I am homeschooling because I want my kids socialized. That was the only answer I could think of to tell the lady in the checkout line at the store. Hopefully, that would nip in the bud any further questioning of the new lifestyle my husband and I had embraced.
I got so tired of answering the same type of question: “Uhmm, are they going to be with other children their same age? “ Soon after that question would follow the dreaded S-word (socialization).
It was a classic moment to see the expression on their face change as they are not sure what to say next.
All of the so well-thought out reasons for homeschooling like building character, teaching from a Biblical view, and rigorous academics just didn’t come to mind right at that moment.
Are We Over Protecting Our Children When Homeschooling?
When you start to homeschool, it is a genuine concern of a lot of new homeschoolers to worry about socialization.
It is okay to fear that your children will not learn social graces.
As seasoned homeschoolers, we are quick to jumping and defending that issue, but what we don’t realize is that it is a valid concern of a lot of new homeschoolers.
Be sure to grab my book, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin.
My answer above really was the truth when a lady asked me at the grocery store check out line.
I do homeschool because I want my sons socialized.
After researching and feeling better about it, my husband and I realized that somebody will influence our children.
Why shouldn’t it be people who care for and love them? Why should it be peers who may not influence them in the direction we want our sons to go?
It just made sense to me that learning should be natural out among people and not in a nook somewhere caged by four walls.
Peers vs. Parental Influence. Is It a Match?
Too, what is wrong with inflicting our will and our view on our children?
My mother who homeschooled my youngest sister in the 80’s says to this day that anybody can be a product of cultural warping.
Wow, what a true statement, I thought.
Too, it is kind of an oxymoron to me.
Part of the definition of socialization includes giving the individual skills and habits to participate in society. Who is going to teach that to my sons, another 6 year old?
Later, if a child doesn’t turn out to be a productive part of society, folks look back at their parents, not the peers. Who is looking insane then?
As a parent, I want my sons independent, self-learners and not dependent on peer pressure for acceptance.
Soon you learn too that with all the activities available to homeschoolers now, we get more socialization with a variety of other people, children and adults alike, than we ever would have had we been in public school. Why?
Because we ARE in the real world everyday mingling around in it and living life.
When you are asked why you are homeschooling, what is your answer?
You’ll love these other tips:
- Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination?
- How Do I Socialize My Homeschooled Kids? Are We Really Talking About this AGAIN?
- Homeschool Co-op: The 5 BIG Questions You Need to Ask (before you join)
Hugs and love ya,
[…] I am Homeschooling Because I Want My Kids Socialized That was the only answer I could think of to tell the lady in the checkout line at the store. Hopefully, that would nip in the bud any further questioning of the new lifestyle my husband and I had embraced. […]