As I’ve started to dip my toes into the homeschooling experience I’ve found myself swarmed by an extremely kind and generous community. Long gone are the days of isolation for homeschooled children.

Homeschooling friends old and new seem to be coming out of the woodworks, and I feel like soon enough, we’ll know just as many people whose kids go to public school as are schooled at home.

My heart has been pulled toward homeschool for years. A quick search of my blog last night revealed that I’ve even shared those thoughts here multiple times. And now here I am. Invested (literally, I’ve already dropped nearly $200 on curriculum and materials) and excited.

One of the first things I wanted to do was find a co-op I fit in with. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for, but I figured I’d know it when I found it.

I wanted a co-op that would involve being outside and exploring. Preferably a diverse group with open-minded people. And would you believe that I found one pretty quick.

It was thanks to a friend of a friend I met at a “last day of school” party. I was lamenting about wanting to homeschool and she spoke up about how the process works for her.

A couple meetings and dozens of questions later, I’m all in baby!

We went to a co-op meet and greet at the park a couple weeks ago. The BYOP (bring your own Popsicles) party was a hit, and we wound up bumping into others we already knew who are also beginning their homeschooling journey. By the way, if you’re looking for a fun way to break the ice (no pun intended) with new friends, a Popsicle party at the park is the way to do it. We brought TMNT popsicles to share and they were a hit.

The truly amazing part of all of this though, is even if we didn’t count the fact that we lucked into a co-op opportunity at the perfect time, we’ve had SO many friends reach out to give advice. I say give advice, but no one is trying to coming across as an expert. However all of the moms I’ve chatted with are more than willing to share what’s working for them, and encourage me to follow what works for us.

We’ve had a playdate at a river with new homeschooling friends, gotten together at friends’ homes, where I can browse through their curriculum. And then online I’ve gotten countless emails and message. Some from blog readers and others from people in Facebook groups, or friends I’ve connected with online through the years. All are offering more encouraging words and helpful answers to questions.

I don’t imagine I’ll become a source for how-to homeschool, but I’m excited to share our journey in this new adventure, things I learn from others along the way, and hopefully those of you who have been there or are considering taking this route will chime in with your thoughts as well.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. I’m so glad I’ve found my tribe.

*I’m passionate about making memories with friends old and new, which is why I’ve partnered with Mirum Shopper on behalf of Target and Popsicle on this post. All opinions are my own.

Tags: homeschooling