Socialization

It is amazing to me how many people feel the need to comment about our decision to homeschool.  It also amazes me that the concern is never about the academic side of things.  No one has ever said, "oh, they will miss out on so much academically."  Instead the concern is always for "socialization".  Even Bill has noticed this when he mentions to people that we are homeschooling the girls.  I think this is quite strange since there seem to be so little time in school to actually socalize.  I have even had parents tell me that their children are not allowed to talk during lunch at school.  The school day is filled with so many tasks, and socialization is just not a priority for teachers who are asked to teach a multitude of students at varying levels and ensure that they are all up to par by the time standardized testing time arrives.  I certainly do not envy the teachers.  I am glad that I am home, teaching my own children, instead of in the classroom with all of those pressures.  They have an incredibly difficult job!  Socialization is just not part of it, though.  

I wonder, though, if people mean something different than learning how to be social beings when they say "socialization".  I wonder if they really mean "how will you teach your kids to follow all of the societal norms and the beliefs that we hold as truths as Americans."  School is a very good place to learn how to sit still and wait.  It is a good place to learn how to follow directions and how to listen to adults/authority figures.  It is a great place to learn about the "values" of America.  I am not saying that any of this is bad, but I'm still not sure that it is necessary to go to school to learn these things, nor do I think that learning these things is essential for success.  

As difficult as it is at times, I want my children to learn to question authority, respectfully.  I want them to know about many different world views.  I want them to learn in the way that is most appropriate and effective for them.  I want them to be active members of the community who are able to make their own decisions and who define success their own way.  

As for socialization, I believe that happens by being involved in the community.  They are involved in sports and other activities.  We attend playgroups for both homeschooled and non-homeschooled kids.  I plan to beging getting them involved in volunteering this year.  They eet new people everyday as we go about our daily lives.  They have many opportunities to socialize with people of different ages and backgrounds.