When You Feel Like You Don't Fit In the Homeschool Community

When You Feel Like You Don’t Fit In the Homeschool Community

Have you ever felt like you don’t fit into the homeschool community? You started hanging out with fellow homeschoolers either online or in-person, and you felt this overwhelming feeling that you didn’t fit in. You begin breaking down all these things these other homeschoolers have in common, their beliefs, their values, and so on. These things that you end up believing you need to be or have to be a real homeschooler. Maybe on some level, you know that is a bunch of bolognas, but at some level, it seeps into your soul, and you feel like you don’t belong. Before we go any further, please take a moment to pin this post to your homeschool board.

Feeling like you are out of place in the homeschool community

Many homeschool communities I have come across and love is Christian based. They are always talking about devotionals and scriptures and their connection with God. While I am a Christian, born and raised a Catholic, and raising my children as such, there are still some things that make me feel inadequate. I am not saying that any of this is wrong, because a lot of it I love. However, at the same time, I feel like I am less than or out of place if I don’t know something or agree with the majority.

Maybe you didn’t get a prestigious education or weren’t interested in books as a child, so you learn alongside your children. Perhaps it is the first time you read some of the classic literature masterpieces everyone is going on and on about alongside your child. You shouldn’t feel bad or like you can’t homeschool because you didn’t have the same experiences as the rest of the homeschoolers.

Just because the rest of the homeschooling communities have experienced and believe in XYZ doesn’t mean you have to be the same way. You don’t need to fit inside the cookie cutter, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to do so. We can accept and love each other even if we are not precisely the same. We can support one another and disagree on issues, topics, or beliefs.

Not fitting in with the homeschooling majority

I have been in homeschooling groups, where I have had to talk myself out of posting long-winded comments on judgment and tolerance. (Love is Love, people). I have had to sit in my discomfort for having children out of wedlock and not having this traditional family that seems ideal for mainstream homeschoolers. Feeling guilt and shame and a feeling that I don’t belong because a core belief doesn’t fit the majority. Not to mention a lack of cultural and racial diversity in many traditional homeschooling groups.

Homeschooling isn’t only for specific people

Homeschooling isn’t only for certain people. It is for people who love and value their children. Who wants to provide the best they can. Who wants to put in the effort and hard work to give their kids an education that is one of a kind. An education that is tailored to their child and their child’s needs.

Homeschooling isn’t for only a specific type of person. Even though my issues of not feeling like enough, like I don’t fit in with the “in crowd” of homeschoolers, is my own, I am not alone in it.

We Welcome You

I try to be as open-minded and inclusive as possible. If you are looking for a homeschooling community that welcomes you regardless of your gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, marital status, sexual orientation, or otherwise, please join us!