The Scoop on Socialization?

The question of socialization comes up often in conversations about homeschooling. Parents who are new to homeschooling or considering it as a future option may recognize that school provides more than just academics. They may worry about how they will recreate those other learning opportunities in their home. Well-meaning neighbors and family members may ask, “But what about socialization?” Well, what about it?

What is socialization, anyway?

Societies have an interest in making sure the younger generation develops socially. In fact, societies expect the younger generation to have the social skills and expectations needed to fit in with and be productive members of the group.

The Oxford Learners Dictionary defines socialization as the process by which somebody, especially a child, learns to behave in a way that is acceptable in their society.

Many people expect schools to do the job of seeing children through this process of becoming acceptably behaved citizens. The kind of citizens who understand the norms of their society and how to fit in without being a burden to the community. So they might wonder how homeschoolers will gain these skills outside of school.

Is this something I need to worry about?

Not at all. Especially, if you and your children are involved in activities with a range of other people, your children will have many opportunities for healthy social development.

In fact, some people assert that classroom social learning imparts a different skill set than what children need as adults. Typical schools group children by age and developmental ability, resulting in large groups of children who all have similar skills — and shared deficiencies.

In contrast, homeschoolers tend to interact with more diverse groups and individuals. So they are able to gain new skills from people who are much more socially adept and affirm those skills by mentoring those who are younger or less experienced. The more socially experienced members of the group provide a model for others to learn from. This is a valuable form of socialization that is not usually part of social learning in a group of same-age children.

How can I meet my child’s needs for socialization? How do other families do this?

homeschool socializationHomeschool socialization happens in any situation you can think of where your children are interacting with other people. Activities like music lessons, art classes, sports teams, church groups, scouting, 4-H, wilderness groups, summer camps, mission work, and community activism count. Additionally, other activities allow homeschoolers to interact with others and develop interpersonal skills.

If your child needs more social opportunities, they’ll let you know. In addition, you might seek out a homeschool group in your area or start one if one doesn’t already exist.

There also may be volunteer opportunities. Try local nursing home or daycare center where your child can learn from elders and/or mentor younger children. Perhaps a neighbor would like someone to help them side-by-side with yardwork or housework. You might match your child with a caring teen or adult who has similar interests.

If you live in a very isolated area, you might consider using the Internet or a pen-pal arrangement as a way for your child to connect with others socially through the written word. Here are more ideas from readers on Oak Meadow’s Facebook page. Can you think of any to add?

There are many “right” ways to foster healthy socialization!

What do I say to family/friends who press the issue?

Well-meaning family and friends may react with concern. Sometimes it can be helpful to dig a bit deeper to uncover their fears and respond from there. What exactly are they worried about? What social skills do they think will be missing from your child’s experience? Perhaps a simple explanation of how you will fill that gap is all they need to hear.

When you choose to homeschool, you may appear to be removing your child from the community’s collective method of raising its children. People may wonder if this means your family will now become isolated. They may assume that your child will be at home all day and will not have enough of a chance to develop and practice social skills. They may know adults who are unable to function in a socially appropriate way. While there is no reason to connect this outcome with homeschooling, they may wonder if there could be a connect

In addition, they may be concerned about homeschooling simply because they do not have any experience (yet!) with healthy, well-adjusted, well-socialized homeschoolers. Moreover, it’s likely that they were indoctrinated with the belief that schools are the only place where children can learn what they need to know to succeed socially. Homeschoolers typically prove that wrong, but it may take some time for the people in your life to see that evidence unfold.

It may help to remember that these questions are generally posed out of love and concern for your child’s well-being. Be patient with the process and assure them that with your attentive care, your children are doing fine.

How do I make sure my children get what they need?

Decide for yourself what social and behavioral skills you feel are essential for your child to learn. Consider your child’s developmental level as you set your expectations. Stay tuned in to your child and his or her needs, and follow your inner compass in figuring out how best to meet those needs.

Make connections with others in your community and include your children in those interactions. Model socially appropriate behavior in different situations and support your children as they practice interacting with various people. Many homeschoolers find that socialization comes easily and naturally as part of their everyday interactions with others.

So the next time a well-meaning friend asks, “But what about socialization?” just smile and invite them to become part of your child’s ever-expanding social network.

 

More articles on homeschool socialization:

Socialization – a primary reason to homeschool!

Does Homeschooling Affect Social Skills?

The Biggest Non-Issue in Homeschooling.