Hey Reader,
If you’ve ever wished you had a local co-op — but your kids just aren’t that excited about it — you’re not alone.
A mom in my membership group was struggling with that exact thing.
The co-ops she tried had a “No Electronics” rule, and her kids just couldn’t find their people. They wanted to connect — just not in that way.
It reminded me of one of our Live Membership Get-Togethers a few years back in Houston:
We had everything — a pool, restaurant, comfy lobby — but the younger teens and tweens weren’t clicking.
So we said, “Go grab your electronics and meet us on the patio.”
It was GLORIOUS.
Suddenly kids were side by side, showing off their builds, sharing hacks, asking questions, laughing together.
Real friendships were forged that afternoon — because we stopped trying to pull them away from what they loved and instead helped them build community around it.
That moment got me thinking - how could more families connect through play? Are there gaming clubs out there? So I asked my techie friends and Alex Cook — a grown unschooler and lifelong gameschooler — whipped up guest post for all of us!
He wrote a step-by-step guide to starting your own Gaming Club — whether that’s at a library, a coffee shop, online, or right in your living room. It doesn't have to be electronics-centered, but they can be part of the buffet.
If your kids love Minecraft, D&D, or board games, this post will help you create connection, confidence, and belonging — all through play.
Maybe the best “co-op” for your family doesn’t look traditional at all — and that’s perfectly okay.
Sometimes the best learning (and friendships) happen right where your kids already are! 💛
P.S.
If this topic hits home — kids, tech, connection — I have two resources you’ll love:
🎮 The Unschooling Guide: Technology — helps you reframe screen time as connection time (not conflict time), unpack your fears, and offers practical solutions to tough situations. Show me!
💬 The Creating Confidence Membership — packed with resources to help you navigate your child’s love of technology (including a 30-Day Technology Challenge!) and connect with other parents who get it — no judgment, just support and ideas that really work. Special Option for Email Subscribers