Let’s be honest: Homeschooling can be isolating.

A recent study found that 66% of people feel isolated or lonely due to the demands of parenthood. Many of us are in need of more connection, even within the homeschool community.

As homeschool moms, we often keep busy schedules and routines to ensure our children are learning and socializing. However, we often neglect our own social well-being. One of the hardest needs to meet is finding time to make or spend with friends. Surely, I’m not the only one who has planned a playdate weeks in advance, only to have to cancel at the last minute because someone woke up with a fever.

Unfortunately, putting our own social lives on the back burner comes at a cost. Loneliness can negatively impact our mood and health, including increasing our risk of depression and anxiety. Studies have even shown that loneliness affects our physical health. Feeling lonely is more than just feeling stuck at home with the kids; it’s a real problem. So, what can we do to feel more connected and less lonely in this season of homeschooling?

We need to nurture our relationships within our community.

Having meaningful connections is essential. Not only do we need to feel supported in our homeschooling journeys, but we also deserve to feel loved and fulfilled as moms! Having friends who can help us through challenges and celebrate our joys is crucial for our happiness and well-being.

Here are some practical ways find more connection as a homeschool mom to fight off loneliness:

• Join a homeschool co-op, playgroup, or field trip group. Find your homeschool community. Attend a group that you can attend regularly with your kids so you can connect and build relationships. Having friends who understand the unique challenges of homeschooling is a lifesaver.
• Visit the library or playground regularly. Foster connections more naturally by routinely visiting the same places. When you’re at the same location week after week, it’s easier to connect with people who have similar schedules.
• Embrace your family. Our family members can be our closest friends and strongest support systems. If you’re lucky enough to have loving family nearby, enjoy spending time with them.
• Plan time to see friends, with and without the kiddos. If your schedule allows plan playdates during the day when the kids can play while the moms chat. However, it’s important to have kid-free time too! Don’t feel guilty for leaving the kids at home while you take time for personal rejuvenation.
• Don’t forget friends who are in different seasons of life. Stay-at-home moms (especially those with little ones) can be incredibly difficult to catch! Nurture relationships with those in different seasons of life; they can often offer diverse perspectives and support.
• Place value on small interactions. Small, everyday interactions can help us feel more connected to our world and those around us. Stop and say hello to a neighbor on your walk and chat with another mom at soccer practice. It might not seem like much, but these little acts help fight loneliness.
• Be authentic. It seems obvious, but sometimes we need a reminder. We build genuine, lasting relationships when we’re true to ourselves! And we surely don’t need to look our best (or have a sparkling clean house) to host other moms.
• Connect online. Thankfully, technology makes it easier than ever to check in on one another and send funny TikToks. Just remember, nothing is better than in-person meetups! We can feel like our social needs are being met on social media, but they can only fill our cups so much.

Our social needs are worth prioritizing.

When I first started homeschooling, I was so consumed by my to-do list that I neglected my own needs. I knew I needed more breaks and time with friends, but finding time for either felt impossible. Eventually, I realized that I needed more opportunities to socialize during the day with the kids, but also time without them! So, I signed the kids up for a few homeschooling activities and showed up as my messy, goofy self. With a little effort, we were warmly welcomed into the homeschool community. I also had to learn to accept my family’s help, which has given me the time to nurture my friendships without the kids in tow. There’s nothing like a nice dinner out with my bestie, chatting without interruption—it’s the best stress reliever there is!

Having fulfilling friendships is one of the greatest joys of life. While the demands of homeschooling can be intense, they’re much easier to face when we feel supported and loved. When we build and nurture relationships with those around us, we’re happier, healthier, and the best versions of ourselves. If you’re in a season of loneliness, know that there are many ways to connect. Whether it’s joining a local group, planning a weekly family dinner, or reaching out to old friends, taking small steps toward building connections can make a big difference. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and working on your social well-being is an essential part of creating a balanced and joyful life.