Homeschooling

Please stop worrying about socialization

My kids are homeschooled, which I think I’ve mentioned a time or two, but I’m still having people tell me how important socialization is for my children. What I’d like to know is why on earth do I want my children to act like the other kids in a public school setting? That’s what socialization does, it shapes you so that you’ll act like the people around you. Excuse me, I don’t want my sons to act like the children I’ve seen from some of the public schools around me. I’d much rather that they are able to carry on a conversation with an adult (while I’m present) then to have them able to converse with a child their age. I want them to know that they can be social – friendly, caring, verbally receptive – to people of all ages. So please, stop worrying about the socialization of my children. I think they’re doing just fine, thank you very much.

I’m sorry if I seem a little upset, I’m just tired of hearing the reasons why I shouldn’t homeschool – and the very first one is always “socialization.” Please, don’t worry, my children go to church and Bible study with other children, we visit friends that have children, we visit family that have children, we go on field trips. How much more social do they need to be?! I do believe my children are more social, and sociable, than I was at their ages, and I just wish people would drop the subject. It’s a moot point, and one I’m tired of discussing.