I first started homeschooling. It just happens that way sometimes. Too bad!!! I'll pray for you to find something good!!!
TM, I'm starting to think we're supposed to be alone, too. I forgot to mention the lady who called yesterday and got ticked because I asked her to call back in the afternoon. We were heading out to gym and would have missed class had I talked on the phone. You could hear in her voice she wasn't pleased.
That is so tough. I'm sorry that you have met with such obstacles. I also had a hard time finding a group and when I finally did, I felt like we didn't fit in. It was a real let down. If you keep looking you will find the one that is right for you guys.
I really only want a group to give Jeanne more chances at friends. I could take it or leave it. I'm thinking I will just drop it. I've got enough to deal with without wasting time chasing a lost cause.
Becky I'm sorry this happened. I got lucky and my homeschool group found me. But I know if we decide to move. After a while I would start looking for another group. It is sad that you were treated that why. Not very Christian like. I would relax a little about it and enjoy what you got and if in the future you feel the need to look again then do this. But when the time is right you will find something or it will find you. I truely believe things happen for a reason and we don't always know the reasons but in the end it always works out. Good Luck
you know what, I didn't even go searching for a Christian Home School group, but I did find the one of them. I know our school district has home school groups too but that is not what I am looking for. They regulate you more than not. let us know what you find though!
that might help... or try googling: Homeschool Support group -Christian Most groups that designate themselves Christian like to focus on that aspect of it, some even hold Bible Studies as part of the group itself. My group designates itself Christian now because of BIG problems that came up before we did.
Oh Becky....BIG HUG!!!! I'm sorry that those you have had contact with need a warning beacon placed upon their head. Sometimes it isn't easy to get plugged in to what is going on and who are the loons and who is overly Christian and...who talks your ear off anytime you come in conversation with them. :lol: Sometimes we just have to wait for something to fall in our lap and sometimes we have to go out and grab it by the horns. Just know that unfortunately for some of us we have to get the crazy ones to come at us first and then we wished they wouldn't have. :lol: Look for group classes that meet during the day when school is in session...this is the fastest way to find other homeschoolers. Our ice rink offers homeschool skate lessons, group music lessons, etc... BTW...I take it that this means you are homeschooling this year. I think I had my head deep in the resource book and website when you came to a decision. :lol:
I found the secular group in our area when I was checking out the boards for a secular curriculum (in this case k12). They have a general k12users board as well as k12users for many of the states. You might sign up for the yahoo group(in order to learn more about the curriculum <wink>) and see if you find anyone in your area. It might be a long shot, but worth a try. The curriculum is very good by the way - just too pricey for us to use for everything. The group I joined doesn't really advertise and I'm not sure how or if I would have found them otherwise. Also our group has a really good relationship with the local art center, perhaps checking with librarians, museums, science centers, theatres might bring up some new leads? Don't despair - you can always start one!
hey, Just an idea Becky, maybe we should start our own notice of a Home School Group opening up? We could make flyers and put them at our local libraries.... maybe even meet there if your library does that? We could think of what we want in a homeschool group.. for instance I want a group to get together for fellowship, sharing ideas on teaching and occasionally doing special projects with the kids , taking turns as the 'teachermom/dad'. The main reason I need a home school group is for this; I need to be around likeminded adults. If that means I have to head it up, maybe thats what I am supposed to do? I will be praying about this for about a month then put up notices if its His will! I know I could put one up at the local boys and girls club, maybe they will even let me use one of thier gyms !? Hmm, Im getting ideas here!
I seriously thought of starting a group-somehow- but leadership is not my gift. I have no idea where a meeting could be held. It would get rougher in useless winter when it all has to be indoors. She~ I decided to h.s. one more year because the money just wasn't there for the school I was looking at. I'd no sooner go to call them and one or the other car would go in the shop! Every time. I figured that meant she wasn't supposed to be there. Next year I want her to go, no matter what . I'm still not comfortable with her being by herself in the majority . I cannot get past the feeling that I'm cheating her somehow.
Then there was the call I got today.. A lady called me back and I asked her why some of the groups have you sign a statement of faith, why does it matter why I h.s.? She says 'The statement of faith is so everyone is of the same mindset.... you don't want to have Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses in there because that's a whole different belief system.' Man. The homeschool groups here in Utopia are a little prissy, I'm thinking... LOL. I have top wonder if there's a nice JW or Mormon h.s.ing mom being told 'We don't want a Baptist in there. That's a whole different mindset.' Lol.
I didn't have to sign anything with our co-op. We just all agree to help out with teaching the class for the kids. We do pray or ask if prayers are needed. We don't force the children to pray but they do witness it. Its a really great group. They know I don't homeschool for religous reasons. Or didn't start for that reason, God is a bigger part of our lifes now. Our group is more children based then for the adults not that we don't take our time to share and talk with each other. I hope you find something that works for you.
