The transition to middle school can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience for both parents and children. Homeschooling children are especially at risk of finding it harder to make friends in middle school, as they often don’t benefit from the same academic and social settings available to other students. Fortunately, there are many methods parents can take to help their homeschooled children make friends in middle school.
To begin with, it’s important that parents are aware of the different challenges their homeschooled children may face. Limited access to peer groups and extracurricular activities sets homeschooled children apart and can lead to feelings of isolation.
Parents may need to think creatively in order to ensure their children have the best chances of making friends in middle school. So, how can parents help their homeschooled children make friends in middle school? Let’s take a look at some key areas.
1. Education Options for Homeschoolers
One of the first ways parents can help their homeschooled children make friends in middle school is to explore the different education options available. Many states offer partial day or full day programs, some online courses, and home education options.
Each of these provide different levels of access to peers and teachers. Parents should research their child’s local or online options and weigh up the pros and cons of each to determine which one will be the best overall fit for their child. Working with administrators and teachers from local schools to create a schedule will be key to helping homeschooled children make friends.
Parents should also consider visiting different schools to become more familiar with different academic and social settings and cultures. Building a relationship with a teacher or advisor at a local school may also be beneficial in helping their children make friends in middle school.
2. Joining Extracurricular and Recreational Activities
Joining a sports team, club, or activity group is a good way to introduce children to a new social circle and give them the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. Exploring the different extracurricular activities and recreational activities available in their local community is a great place to start.
Parents can also encourage their children to think of activities they may be interested in, as this can boost their confidence and engagement in the activity itself. There are lots of options available to homeschooled children, from joining a local sports team to becoming involved in a singing or drama club. Get creative with the types of activities you sign your child up for, such as volunteering with a charity or taking on an internship.
It’s also a good idea to stay involved in the activity as a spectator or volunteer. This type of support can help build your child’s self-esteem and give them a sense of accomplishment that can help break the ice when meeting new people.
3. Make Use of Technology
Technology can be a brilliant tool for helping your homeschooled children make friends in middle school. Utilizing the internet to connect with people your child’s age can be a great way for them to meet and socialize with new friends. Joining online forums for homeschoolers, where they can discuss different topics and interests, is a popular way to make connections with other homeschoolers.
There are also plenty of gaming apps and websites that are specifically designed to help children make friends. These usually require users to set up a profile and enter some basic information, like age and geographic location.
This can be a great way for your child to connect with others who share similar interests. Plus, it’s a safe way for your child to practice socializing without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
As parents, we want to make the transition to middle school as easy and stress-free as possible for our kids. However, homeschoolers often face unique challenges compared to other students. To help them make friends in middle school, be sure to research the different education options available, encourage your child to join extracurricular activities, and make use of technology for socializing.
With the right tools, your homeschooled kid can engage with new friends and have a more positive experience during their time in middle school.