Question about Homeschooling and Socialization
by L.
The concern I have is lack of friendship. We live out in the country where there isn't really any children for my kids to get to know.. I worry about once they enter the work world someday how this will affect them after being sheltered at home. It could be a rude awakening, but this last school yr has really bothered me/ the lack of interest I seen in the teachers/peer pressure.. Etc. I am torn up on what to do, mainly scared taking that step..  Thanks for the question. Wow - that is a massive jump from 'there are no playmates near' to 'they won't be able to function in the workplace'!! I am not surprised you are feeling nervous. You know, spending 6 hours in a classroom with a bunch of other children doesn't make for friendships. It is a very artificial environment and one that I think does not prepare children well for the workplace. Plus, I just don't think that you would let that happen. If they really regress and lose all their social skills - my guess is you would take charge and do something about it - even if that means sending them back to school. I honestly think the socialization thing is a red-herring. I have ranted before about homeschooling and socialization. YOU live out in the country and yet I am sure you could still take a job. I bet you don't need to be with your friends all day for 5 days a week. Children are no different to adults really. Some of them thrive in big groups and constant socialization. Others prefer a quieter life with occasional visits to close friends. Your job as a homeschooling mom would be to try to meet their needs as best you can. Make the effort to join a homeschool group (even if you can only travel there once a month or so). Try some clubs and activities you think your children would like. In some ways, even just going about your day to day activities will give your children a broader opportunity to socialize with all sorts of people in real environments. My children have never been keen on clubs or groups. We see friends occasionally. Yes, I would say they are a bit shy and uncomfortable at first in a large group of children. But they are comfortable talking to adults, they aren't afraid to be themselves, and not afraid to take the initiative. I think their future employer will be lucky to have them (LOL! Proud Mom??) Deciding to homeschool is a big decision and you are doing exactly the right thing in taking homeschooling and socialization seriously (and doing some worrying!). But it isn't an irreversible decision. You are not likely to completely ruin your children's lives in one term, or even one year. If you think it is the right thing to do, why not try it and see how you all get on?
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