Am I the only one who doesn't feel the need to be part of a homeschool group? Ok.. I know I'm not, but on another board I frequent most of the mom's have younger kids, and many are all gung ho beginning homeschooling their 18month olds and on up.. although this alone makes my stomach turn (and believe me, I tell them my thoughts on pushing kids too young), the thing that bothers me the most is one of the most common bits of advice for these "newbies" is to find a group and get in with them before they do anything else. I am very very independant by nature. I do not ask people for anything.. and even have a hard time asking a grandma to keep my kids for a few hours so I can do something I have to go do. If there is something we need, hubby and I find a way to provide it. Sometimes we just make do with the next best thing or what ever. I like things my way and honestly don't like to be told how to do something.. unless I am asking for ideas. Anyway, maybe it's just my personality that makes me feel this way... but really, am I the only one who feels confident enough to do their own thing without a group to hold my hand?
I'm not a part of any group either - well, except for here . It originally was because of scheduling conflicts; but now I don't join because I don't want to feel like I'm not doing enough or too much. I have a weakness for comparing my kids to others, and am working on it. But till then, let's just avoid the temptation.
I'm the same way. I do belong to a hs group, but we pretty much only do stuff online (it's a Yahoo group of local hsers). So far, I've met one family in the group. The kids are close to dd's age & so we decided to meet to see if the kids got along. We've only gotten together informally, just hanging out. Basically, the same thing I do with other friends. I just have never felt the need to really be part of a hs group. I think the only time I've ever suggested it to anyone was as one thing in a list of ways they can find social activities for their child. I could see being in a group for stuff like park days, group field trips, or other social contact for the kids, but that's it. If I want/need advice I generally come here. That way I get more of a variety of answers.
We weren't a part of any group either. I'm with you, I am fine doing it alone. I think some need to be a part of a group to stay motivated and for support.
Nope you are most certainly not the only one. I have never joined a group in the past and honestly I don't think I would ever join one in the future. I'm by far way to independent to ever want to conform. I really do enjoy doing things my way.
Well stated! I tried it once and sitting around bad mouthing others wasn't my idea of fun or being constructive.
Wow Sommer you and I are very alike. I could hear my voice saying your exact words. I have no desire to be a part of a group. I did at one time when I first began hs'ing but there wasn't one around and now I am glad for it. I did have Samantha in acting and Spanish at a co-op type place but I didn't do anything besides drop her off and pick her up. My girls and I have plenty of friends just the way we are.
Crazymama, I don't really feel the need, but dd wants it. Ds is making friends there too. Though the hs group did open my eyes to the fact that my kids are more energetic and more out-going and excitable than most homeschoolers... I think anyway. It is pretty much work to fit it in. THe idea I had for PE was because I loved Pe and dd needs pe credits for highschool so I figure we should try to do some TEAM SPORTs, if we can't get into Soccer this fall.... I know all about those funny time schedules. And HOmeschoolers would give us that oportunity. The main reason I wanted to join a group was to get some friends who are the same as my kids... well close anyway hehe. I am a play ful mom, I don't find other moms who seem as playful more serious than playful. I am one who would run to the slide and yell jeronimo!!!!!!!!!!! and slide down.. the other moms and some kids in the group would stand and stare in embarassment.
I don't feel the need to join a group either...I feel like my boys just don't need the added stress of getting lessons done by such and such a time so we can get to our group meeting on time and I don't need the stress of oh my I have to plan two events per year what should I plan and how....we have enough to do we don't need more..
Haha.. there is a time I would have done that.. but now I'm too afraid I would get stuck on the slide..lol.
. This is the type of group I am involved with. Classes are offered, playdates are offeres, but everything is join if you want! I love to be involved if I want to and not be involved if I don't!
I went down the slide in shorts when my kids were little and I came off that slide like a crazed mad women- IT WAS HOT!
We joined a group, but it was mostly just to meet other people who were homeschoolers. Last year they started a co-op which was really nice. But for some reason, it has turned into "school" for this coming year. We will still belong to the group, but it really is only because my kids have made friends. Even as a new homeschooler (almost 2 years ago), I didn't get from or go to the group for any advice or how tos. I actually came here and either posted or (mostly) read in order to get advice.
I thought about joining the group but have since decided against it. I guess its because that I have been to a few hsing boards and really did not like them. I found most of them really judgmental and uppity, and I wonder if a hsing group be the same. By the way, this is the ONLY hs board that I have found that I like. The people here are very nice and make you feel welcome unlike some other ones I have visited. They seem more like a my kid is better than your kid, or like to talk bad about people and how they do such a better job hsing their kids. I dont want to be around people like that so I really have reservations about trying to join a group. Plus, really, what do I really need them for? I guess I dont have a good purpose for joining one.
I would like to be part of a group that just wants to get together. I don't want to do field trips, coops or make it educational play date. Just have some mom time with other moms while the kids play. I cannot seem to find just a group of moms to hang out with. It's got to be educational, be part of a co-op or pay and be in a group. I am starting to miss my time when DD was in PS. There were 6 of us. All our kids were in the same grade and 4 out of 6 were active military. Though the other two were contracted thru the military. We would just go to the park down the street or just stay at the school and let the kids play. No one tried to make any of our get togethers educational, just plain fun.
I agree We have a group here, but there is really not much organization to it. I would love to have someone to just hang out with and visit while the kids play. I have enough to schedule into a day with out adding group activities. The girls and I are very happy when we get to stay home all day, now that is something to celebrate, especially in the summer.:lol:
