Overcoming the "Socialization" Argument Against Homeschooling

I recently did a live stream on "Overcoming the 'Socialization' Argument Against Homeschooling." Join my FREE group Rookie Homeschoolers and watch it (videos section).

I'm astonished at how big this seems to be to some people, especially when compared to the long-lasting effects of one's academic learning experience and development of their spirit of life-long learning. But none-the-less it seems to be the issue EVERYONE brings up to a homeschooler or potential homeschooler. 

There are three misconceptions around "Socialization."

MISCONCEPTION #1 - Schools Teach Socialization - They do NOT. Parent Do. Friends Do. School is just a place to practice social skills. You can do this. 

• You can teach appropriate social skills i.e. Don't hit, No Name Calling, Share, Apologize, Forgive, Be kind. 
• You can plan play dates, involve your child in youth groups, boy/girl scouts, family events, etc. Here you offer a place to practice and an opportunity for you to observe. 
• You can coach both before and after social situations much more efficiently if you are around to observe it. 

MISCONCEPTION #2 - The School Play Yard is the place to learn how to handle social conflict. REALLY? Because all I see if a place to survive. 

• It's akin to throwing a child into the deep end of a pool and telling them to swim to the side. No Freestyle technique will be developed, but the frantic dog-paddle to the side will ensure survival. Is that swimming? 
• A couple of years ago my nephew, in jr. high, was the target of a school bully. He repeatedly tried to use his words and ask the bully to leave him alone; but to no avail. At a social event the bullying exploded and so did my nephew. A punch was thrown. Both the bully and my nephew were sent home. I asked him what he learned from this since he got in a lot of trouble, to which he responded, "Punches work. He doesn't bully me anymore." NOOOOO! That is not the message I want him to learn. But the play yard is more about survival than mature, self-controlled responses. 
• At home you get to intervene before things get too bad and you get to observe the details in order to coach through these tougher social settings. 

MISCONCEPTION #3 - You Must Offer An Explanation to Anyone Who Asks. You do NOT. OK, you should have a conversation with a hesitant spouse (of course come with your plan when you do) and maybe a sentence or two to a mother-in-law. But everyone else, you simply take a deep breath, smile and say "Already on it!" 

Action Steps 

1. Practice your response to others, SMILE and "Already on it!" 
2. Make yourself a "socialization" plan - just as you have learning goals for reading, writing, math etc. you need learning goals for non-academic areas... like socialization. Be specific to the socialization needs of your child. 
3. Please come share parts of your socialization plan  in our group, Rookie Homeschoolers. It's great to share ideas about how to do this well. 

Any Questions please ask us in the group.