I live in a big city; however, homeschool support groups here are paltry. Virtually all of the on site support group meetings are in the 'burbs, and those urbanites who can't make it to the suburbs because their only means to get there is public transportation often can't make it to these meetings.
Before I began "authentic" homeschooling, my child attended a virtual school for a short time, and there were many single parents whose children were attending this school. (By the way, there were also many two-parent homeschooling families who chose the virtual school for the free curriculum.) I, for one, have changed my stance regarding the virtual schools; they are not homeschools, but are very much "public school at home." The virtual school option did not work for me or my son. Very early on, I thought it was working, but a short time later realized that it was not. Their requirements were stringent and demanding, and I spoke with parents who admitted that they lied on the log in sheets about teaching their child(ren) the required five hours per day. Additionally, my son was beginning to lose his love for learning, and I could not allow that to happen.
I consider the work that all homeschooling parents do to be a special ministry to their children. Homeschooling single parents have special challenges, but with added support, they can meet those challenges. Most of them are not stay-at-home moms but work inside or outside of their homes every day and still find time to teach their children at home.
I met one single mother who wanted to teach her daughter at home but had to work; therefore, her sister, who was not working, taught the child at home via a virtual school. Some single parents don't believe they can teach their children at home without the support of virtual schools. I don't think this parent ever thought about her sister teaching the child at home without virtual school assistance; at the time I met her, neither did I think that I, as a single parent, could teach my child without the support of the virtual school.
However, I would like to share with single parents that homeschooling their children by the grace of God is possible. Some parents are simply unsure of their ability to homeschool without added support; I felt this way too. Others think they have to have a fancy curriulum; I have discovered that homeshooling can be done on a very small budget, and as I continue to teach my son, my faith in what God can do in and through me is building; I am capable of teaching my son by the grace of God. He is learning at a phenomenal rate and is enjoying it immensely.
Once my newly formed online support group is well established, I will begin a Christian Homeschool Support Group in my city. The online support I have received has helped me tremendously, and many of my questions have been answered. I would like to give back to the homeschool community by supporting and encouraging others.
Homeschoolers who have access to groups and meetings close to your communities, please know that you are blessed, and remember the orphans, the widows, the divorced mothers (many not by their own choosing), the single mothers, and the fatherless in your prayers. Pray that God would strengthen them throughout their homeschooling journey.
Ms. Phyllis
Comments
Feb. 2, 2007 - God is no respecter of persons
Posted by TexasMomof3
For a long time, I thought God favored "white folks" over "black folks." Now, after falling in love with Him the past two years, I know He is a God that is not racist or favorable to one group over another---aren't we all created in His image?
Actually, today is our Christian Homeschool Support meeting. I am blessed to have such an organization who meets only a few miles from our home!
Also, today we are going to the Answers in Genesis conference. This conference has been what I needed to answer many of the questions I had about the first 11 chapters of Genesis--Where did Cain get his wife? The curse of Ham that some believe was placed on Blacks? Why "race" is not in the bible to refer to humans. Wow! I am going so much higher in my walk with the Lord since I have come home---so many deep questions are surfacing and God is providing the resources to have them answered in truth and with a biblical perspective!
You are beautiful and I pray that God will continue to use you in your area to witness to other unmarried mothers who feel they have no choice but to allow the government to educate their children. Truly, Christian Homeschooling is the path all should make, but we must give an account of our faith with meekness and fear!
Have a great day in the city!
Edited by msphyllis on Feb. 7, 2007 at 4:28 AM
Mar. 9, 2007 - Being patient with the process
Posted by bbullard
Great blog. It's always refreshing to "hear" from someone who comes from a different place and to see a fresh, new perspective in the homeschooling community.
It sounds as if the Lord's hand is upon you to meet an unmet need and minister to the very group you described--non-suburbanites. However, callings take preparation and experiences that lead you into what He wants you to do, so don't rush that process; there's meaning to it and an effectiveness that you can only get after walking through it. He already knows the venue, the people, and the direction of that ministry, and as you seek Him, He will gladly reveal it to you. God bless you.