My mother is home-schooling my younger sister. My sister is thirteen. She is sixteen years younger than me (I have a son who is almost her age.) My concern is that my sister is missing out on some of the social skills that she would gain if she were in public school. She is a nice girl but seems shy and withdrawn around people outside the immediate family. Compared with my son, she seems more advanced academically, but more socially and emotionally immature, if that makes any sense. I worry about what will happen to her in college, or after she's out from beneath my mother's wing. Does anyone know of any groups she might join extracarricularly to help her extend herself and meet new people? I think of her more as a daughter than a sister, and I want her to grow up to be a happy, successful, well-adjusted adult, but I don't want to be too nosy or interfering. Sincerely, Ivy

[lucyjoy]

A lot of the sports and cheerleading are done in the community rather then the school. the school district you live in could probably tell you where. Also, she would be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at the public school of the district she lives in. There are church groups that have youth meetings and some areas have homeschool networks that get together so the kids can socialize and participate in extra activities. There are also a lot of summer camps she could attend.

My 13 year old son asked to be home schooled this year. He was bored and felt he wasn't learning anything. He has lots of friends in the neighborhood and has continued contact with his friends from school.

Homeschooling is becoming more popular and she will probably fit in fine when she gets to college.