#TeamMom: The Homeschoolers

As Expo Mom celebrates its tenth year, the longest running event of its kind pays tribute to #TeamMoms that have served as a lifeline for mothers all over the Philippines. Here, meet three mommas from Bacolod who share the common objective of homeschooling their children.
Homeschooling has started to become an increasingly popular option among parents who want to be more directly involved in their children’s education. However, it doesn’t mean that homeschooling has become any easier for them, especially those who are just starting out.

Fortunately for families residing in Bacolod, there is a group of homeschooling mommas who are more than happy to support their journey.

The Bacolod Homeschoolers Network is a non-profit organization of families who are already homeschooling their children or are planning to start their homeschooling program. Founded by Maria Sigrid Dugeno-Lo, it aims to facilitate extracurricular activities for homeschooled children as well as provide information for families interested in homeschooling their kids in Bacolod.

Sigrid says, “I started Bacolod Homeschoolers Network in order to network with other homeschooling families in Bacolod and also so that we can hold monthly activities where our kids can learn and also so that we parents can talk about our journey. I found that networking with other moms gives us more ideas on how to homeschool our children.”

More than an avenue for networking, however, it has become a valuable support group for homeshooling mommas. Sigrid explains, “We live in a society where homeschooling is not yet a very popular option. Sometimes, it can get tiring answering questions and sometimes ‘defending’ our choice when we have to. It is nice to have a group whose members made the same choices as you. When you meet, you are encouraging each other, sharing praise reports, and comparing notes and struggles. Also, it widened our kids’ network of friends as well. The moms hit it off and our kids do, too.”

Having a #TeamMom behind their efforts at educating their children has certainly helped Sigrid and her fellow homeschooling mommas, Laksmi Flores and Tracy Divinagracia.

“My family moved to Bacolod last December,” says Tracy.

“Even before our move, I already got in touch with Sigrid and my other Bacolod homeschoolers, and asked how we can join their activities. That’s how important a support group is for us homeschooling families.”

Laksmi says, “Our family has moved twice in the past two years and being able to adjust easily in a new environment because there are #TeamMoms to receive and welcome us like old friends has been a great help and blessing. Homeschooling is tough and at times overwhelming. I am inspired by moms who take on this challenge year after year. They overcome struggles and come out strong and ready for the next phase.”

With a #TeamMom behind them, moving to Bacolod became easier for Tracy and Laksmi.

“You have a go-to group that can give the right encouragement, support, and guidance that a mom needs in growing a family. In relation to our homeschool lifestyle, it also opened social opportunities for me and my children to have friends who share the same ideals and convictions out family believes in,” says Laksmi.

Tracy adds, “Your #TeamMom gives you assurance that someone will be there to support you when you have doubts about the path you’ve chosen. They also give invaluable feedback when you have questions about where you are on your journey. In our case, homeschooling is not the usual route that people take in educating their children. Having a support group makes me feel secure knowing that there are other moms I can turn to when I need help.”

“In my case, I am inspired to become more patient because some of our ka-team are really patient moms,” says Sigrid.

“I am also inspired because they are supportive of our campaign to make homeschooling known in Bacolod. We have a hashtag #homeschoolinginBacolod and we have a Facebook fan page. Because of the responses we are getting, I am inspired to keep doing this, to keep organizing non-profit activities to keep the group growing and our children learning. They may not have classmates, but they have homeschoolmates.”

Every mom has a #TeamMom cheering her on. Share your #TeamMom story on social media. Join Expo Mom #TeamMom as it goes on a nationwide roadshow starting off at Ayala Center Cebu on June 17, 2017, and then moving on the week after to The District North Point in Negros on June 24, 2017. Bring your #TeamMom along and connect with other Team Moms.

Join the Mommy Mundo #TeamMom Grand Giveaway!

Go #TeamMom!