Still on the Fence?
Sometimes taking that first step is the hardest. What roadblocks have kept you from making the decision to educate your children at home? Trust that these roadblocks will be removed. Finally, prayerfully, read on. Hopefully, by addressing some of the common homeschooling issues your roadblocks will become pebbles under your feet!
Socialization
Most children who have been educated at home are bright, articulate and capable of interacting with all age groups. While peer pressure is reduced, children are able to interact with others by choice (just like adults). Children have a unique opportunity to be apprenticed by their parents; not only academically, but socially as well.
One thing homeschoolers are good at is questioning preconceived ideas and accepted methodologies. There is one source of Truth. You won't find the term "socialization" there. You will, however, find God's design for families!
Further Reading
- The Best Kind of Socialization
Many homeschoolers recognize that there are two types of socialization: positive and negative. J. Michael Smith, examines both. "The bottom line is that we don’t want our children socialized to become mindless robots for the mass culture and the state, or to develop attitudes, beliefs, and behavior that are not in their best interests. We want our children to practice the Golden Rule, have good manners, respect people with different beliefs, and have strong opinions based upon a Christian worldview that they can articulate with grace." - A Brief Case
for Socialization
"What should we tell our friends, in-laws, parents about SOCIALIZATION?" Dr. Jay Wile of Apologia Educational Ministries answers the question! - The Myth of “Missing Out”
"God has ordained the family to meet every need of a child, including socialization." Article by J. Michael Smith, President, Home School Legal Defense Association. - Researchers Say Socialization No Longer an "Issue"
Facts for those who need them. (Not that we need research to prove what we already know.) - Sheltering Children - Part 1: God's Mandate to Holiness
"Socialism is the attempt to equalize everyone--make everyone alike. But God didn't make us alike. He made each of us, including our children, to be unique...We are not to try to mask our uniqueness beneath a facade of timid conformity. We are to SHINE!" Jonathan Lindvall of Bold Christian Living makes a strong case against being "conformed to this world." - Socialization
"Furthermore, most of their interactions with other children come in situations with very little supervision: recess, restrooms, before school, after school. The Bible tells us that foolishness is wrapped up in the heart of a child (Prov. 22:15) - we don't necessarily want them leading each other. Remember what happens when the blind lead the blind? Proverbs speaks often on the subject of companions, how much influence they have upon us, and how carefully they ought to be chosen (try Prov. 13:20, 18:24, and 28:7 for starters) . We need to help our children choose suitable companions and protect them from the foolish ones, until they are old enough and mature enough to recognize and avoid them on their own." A thoughtful look at many aspects of socialization by Kim C. at Life in a Shoe. - Socialization: Homeschoolers Are in the Real World
Homeschoolers are frequently criticized for sheltering their children from the "real world." Is spending 180 days a year in a classroom environment with forty or so children your exact age the "real world?" Great article by Chris Klicka. - The Truth About... SOCIALIZATION
"I’m sure that all of us, as believing 'home training' families, have all been asked the question many times, 'What about socialization???' Many of our well meaning relations have brought up this subject numerous times and have needed to be reassured with a satisfactory answer for the sake of our beloved children. We have come to the conclusion that the only answer you can give to this question is that socialization is not a term that Christians should even consider or worry about!!!" A thoroughly Christian look at what socialization really means. - What About Socialization
Wonderful article by Fred Worth discussing every aspect of the topic including pointing out the differences between positive and negative socialization. - The Youth Group Question
"Sally Clarkson said in a conference I attended, 'In the absence of Biblical conviction you will go the way of culture.' It is incumbent upon every mom and dad to study the scriptures and decide for themselves the reasoning for any activity they allow their children to participate in...' While this article by Karen Braun specifically addresses the youth group question, its principles can be applied to any other activity our children might pursue.