What about socialization? The dreaded question that most, if not all, homeschooling parents will have to face at one point or the other in their homeschooling journey. Sometimes it’s even the homeschooling parents or prospective homeschooling parents who are asking themselves the question. Homeschooling parents grow concerned that their children are missing out on something, something that only traditional schooling can offer?
The truth is that many schools don’t really offer a great opportunity for socialization. Many schools have cut back (or cut out) recess. For elementary children, some schools do not allow them to even talk at lunch. Often, children of all ages are discouraged from discussions in their classes. So when does the real socialization take place? Generally, it takes place after school or during outside activities.
Homeschool children, on the other hand, are not bound by the traditional school setting. Many have the opportunity to take part in more activities because their schedule is more flexible. In fact, it’s not uncommon to have too many opportunities for social activities. Faced with the question of not having enough social opportunities for their homeschooling children, parents may start seeking out socialization opportunities.
Too much socialization? It’s all too easy to get caught up in the plethora of activities that may be offered to homeschoolers (or anyone) in our area. Depending on where we live, homeschool children may be allowed to play on the school sports team or participate in band, orchestra, art… There are also recreational sports leagues, church sports leagues, and ymca programs. Many times there are opportunities to participate in music, art, dance, and/or theater programs. We can’t forget about any co-ops or homeschool group activities in which we may be involved. When we add in church activities, it’s easy to see how we could spend way more time away from home than at home.
Soon, we begin to wonder if all of those activities are really achieving the goal of socialization. Do we really want lots of socialization (quantity) or do we want to be selective about socialization (quality)?
Selective socialization? There is something to be said about being selective about socialization opportunities. Children learn that they can’t be involved in everything just because they want to be. They are able to focus more on the few activities they do participate in regularly. They are also able to build better friendships with others that are involved with the same programs. When involved in situations that cover all age groups, they are able to learn how to behave around everyone, not just their immediate peer group.
In addition, by being selective about socialization settings, parents can help children to grow in Godly character. Because children can’t (and shouldn’t) avoid all outside influences, selective socialization allows parents to guide their children as they make the best choices about positive activities and good social influences. Children can learn how to pick which programs will help them reach the goals they have set for themselves.
Socialization is a complex issue that will vary from family to family, location to location, and situation to situation. What works one year for socialization may not work the next. The same can be said for different children. Ultimately, each family will have to decide what works best for each member of their family during each season of their homeschooling journey.
Head over to the TOS Homeschool Crew’s Facebook page to see how other homeschoolers answer the question: What About Socialization?
Heather L
I'm proudly married to my best friend, an active duty US Marine. I'm happily taking care of our homestead and our ever growing entourage of animals. I enjoy writing, reading, cooking, crafting, diy projects, and various outdoor activities. It's all about enjoying the journey of life with my family.
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I have heard that they have reduced the recess/social time for the children here in Georgia and I can tell you that my Bradley is gonna be social no matter what, but Britani would be just fine not have to talk to anyone she is so quiet!! To be twins they are so different!! I have heard that Homeschooled children have better social skills that those that attend public schools!! Great post…Love it!! Have a good day! Blessings from Georgia!!
I agree with your post! In most cases, homeschool children are really busy:)Homeschooling offers so many avenues for socialization–and just like public school children can be "too" busy after school and weekends, homeschool children can be easily inundated with too much activity!
This is a neat time period to be a homeschooler. There are so many things they can be a part of and having the internet makes it even easier for parents to know what is available for their children.
As you know, we recently moved, and that has caused me some sadness as we "lost" all our previous connections. But, I know it will not be long before we are plugged in again. I'll be blogging on this topic on my blog on Sunday!
What a thoughtful post! I love it.
Great thoughts…love it! have a blessed day – Holly
"What about socialization?" and isnt it amazing how many times we get asked
I know of one lady in particular who just doesnt get it. No matter how many times I try to explain it to her. She is adamant that B14 must be missing out on having friends. I totally agree that our youngsters are actually getting to know a lot of people of all ages 🙂 Which is after all the way society is.
well written my friend 🙂
Although I never homeschooled our son, your thoughts totally make sense to me. Thank you for sharing. I am sure this will be helpful to parents that are ready to make the jump from public to homeschooling.
I missed this one the other night ~ I think that if you are open and honest and provide a stable environment for the child or children then he/she will become a very well rounded person ~ homeschooled or traditional schooling, children learn by example and I think that your Munchkin is probably a pretty well rounded little girl and wll find her way just fine 🙂
Stopped over from the Carnival of Homeschooling. Enjoyed your post. It amazes me how much emphasis people place on socialization. We are currently traveling and normally the campground managers are older and retired. It blesses me when they remark on my teenagers ability to carry on a conversation with them and maintain eye contact. Ashamed, I'm reminded when I was their age, old people were just old people and no, I often didn't go out of my way to be helpful or carry on a conversation with them. Thankfully, homeschooling has allowed my children to receive proper socialization. Blessings!:)
I'm extremely selective with my children in regards to that as well. 😀
Great post! It seems that when someone can think of no other intelligent argument against homeschooling, they then throw out the socialization issue in a very thoughtless and illogical manner.