Because the children are not in a regular school, one of the key aspects missing from their lives is recess. Children, whether in kindergarten or high school, have an opportunity to go outside at some point during the day, either for exercise, relaxation or meals. Getting your children outdoors for a little while every day during their studies is important. Take a walk around the block, enjoy the yard and play games or drive to the local park and relax. The important thing is to get fresh air and be in tune with the outside world in some way. Moreover, it's a chance for communication and social interaction, if you are doing an activity such as walking to a local grocery store for a snack.
Your local church, if you go, has a ton of weekly or even biweekly activities, from ice cream socials to bake sales and festivals. Besides the weekly worship services, there are several opportunities for your child to get social while helping with good causes. Start by speaking to the pastor, minster or church official and find out how your child can get involved. This also might be a great chance to start a church activity of your own by bringing other homeschooled children together as a group for activities and events.
Your city or town is bound to have a local 4-H Club, Boys and Girls Clubs of America or Boy or Girl Scouts clubs. These organizations have a long, established history of bringing children together as a group and teaching them the basic skills for social awareness, friendship and teamwork through fun activities and hard work. Contact any of these chapters in your area to find out about registration details and important upcoming dates for events. These clubs sponsor activities, such as camps, car washes and hospice shut-in care, and many more community-oriented programs.
Amazing as it might sound, your local school district doesn't really mind if you homeschool your own children, as long as they are registered with the school district. Once they are, several doors open up for your child to interact and socialize with others. They can try out for sports programs, such as football, basketball and baseball, or become involved in other extracurricular activities, such as theater, civics, music and field trips.
Children are the future, whether they spend their days under the care of hundreds of teachers or just one. It's important that children are brought up not only knowing the three Rs but also having the social skills that will stay with them all their lives. Building your children's self-esteem, self-awareness and confidence while interacting with others is the greatest gift they can receive from you.