Homeschooling and Socialization - Is it an Issue?

Probably the most often asked question of homeschoolers is "What about socialization?" People who don't homeschool have an image that homeschooled children become hermits and don't interact or talk to anyone for the entire day. Parents who homeschool usually roll their eyes at any comments about socialization because they know that their children get plenty of social interaction.

Here are some common answers to the question of socialization and homeschooling:

1. Homeschool children have been and continue to socialize with many people all day long. The have been interacting with their parents and siblings since they have been born. They continue to interact with parents and siblings which can sometimes be the most challenging social interactions people can encounter. They say that if you can get along with your family, you can get along with anyone.

2. The socialization that takes place in schools is not necessarily positive. That is one reason that many parents homeschool in the first place. The school environment forces students to interact mainly with people of their own age. Homeschoolers are able to interact with people in many different age groups.

3. Most homeschool parents provide their children with many opportunities for social interaction outside the home. They can participate in homeschool support groups, scouting, special classes at museums, church activities, ballet classes, swim lessons, drama classes, etc.

4. Homeschool children tend to have fewer behavior problems and develop the skills they need to function in society at the same rate that public school children do.

School is not the only place you can meet people. Put your fears aside. Most homeschool children I have met are very easy to talk to and can carry on a conversation with people of all ages.

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Heidi Johnson specializes in helping families find resources to simplify and improve their lives.