My #1 Homechooling/MC Debate *Vent*

While I agree the internet has created many of societies issues; I don't think it's all negative in the realm of friendships. My children who are introverted have made real friends through Minecrafting via the internet. Not all children are social bugs who want to be involved in a a rigorous scheduling of outside activities. This is a real savings of our family's (of 6) nerves, money, and home/family dynamics. I see so many Homeschooling parents over-taxed in outside-the-home activities for their children. I think it steams from that feeling they are denying their babies opportunities the public school system can offer them. Or they are so deeply afraid their children will miss-out on childhood experiences, maybe they are wanting their children to be involved in activities They themselves enjoyed as children/teens.

What is the difference between a Public School family that is in Soccer, Football, Cheer, and Theater and a Homeschooling family that is in the same? Nothing. They are both running around trying to be involved, trying to make it memorable, trying to make their kids active and befriended.

Meanwhile there are Homeschoolers who are making real friends online. I truly believe the children on this server have really connected. They share their events, achievements, vacations, birthdays, and silliness. They laugh, compete, and converse with more depth then I've seen conversations at Homeschool 'park days', meet-ups, and Homeschool day events. They also really miss each other when one is away.

I think it's sad that people think you can't make "real" friends whilst they are not right in-front of you. Maybe it goes back to not believing in something you can't see?

My children are best befriended when they are in the comfort of their own surroundings rather than at a forced meeting where there are distractions/activities and the parents are looming over the gathering hoping for instant connections. Relax. Instead to making friendships happen the way they did when we were kids, think of how they can happen using the environment of today.

So many parents are pounding their fits and citing "Computers Bad! Internet Evil!" but they themselves love being here. Love the camaraderie and connections they have made online.

Make the internet work for you. Use it as a tool to help encourage learning and friendships all-while your children are having fun. There will be a lot of internet in their future no matter what career they choose. Those who are proficient at it will find it much easier to navigate in future endeavors.

*posted again and again in Homeschool Groups when parents start up about never letting their kids near a computer or online* It's not even the future anymore, it's here. It's staying. There are ways to keep it safe, fun, and educational.

Many Blessings, Sara (aka the Server Mom)