SOCIALIZATION: THE “S” WORD IN HOMESCHOOLING

One of the most frequently asked questions posed to homeschoolers is: “What about Socialization”?
The “S” question is asked so often one beings to wonder if education is simply a means to socialize ones children.

Apparently, this is what the public thinks. What about college, academics, organization? Is socialization the only concern people have about homeschooling? If we stop long enough from participating in our homeschool activities, Scouts, 4-H, church, homeschool classes, sports, music, dance, theater, volunteer work, book fairs, field trips, group camping trips, mission trips, summer camps, we may climb out from under our rock and ask ourselves, “Yes, what about socialization?” Maybe we should be more active; after all we want our kids to fit into the normal socialization our community desires for us. You know, like everyone that socializes must be of the same age and social status. We must act like everyone else, learn to spit on each other, call each other names, pressure each other to participate in social activities, such as swearing, bullying, smoking, drinking. After all, without public school, how will our kids learn to stand in line? How will they learn to think for themselves or make decisions without a teacher telling them what to think or what to do?

Is this really what socialization is? Are we missing something?

All kidding aside, socialization is a choice. One can be isolated in their home or in a school. Participation in life is important. At times, socializing our homeschool children does require an extra effort on our part. So as you prepare your children for the future, don’t neglect the social needs of your child.

Susan