The Power of Community: 3 Gifts It Brings to Our Family and Our Only Child

Lisa Renea Shaw — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:58:32 GMT

When I stop to think about all the roles I carry out in my daily life (wife, mom, homeschooler, christian, aspiring author, language teacher, etc), I realize that feeling a sense of community and belonging has a silent yet major impact on the way our everyday lives play out. I enjoy homeschooling because it gives us freedom, flexibility, and the gift of time together—but it also means I have to be intentional about building meaningful connections outside our home, especially for our only child.

Community isn’t just a “nice to have” for us—it’s essential. It celebrates with us when a new and exciting adventure is on the horizon and builds us up when life becomes challenging. It enriches our lives in the area of faith, learning and overall well-being. I don't know about you, but when I say essential, for me it means that having and truly belonging to a community has to be a top priority when considering educational options and social engagement for my family.

Here are three key reasons I believe being in community matters so much—for kids, for parents, and especially for those of us walking this path a little more solo.

Acceptance: A Place Where We Belong

One of the most powerful things a community can offer is the gift of acceptance—being known and loved as we are. A child who learns that they don't have to change who they are to be welcomed, is a child who is strong, confidence and kind to others. Our growing child is an only child who is energetic, loves spending time with people and is super excited about having friends who are kind, good listeners and love to play the games he plays. It's a truly special experience when he walks into a room and is greeted warmly and by his name.

As a parent, that acceptance extends to me, too. Entering the homeschooling world can feel isolating or different because most of us who are homeschooling are not entering in with our own established friend groups. We are charting our own courses. Many adults themselves struggle with acceptance and feeling welcomed within a new community, but I believe that a community becomes lovingly powerful when it is able to accomplish the task of making people feel seen and valued for their God-given gifts and personalities. A strong, loving community reminds us that we’re not walking this road alone—and we don’t have to have it all figured out to be a part.

Expression: A Space to Be Heard

Community gives our child, (and us), a stage—sometimes literally!—to express who he is and what he is learning. Whether it’s reading a story during homeschool group, participating in a Bible verse memory challenge, or just talking about a new bug he found in the backyard, these spaces give our son room to express his thoughts and ideas to others.

For an only child, this is vital. At home, there aren’t siblings to bounce ideas off or interrupt during play. Community fills in that social practice naturally—giving him real-life moments to learn how to speak, listen, negotiate, and share his heart. And for me as a writer, seeing the power of self-expression at work reminds me why I write children’s books in the first place—to help kids find their voice.

Confidence: A Safe Place to Grow

When children are accepted and given space to express themselves, confidence blooms. I’ve seen it in my own child—the way his shoulders lift a little when a friend laughs at his joke, or when he gets to help a younger child with a craft. Community provides low-risk, high-love environments where kids can try new things and grow their courage.

As a family, this kind of encouragement is gold. It affirms the work we’re doing at home and gives it a context outside our walls. It shows our child that his gifts and personality aren’t just for “us”—they’re for the world. And as a homeschool mom, it builds my confidence too. I get to learn from others, be encouraged, and share in the joy of doing life alongside like-minded families.

Why It Matters So Much to Us

Having an only child means community isn’t just an extra—it’s vital. It helps prevent loneliness, nurtures healthy independence, and gives our child a broader family of faith-filled friends and role models. It also strengthens our parenting and reminds us that we’re never meant to walk this journey alone.

Jesus modeled community so beautifully—surrounding Himself with people, sharing meals, stories, prayers, and purpose. That’s what I want for our family, too. A circle of love where we are accepted, free to express ourselves, and built up in confidence to live boldly for Christ.

So if you’re a homeschool, public or private school parent—especially one raising an only child—I encourage you to pursue community, even when it feels inconvenient or out of your comfort zone. Having understood belonging on a deeper level and how it impacts my daily life as a homeschooler, it can only be described as a gift - to be received and shared with an immense amount of gratitude and love.

With grace,

Lisa

Lisa’s Journey of Purpose and Passion

Lisa Renea Shaw — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 11:48:01 GMT

When I founded My Other Tongue Language School, I wasn’t just launching a language school— I was intent on creating a bridge. A bridge between cultures, between generations, and between parents and children learning side by side. MOT virtual language programs have helped families across the country connect through Spanish and English, all from the comfort of home.

But my story doesn’t stop at verbs and vocabulary.

As a mom of a curious and highly intelligent child, I saw firsthand how traditional classrooms often fall short of nurturing exceptional minds. After experimenting with a few educational models, I am making the bold leap into full-time homeschooling. The result? A learning environment where my child can thrive—exploring advanced topics, diving into creative projects, and growing in confidence. Homeschooling gives my family the flexibility to honor their rhythms, their interests, and their faith.

Now, I am channeling that same heart into a new creative venture: a children’s book series called Liam's Faith Adventures. These stories are more than just bedtime tales—they’re spiritual seeds. Each book invites young readers to see God’s hand in their daily lives, from playground dilemmas to family changes. With warmth, humor, and biblical truth, this children's series helps kids build a faith that’s real, resilient, and rooted in love.

So whether you’re here to learn a new language, explore homeschooling, or grow your child’s faith—welcome into this space.

My Other Tongue, LLC blog

The Power of Community: 3 Gifts It Brings to Our Family and Our Only Child

Lisa’s Journey of Purpose and Passion