Home Schooling And Socialization

One of the major concerns that is discussed regarding home schooling is the perception that socialization is a problem for home schooled children. Socialization is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language as "the process of learning interpersonal and interactional skills that are in conformity with the values of one's society" (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company). That is exactly why most home schooling parents decide to home school their children - to have greater control over the skills and values that their children learn. They feel that they are better equipped to provide this foundation than an unknown teacher and a classroom full of school age children. The real issue that is being raised is the assumption that the home schooled child will not get enough opportunities to interact with others, especially other children.

Home schooled children typically have many opportunities to interact with others through planned activities, such as field trips, and shared activities with other home schooled children, all of which make up a part of their education. In addition, home schooled children typically take part in all of the "normal" community activities such as scouts, sports, theater, and music. Unlike the child who goes to a traditional school, the home schooled child does not spend the majority of their time only with children of the same age. Because of this, they tend to develop more of a comfort level dealing with people of different ages, including adults.

The most important thing to remember is that the home schooling parent sets the schedule and plans the activities that make up their child's education and leisure. The opportunity to socialize with others is in the hands of the home schooling parent. If the child is not getting enough social interaction with others, the parent can structure more extra-curricular activities for their child.