So much focus is placed on the negative aspects of allowing our children online that many parents don’t take the time to consider that there are benefits as well. The wonderful folks at SchwabLearning.Org posted this informative article that points out many of the positives to be gained.

As the mother of a homeschooled tween & teen, I realized early a few of the benefits of online networking for myself. Through blogging, I have found many like-minded homeschooling parents who have become true friends, despite living all over the country. This phenomenna has helped me tremendously, knowing that I have a community for support and resources with which to share my days.

Children do not thrive in a vacuum either, and social interaction is an aspect of their life that is generally dominated by adults, as we are usually their mode of transportation or acting in some capacity as coach, teacher, leader. Homeschoolers can, despite all our efforts, feel a bit isolated at times.

We decided that we would give online networking a chance. After very in depth discussion of information sharing, privacy, and online predators, I trusted my children to start slowly in some online gaming communities. We started with Puzzle Pirates, as it has language content controls. The kids quickly found online friends and joined a “crew” , playing games together and trading together. They practiced teamwork and their typing skills improved dramatically!

Soon they had online buddies that referred them to other games, which we always researched together. My daughter’s current favorite has animal characters and she and her friends create adventures based on Erin Hunter’s “Warrior” series of cat clans. My son is playing a more traditional game with medieval quests and sword fighting.

They are able to socialize with folks that despite geographic distance share their interests. The can define their personalities and social skills without peer pressure. They are strong enough in character to reconize someone who is unkind, and learn how to deal with that person in a safe situation. ONline networking has been really filled a need for them in a positive way.