Think It Over Thursday: On socialization

I wanted to get this discussion out of the way during our first week here at your homeschool hub since I know we’ll want to refer back to it over and over again! When people find out that you homeschool, their first reaction isn't usually dismay regarding academics, health or happiness. I think a lot of parents actually get that these parts of life are often better in a homeschool environment. Funnily enough, the concern is usually over the same thing over and over again—“socialization.”

Those of us who homeschool often snort when we think about it. It's a bit of a joke to us; there are even bumper stickers that say things like "Warning: Unsocialized Homeschoolers/Unschoolers on Board." You see, our kids socialize every single day. Instead of sitting at desks, skipping recess for “misbehavior,” and being put “on silence” in the bus or at lunch as we often were in school, they get to have discussions with everyone from fellow homeschool kids to the bank teller and everyone in between.

I have to wonder how we had time to socialize in school at all with all of that quietness enforced; meanwhile, my seven-year-old starts conversations about chemistry with employees at LUSH, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of owning your own business with a local pizza parlor entrepreneur, and yes, plays hide-and-go-seek with kids at the library or McDonald’s play place. She makes friends wherever she goes, and I must admit as a shy person, I am a bit envious of her confidence.

There are homeschooled kids who are socially awkward, of course—just as there are public schooled kids who are (like me!). And when you’re a hormonally-charged teen, a bit of awkwardness is a given simply due to nature. I was once a believer in the “homeschoolers are weirdos” camp and it wasn't until college when I realized how wrong I was.

What about you? When did you realize that homeschoolers are just as sociable—if not even more so—than public schooled kids and how? Or, do you think they are not sociable and why? Share your experiences, favorite articles and pieces of evidence, or comments below.

Photo courtesy of Sara S. Yes, homeschoolers do go to a lot of Harry Potter parties. I'm beginning to think we're the only ones left who haven't been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter yet!