When you are new to homeschooling or move to a new area, it is important to find other homeschoolers for your child to interact with and befriend. One of the best things about homeschooling is that children can interact and socialize with other children of all ages, not just their same age peers. So, remember It is fine to find friends a couple years younger or older than your child. It is best to find friends as a family, with you taking the lead. You will know if the family is a good match for yours if you share similar values and convictions. Remember, homeschooling is not just an educational choice it is a lifestyle.

Here are a few ideas of ways to find other homeschoolers in your area:

• The HSLDA website maintains a list of homeschool organizations by state and county. If there is a state organization listed with a website you can usually find support groups listed further by county and city on their website. You may have to do a little digging, but I think this is the best place to start.
• Once you have support group contacts in your area, call the leader and ask questions about their group. Is it a co-op that your child could join or is it a parent support group where you can meet other homeschooling parents and connect that way?
• Homeschoolers are usually well known by the local librarians. You may be able to leave your name and number for them to give to another homeschooler they might know. Or you may catch a homeschooling family at the library during school hours.
• There are meet-ups for homeschoolers. If there isn't one listed for your city, then start one. This is not the time to be shy, but rather an advocate for your child.
• Many people choose to homeschool for religious reasons which makes your local church a great place to find other homeschooling families in your area.
• Joining classes or taking lessons in ballet, gymnastics, art, karate, or music will all give opportunities to meet other homeschoolers, especially if the classes are during "normal" school time. You can always ask the instructors if they know any other homeschool families that you could connect with.

Homeschooling doesn't mean isolation anymore. Just remember you will need to take the lead and perhaps go out of your comfort zone to find friends for your children. Your children will be excited with the prospect of meeting new friends if you are. No doubt you will find some lasting friendships yourself in the search.