What I get most out of discussion groups is the chance to interact with other moms. Using webcams and chat boxes you can develop relationships. That was missing for me before I signed up for Classic Moms at Abigail Adams Academy the first time. In fact, that is the primary reason I joined. I had been trying to start a parents group locally, not even TJEd specific, just homeschooling. I couldn't get anyone interested to get together once a month to talk homeschooling.
Even though I'm in a populated area with lots of homeschoolers, I only connected in person with a few other moms. At homeschool events and classes for the kids, it was all about the kids and we didn't have a chance to talk. Or when we did, I still never felt like I could break into groups that had already formed. And non-homeschool moms just don't "get" us. I can't talk to moms who send their kids to public or private schools about my frustrations because they just say "put them in school". And I can't listen to their frustrations because I just want to say "pull them out of school." With a discussion group of homeschool moms we all get it.
Some nights I don't feel like signing on when there is a discussion scheduled. Maybe I'm tired, or I didn't like the book, or don't feel like I understood it. But afterwards I am always so glad I got online. I laughed with friends. I cried with friends. I feel so energized again. And I always come away with insights on the book I never would have gotten with out that discussion.
You can't get that from an article or a library book.
My two cents.
Janet
Even though I'm in a populated area with lots of homeschoolers, I only connected in person with a few other moms. At homeschool events and classes for the kids, it was all about the kids and we didn't have a chance to talk. Or when we did, I still never felt like I could break into groups that had already formed. And non-homeschool moms just don't "get" us. I can't talk to moms who send their kids to public or private schools about my frustrations because they just say "put them in school". And I can't listen to their frustrations because I just want to say "pull them out of school." With a discussion group of homeschool moms we all get it.
Some nights I don't feel like signing on when there is a discussion scheduled. Maybe I'm tired, or I didn't like the book, or don't feel like I understood it. But afterwards I am always so glad I got online. I laughed with friends. I cried with friends. I feel so energized again. And I always come away with insights on the book I never would have gotten with out that discussion.
You can't get that from an article or a library book.
My two cents.
Janet