Where there is a conversation concerning homeschooling, the question of socialization invariably comes up. Many people express concern over homeschooled children receiving the proper socialization of their traditional-schooled counterparts. However, socialization is often near the heart for many families who homeschool.
What is socialization? In our last article, Socialization at Home, we listed three different variations on the definition of the word. For many, it means the ability to enter in and participate with society in a productive way.
Those concerned with the socialization of the homeschool child fail to realize that most homeschoolers are more connected to the world than they would be in a traditional school. Their social group includes not only their peers, but often includes the elderly, adults, and children of all ages. Homeschooling families often make a point to involve their children in activities, outreach and charity, and playtime.
Socialization is an important issue in homeschooling. Care needs to be taken that homeschooled children have enough interaction with people of varying ages, including their own. However, homeschool is a much better "microcosim of the world" than the traditional school setting.
Carol, a homeschooling mother of five, had this to say:
"I think that homeschooled children are more comfortable relating to a range of people of different ages and backgrounds than their traditional-schooled peers. Generally, I think they are more respectful towards adults. I also think that in general theyhave a more diverse exposure to interests outside what is considered typical for their age group. I think this is because they have time to pursue more hobbies (which I consider to be a huge benefit of homeschooling), they have friends of various ages, and they do not get the negative feedback from peers(that something is not cool to be interested in). I think that socialization is a strong reason to homeschool."
Another homeschooling mother, Rosa, adds: " My children interact well with both adults and children not only their age but younger and older than them. They have learned to be patient with younger children and even with adults who seem to chastize them because their parents care for their education and to give them a chance to mature into an age of discernment without the pressures of "society". "
Christine Alcott - Christine is an active homeschooling mother of 4 boys in Texas. She holds a BS in Mental Health and Human Services and a MTS in Theology ...
