This weekend, I was at the Teach Them Diligently Conference in Columbus. Conventions are a great time to be encouraged and refreshed, and TTD even more so, as it focuses so much on equipping us to disciple our children. While there, I learned of Anthony Bourdain's tragic suicide, and have continued to see articles discussing the loneliness that seems so prevalent in our culture.
I am on lots of facebook homeschooling pages. I see moms ask so many questions that used to be asked face-to-face at support group meetings, church, or co-op. I see moms reaching out for help and answers. It is a wonderful thing to be able to ask questions about learning difficulties and curricula from such a wide audience -- certainly these moms get a much more diverse answer than what they would get face-to-face.
However, facebook groups can't offer hugs to the mom who is struggling with a wayward teen, an exasperating tween, a younger child who just doesn't get it, or preschoolers who are exhausting day in and day out. Facebook groups can't offer hospitality to the mom who needs an hour or two of adult conversation with a fellow mom throughout the day. Facebook groups don't bring meals to a mom who has just had a baby or a death in the family. Facebook groups can't heal loneliness.
Don't be deceived. You may not need them now, but someday those tangible, physical acts will be something you desperately need. Today, someone in your area may need you to be the one to offer those things. Please, wherever you are, find a local support group, for your own sake and in order to support and encourage other moms. Homeschooling is not a road we should try to walk alone.
I welcome you to NDCHEA. We meet during the school year on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Perkins in Englewood. There is no reason for you to be lonely in the Dayton area.
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