No matter who many times the socialization question is asked and answered it still comes up. Many homeschoolers have no patience with the question since they have had to defend this aspect of homeschooling so often. It gets to the point that the question is met with a yawn and an air of disrespect for asking such a silly question. Some even get insulted by the question. Yet, many who embark on homeschooling also ask with sincerity as they too wonder if their children will learn social graces and have friends. Will a child be so sheltered that he will not know how to handle sticky situations and be completely devoid of street smarts. The reputation of homeschooled kids is one of being sheltered and asking a step behind. It is so ingrained that my teenage homeschooled daughter said that someone acted “homeschooled”. Worse, I knew exactly what she meant. The child was truly a step behind and seemingly out of touch. Not out of touch with who Lady Gaga is as that is a good thing. Out of touch with social ques and common sense. Yet, is that reputation deserved?
While the stereotype of a homeschooled child is one who is sheltered, a step behind and socially awkward, I am here to say that it does not have to be that way. I am also here to say what of the children in public school that are sheltered, a step behind and socially awkward? What is their excuse?
If you are worried about socialization, let me tell you that is the least of your worries. Children’s need for interaction is not fulfilled by sitting in a classroom for six hours a day. The definition of socialization is: a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position. Is a homeschooled student unable to do that interacting with family, kids on a sports team, homeschool co-op, church, and outside every day activities from shopping to living life?