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As if single mother’s don’t have enough to worry about while raising their children, well-wishers want to give their opinions about your decision to homeschool. Sometimes, not so nicely. Do they really think that we do not take all of their questions into consideration before we begin to homeschool? Hmmm… The question that I hear the most is not about academics, but rather socialization. People honestly believe that, if a child is not ‘in school’ they are not ’socializing’. I promise, your child will have plenty of opportunity for socialization. In all honesty, I would rather my child be socialized outside of a public or private school setting than inside. First, your child is socialized at home. They learn to interact with their immediate family first, then their extended families and their familie’s closest friends. When they are a little older, they learn to interact with their close neighbors, cashiers, the postman, the librarian, waiters, repairmen and many other people. As a matter-of-fact, children have more opportunities to socialize with adults when they are not sitting in a classroom all day. Not just with teachers, but with people of all walks of life. As they grow older, they will be more comfortable and respectful of the adults around them. In other words, they are learning to behave the way that we want them to behave as adults. A very desirable goal for many parents. Now, this does not mean that your child will not get to hang out with other children. On the contrary, they will have ample time to play with people their own ages, if they choose. Children first learn to interact with their siblings, if they have them. They then move on to learning to interact with cousins and the children of close family friends. Supervising this interaction, and teaching children what we expect of them behaviour wise, is a very important step to the socialization goal. Rather than sending the children upstairs to play, you can provide them with appropriate activities where the adults will be present. They will learn respect for their elders, respect for themselves, and respect for each other. They will learn not to be too loud. Children will then move on to playing with the neighborhood children. Again, supervised until they know what behaviours we expect from them. They will play with children at the playground and in other places. They will hang out as teenagers. They will not be deprived of socialization, I promise. Homeschooled children have a lot of opportunities to join in on activities with other children. Check with the local elementary, middle and high schools, depending on the age of your child. There may be summer recreational programs or camps in your area. The YMCA is a great place, and has low-income rates. The library may hold opportunities for your child to socialize, as may the recreational department in your area. Your child will have friends. Your child will be well socialized. Shannon P.S. Please post any questions that you have on socialization in the comments below. I will do my best to answer them and, if I can’t, maybe someone else can. You can also feel free to post anecdotes or your experiences in dealing with people on this issue, for others to learn by. Comments |
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