Some parents talking about why they homeschool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcxlLYpOPRU&feature=player_embedded
A reminder to new homeschoolers: "After pulling my son from school, it took over 6 months to deprogram him from his annus horribilis,
and another 4 or 5 months to get him on track to actually want to learn
again. A full 12 months after leaving school, my now six year old has
returned. He is happy. He loves learning. He understands that learning
doesn't only take place in a classroom. He seeks out learning in our
everyday experiences. He finds pleasure in his achievements both
academic and extracurricular. It’s beautiful to see my boy happy and
inquisitive again, and worth every penny that I left on the table when I
quit my job." - Judy Ledbetter Sarden http://homeschooling.penelopetrunk.com/2013/08/21/3-reasons-why-black-people-dont-homeschool/
My best advice to new homeschooling families is to TRY, TRY, TRY to find your *tribe*. Sometimes it's not easy, but it's very much worth it.
A good article on finding and joining a park day http://www.citykidshomeschooling.com/2015/03/how-to-get-most-out-of-homeschool-park.html
Homeschooling families come in all different flavors (Catholic, unschoolers, classical, learning challenges, etc.) Finding like-minded homeschoolers provides short-cuts in locating resources you will likely be interested in and could provide a long-term social circle for your family. Check out my local resources tab for groups in and near Long Beach.
Statewide organizations:
Homeschool Association of California (HSC) - Conference in Santa Clara in August
California Homeschool Network (CHN) - Conference is in Torrance in June
Christian Homes Educators of California (CHEA) - Conference is in Pasadena
