Before figuring out how to prevent emotional issues related to homeschooling, you should figure out the triggers first. Do your children have difficulty in large groups? If so, pare down the size of the social interactions participated in. Are your children easily influenced by peer pressure and inappropriate social situations? This is normal in school environments, so expect it to happen in homeschool social situations as well. This type of pressure will, of course, lead to emotional problems that cannot be addressed by the administration because parents handle the homeschool situation. Be aware of who is providing the most negative influences, and limit their social time together based on these observations.
Emotional problems are easily remedied when students are surrounded by others working toward the same goals. Not only can these children work together to study, participate in field trips, volunteer their time, and other social activities, they can also talk about what is bothering them about their homeschool programs. There will be on-going issues because nothing is perfect, so it is important that students have an opportunity for peer communication that will not be met with adult disapproval or judgments. Fostering these relationships is also important in the long run, as well as to students entering into difficult subjects and challenges with testing.
Helping homeschooled students understand that they are not misfits, social outcasts, or problem children is a challenge. Once these ideas enter into their minds, it is difficult to prevent emotional problems from developing. It is not impossible, though, with some effort. Each time students reveal these negative social stigmas, you should meet each claim with a positive affirmation. The more positive their peers are, the better students will believe that they are not different and there is nothing wrong with them. These types of confidence builders will trickle into their academics as well, and the more positive reinforcement they receive, the better they will do consistently.
Why a family chooses to homeschool is a decision as complex as concerns surrounding school safety or religions or cultures or as simple as the need to work on their own schedules or curricula. No matter what the reason is behind the decision, it must be actively communicated. Emotional problems arise when students feel they are being forced into a situation they do not want to be in or do not agree with. Through active communication, a better understanding is developed, thus leading to fewer emotional problems. While students may not always want to be homeschooled, agree with the homeschool decision, or like the curriculum they face, it becomes less of an issue when they have a firm understanding regarding why these decisions have come to fruition.
If all options have been exhausted and homeschooling students are still facing emotional problems, consider seeking outside resources. This could be in the way of a homeschool support group (see resource link below), library-reading groups, a counselor, or an Internet support group (see resource link below). Talk about what is happening on an individual basis, encourage students to discuss what is on their minds, and discuss what is happening in groups of several other homeschoolers. Engaging in this type of conversation will help students understand that they are not alone.