What About Socialization?

What about Socialization?

Socialization is the homeschooling “s” word. It is based on a concern that unless children attend classes all day with their peers, they will lack social skills and be forever awkward in society. It's complete hogwash. Nonsense. Studies have shown that homeschooled students are able to relate well to all ages-their peers and adults, too. Homeschooled students participate in sports, hobbies, and clubs. They go to church, Boy Scouts, and co-ops, and usually spend more time serving their community than their public school counterparts. Many families say that they have to limit their kids non-academic activities because there are too many opportunities available for them. And actually, socialization isn't even the right term. “Socialization” means “learning the customs, attitudes, and values of a social group or culture,” according to dictionary.com. Homeschoolers tend to believe that parents and other adults are better equipped to teach what is appropriate in society. After all, who is better equipped to influence a third grader, his mom and dad, or 30 other third graders? More often, there is a concern about homeschoolers not socializing or spending time with other non-family human beings. This misconception may have come from the time when homeschooling wasn't established as legal and homeschooling parents could face going to jail. Back then, homeschoolers maybe had to keep to themselves, and didn't venture out much from their safe four walls. But, folks, this isn't the 70's or even the 80's. Now, homeschooling isn't seen as quite so unusual, and homeschoolers do plenty of socializing. If you are having a hard time convincing concerned family members, direct them to the RCH website (www.rustonch.com) where, under Publications, we have several great, fact-filled articles about homeschooling.