What about socialization?
This is the question you hear the most when you’re a homeschool parent. And if you’re not a homeschool parent yet, but you’re thinking about it, it’s definitely at the top of your list to ask.
But don’t worry about it!
Both of my kids went to a great public school from kindergarten through the third and fourth grades. It took me a good 7 months of solid research, stress, prayers, a pro/con list, and questions before we made the decision to homeschool. Socialization was pretty high on the ‘con’ list.
If I’d have only known then what I know now, we would have started homeschooling sooner.
Now that we have been homeschooling for several years, socialization isn’t even on the radar. It’s not something we worry about.
Outgoing or Shy – Which One Are You?
When you think about socialization, do you think about kids you’ve met who are very outgoing and talkative? The ones who are quiet and can’t seem to hold a conversation? The ones who are polite and talk about topics much older than they seem ready for? The ones who only talk about video games and cartoon characters even though they are practically teenagers?
All of these scenarios can be found in homeschoolers as well as public school students. The fact is, the way we act in a social setting has a lot to do with our individual character as well as manners taught at home. A homeschooled student is no more likely to be a shy, quiet introvert than a public school student. They were born that way and will be that way no matter their school situations.
I am that shy, quiet introvert and I’ve been that way my entire life. I went to public school from kindergarten through graduation and then a few years of college. I almost never spoke to anyone unless they started the conversation. My daughter is the same way, but she’s been this way since before she ever started school. My son is the opposite. The kid can talk to anyone about anything, regardless of age, topic or situation. He’s been this way since before he started school.
Aren’t Homeschool Kids Weird?
Well, I don’t know about you, but I’ve fit right into that weird category my entire life, and I am a product of public school. Some kids are weird. Some aren’t. We are all weird in our own ways and being homeschooled has nothing to do with it.
Sure, kids who are homeschooled may not be up on the latest clothing or gaming trends and may not understand the latest fads going around schools. But honestly, who cares about that stuff? As adults, we know those things don’t matter after school ends. And in a lot of cases, the kids are better off not knowing those things.
Who Should Your Kids Look Up To?
Another aspect of socialization some don’t consider: Who do you want your kids to look up to for communication behavior – you or 300 other immature kids their own age in a public school setting?
Peers their own age aren’t exactly teaching your kids manners, how to be respectful or how to communicate with people of other ages.
Speaking of socialization at school, most teachers these days are stressed to the max and need the students to be quiet and pay attention. There is no talking or conversations going on in class. Even the lunch rooms are monitored and students are to eat in silence quickly so the next group can come in for their lunch period. The only socializing going on is at recess, and we all know how that can go.
One thing we do with out kids is talk about situations and how to interact. We may use an example of something we’ve observed and use it as a lesson on what to do or what not to do. We talk things through with our kids and get their take on what they’d do in that situation. It’s a learning experience for them and for us.
Still Worried About Socializing your Homeschooler?
Unless you plan to homeschool your kids and never leave your home again, they will be able to interact with society. Rethink your weekly routine: you probably go to the grocery store, the bank, the park, retail stores, a mechanic shop, dance classes, baseball, the movies, and many other places occupied by people. These are all social learning experiences for your kids. They will get to interact with many different people in a variety of situations. This is more socialization than they’d get in a public school classroom.
How Do Homeschool Students Make Friends?
Are you genuinely worried that your child won’t be able to interact with students their age? There are lots of ways for homeschooled students to socialize with others their age. Homeschool co-ops are a great way for your kids to interact with their peers and get a little taste of a classroom setting outside of your home.
If you ask around in your community about homeschool co-ops, you’ll probably be surprised at how many there actually are. If you live in an area where there isn’t a co-op yet, start your own! It doesn’t have to be super formal. All you need is a group of kids, a few volunteer parents to lead a class and a building to hold the classes. We’ve gone to co-ops who have classes like science and history, while others hold classes like Lego building, science experiments, art, and more fun stuff.
Your kids can also join the local 4H club (it’s not just for public schools), join recreational sports teams, take dance/music/riding/swimming lessons, or any other type of lessons they are interested in. All of these activities are learning and socializing moments for your homeschool student.
Things to do for social interaction:
- Join a co-op
- Join a club
- Check community calendars for events
- Frequent the public library – they also have weekly and monthly events for kids
- Visit the park on a regular basis while it’s busy – maybe set up play dates with kids your kids meet and like
- Participate in a sport – either through the rec center or a local organization
- Check programs at local museums, zoos, and other educational centers
- Family – don’t discount family gatherings as socialization opportunities
So don’t worry, stress less, and jump into homeschooling without worrying about socialization.
Are you concerned with socialization? If you already homeschool, have you gotten this question?
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