If you are home schooling your child you have no doubt heard the question, “But what about his/her need for socialization?” By this we know they mean, “Will the child be able to interact with a variety of people in a positive way? Will he or she learn the rules and behaviors that are acceptable in his particular society?”
Is this something you really need to worry about? Well, of course it is. But…
Understand this one thing. The public schools are a horrible place for your children learn their social skills. Ever hear of “peer pressure”?
These classrooms are filled with other children who are the same age and often the same socioeconomic backgrounds. They are not taught to get along with those who are different. They learn to bully them. And the victims are told to “just ignore it.”
In a home school situation the bullies would be required to stop their ‘wrong’ behavior. And the victims are taught to ‘forgive.’
If your school has police officers roaming the halls, it is not because the children are learning to love each other. It’s because there is crime going on in the schools. Do you want your children learning their social skills from criminals? Do you really think you cannot do a better job?
Another thing to think about is this: Ever since your child was born you have been developing a bond with him/her. Then he turns five and you send him off to school. You lose precious and valuable time for building a relationship with your child. Homeschooling parents can continue building these bonds for many years.
You may not have thought about it but public schools are a recent development. Not many generations ago, children did not go to public schools and they were socialized just fine. You say things are different now. Not really. The family is still the basic unit of any society. When families fall apart so does the society. Make sure yours remains strong.
So how do you teach your children social skills?
Relax. Your children will learn social skills no matter where they are. The question is what kind? Unlike publicly educated children, home schooled children have mostly adults to teach them their social skills. And since these adults are usually family, they are more concerned that their children learn the right behaviors.
Think about it this way. Would you teach your child table manners by putting them in a school cafeteria with dozens of other kids their own age? Can you say “food fight!”? By the same token, why would you think they’d learn proper socialization skills from their peers? The light finally came on, didn’t it?
Children in public schools are put in classrooms where they are expected to conform. No freedom to be oneself. It is a well known fact that children are influenced by peer pressure. When children are worried about what others think, they are not free to discover their own interest and talents. In the home school environment children can set and pursue their own goals, with a little guidance from the parents.
Studies have shown that home schooled children function socially at or above that of their publicly schooled peers. Why should this be surprising? They have better examples.
And there are many activities they can be involved in to give them exposure to a wide variety of people. Things like Scouting or 4-H groups, music or swimming lessons.
Art museums offer classes where they can explore their creativity. Zoos have classes for them to learn about the wildlife in other countries.
Most communities have support groups which offer field trips and park days where children can relate to others their own age. These groups are also good places for parents
to share ideas about what works in their homeschool. There are many ways to give your child positive experiences that will help them grow into responsible adults.
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Back to School
By: YeddaYogi | 16-07-2008
Does anyone have any great back to school ideas, tips, preparation ideas or anything that they do in their families specifically for getting grade school kids ready to go back to school?
Looking for available resources for referral purposes particularly for caregivers, homebound, end of life issues, etc.
By: Katheryn rodgers | 09-07-2008
is there a compiled list of available services available to mature/senior adults that can be used by a newly formed mature adults ministry group within a catholic parish in St. Charles Co.
Home Schooling that failed
By: Lydia | 08-07-2008
I have just received custody of my child who was supposed to be home schooled by his mother. Had him tested and found that at 13 he is only at a 2nd and 3rd grade level. Is this a reportable crime? Are there laws to protect a child from this kind of neglect? How do I put him in school since he is so far behind? Also his social skills are way below what they should be. No friends, very isolated etc. How can I correct this.
Trip with parents an excused absence?
By: TinaEaton | 01-07-2008
can you take children out of school for a trip? will it be an excused absence if you get all their assignments and they do them while they are gone? My husband and I want to take ours on a cruise with us this year, but the dates are October 20th through the 24th, so they would be gone from school that Monday through Friday.
What are your best college-savings plans?
By: Adier | 13-06-2008
What are your best college-savings plans? share it
SAT scores online
By: bugaboo | 22-05-2008
Where can I find my SAT scores online?Can anyone in my class see my score?
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