Posted in My Homeschool FAQs

I was at a homeschool function last week and I was talking to another Mom I know.  I mentioned my blog in the conversation and she said "Why do people read your blog?"  (Obviously she's not a fan!  LOL)  After I collected myself a bit I responded that I didn't know why others read my blog, but that I like to read blogs because I learn so much from the experiences of others.  Fast forward to this morning.  While I was eating breakfast I had on HGTV.  A show came on and the women who's house they were at was introduced as a Professional Preschool Teacher Mentor. (I had no idea that was a career!)  That's when it hit me, homeschool blogging is about Mentoring!  Not only am I Mentoring the people who come to my blog but I am being Mentored by all the other blogs I read each day.  I'v only been blogging a few months, but blogging has most certainly effected our homeschooling.  It amazings me how generous homeschoolers are with their time and ideas.  I know a lot of non-homeschoolers think that homeschooling is very isolating, but in reality it is just the opposite.  There is such an amazing sense of community and willingness to share in the homeschool world.  I think it comes from people feeling passionate about what they do and wanting others to feel the same joy they have for home education.  But not only are we good at supporting one another we are also very well connected.  Last summer my neighbors had a piano they wanted to get rid of.  They had tried yard sales and ads in the paper.  I noticed it was in their driveway one day and it started to rain.  I ran over and covered it with plastic.  That night when they got home they mentioned to me they didn't know how to get rid of it.  I was amazed.  I told them I could find a homeschool family to take it.  I posted on our local Yahoo homeschool e-group.  In an hour I had 4 people who wanted it.  In less than 24 hours it was picked up.  My neighbors were amazed.  I had taken for granted how connected we are! Now I realize this is rare.  I don't have that ability to do with any other group of people.  So I am looking forward to the next time someone asks "Why do people read your blog?"  Now I can answer "Because I am a Mentor!"  LOL

men·tor (mntôr, -tr)
n. A wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
v. Informal men·tored, men·tor·ing, men·tors
v. intr. To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher, especially in occupational settings.
v. tr. To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher to (another person).