Every homeschool mom is an integral part of the homeschooling community. As this generation of children are homeschooled and graduated, I am concerned that we are losing mentors and Titus 2 women.

What happens to the moms who retire from homeschooling? They may need to enter the workforce. They may take some time to explore what they'd like to do "when they grow up" and start new businesses. They may just kick back and take a break! But do they look back to those coming up in the ranks of homeschoolers? These moms whether mothers of one or many have loads of wisdom to share.

You are that woman--whether you have a few years before you consider yourself a veteran or if you are a year away before you graduate your last child. You know, you are that woman even if you just finished your first year of homeschooling! There are those  you can encourage who are just thinking about homeschooling. Even with one year under your belt, you can grab someone's hand and help them start their journey into a new land.

Those who have one child need to be encouraged that they can be successful in this journey. Those who have many children also need to be encouraged to stay the course, as they have many more years than just thirteen ahead of them. Those starting on the road after taking their child or children from the government public schools. Those beginning the journey, those towards the end, and all of the ones in between--all need a friend, a mentor, someone to extend a hand of friendship and support.

This week we're talking about Friendship Day. We all need a friend. We all need encouragement. I know that in each of your homeschools you are busy. You tote children to outside classes; there are doctors' appointments and grocery shopping, housework, and actual homeschooling to be done. Hopefully you've found a homeschool group. Hopefully that homeschool group has Moms Nights Out available. Not only does getting connected with a support group help you, but attending can be the first steps you take in becoming a mentor to another mom. MNOs can be a great way to make friends, be supported, and give support. Don't sell yourself short. You have something to offer. The homeschooling community needs you.

Have you homeschooled more than 5 or 6 years? You can consider yourself a veteran! You have experience and knowledge that can be imparted to others! May I challenge you to make some time for a "newbie"? May I challenge you, no matter how many years (or months... or days!) you've homeschooled? Or if you've completed your own homeschooling journey?  Reach out and be available to be a friend... be a mentor... encourage the homeschool moms around you... They can stay the course; they can begin a new journey. YOU can help them! Consider your own place the homeschooling community.  

Donna Conner lives in Fort Worth, TX with her husband, Glenn, their son, Mike, Donna's mother, Charlotte, and their dog, Lucia. Donna and Glenn have been homeschooling their son since the beginning of his education. Mike completed his homeschooling in the fall of 2008. Donna is an artist and has always enjoyed writing. She wrote Homeschooling Only One in 2003, after discovering that there were many other families homeschooling only one child. Her website is devoted to those with only one student in their homeschool, with listings of online resources. You can find these free resources, including a message board for those who HOO, on her website at  http://donnac.com and read her blog at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/DonnaC

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