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Using Support Groups To Save Money and Sanity

© Teresa Higginbotham

If you are leaving public school you just left a giant support group. When my son attended public school, one of the things I enjoyed most was getting to know other parents whose kids were going through the same developmental stages as mine. You sidle up to somebody at the Easter party and find out how they helped their child improve handwriting or maybe you might run into someone at the school fair and chat about the reading list.

Being home doesn't mean you have to live in a sealed chamber. You may need someone to talk to about this gigantic effort you are undertaking. There are so many decisions to make. Just looking at a phonics curriculum a parent could spend $6.75 on a workbook or $250 on a game. A little advice couldn't hurt.

A support group should be a source of information and learning for both you and your children. Here are just some of the options a support group may provide.

Curriculum

If you have a child in the third grade and another family has a child in the fourth grade, then you have an outlet for materials. Some support groups have used curriculum sales. Families can make money off their own used curriculum resources and then buy materials for the next year. Some items like videotapes and books just seem to get passed around and shared.

Expert Knowledge

Every group of homeschooling parents was once a group of people who probably did something else for a living. I have run into nurses, flutists, writers, teachers, businessmen and women and many other professions. These experts can share their knowledge and provide piano lessons, field trips, and lectures for your group.

Group Rates

If you are looking into field trips you know how expensive they can get. By applying for group rates at museums, theaters, and other outings you can save some money. One time we went to an aquarium with a group and I was amazed at how much another mother knew about the fish. My kids started following along with her kids just to hear about the aquatic life.

Teams

You can more easily compete in academic and athletic competitions. If you want to be in The Spelling Bee, The Science Fair, or even just get a team of kids together to play basketball in a league, then the support group helps you to pull that together more easily.

Testing

If you have considered testing your children, the support group may also be an outlet for this. Once again you will be paying as a group which may or may not make a difference in the price.