So How Do They Socialize?
If I get a dollar for every time someone asks me, “So how do they socialize”…..
And I get it. The stigma about homeschool is that kids are always at home and isolated. But with today’s increasing number of enrichment offerings, online access, and work from home model, kids who home school are doing anything but being isolated at home. Here is a typical schedule for a homeschooler with working parents:
Morning:
Eating healthy full breakfast without urgency and sharing this meal with parents.
Begin reflection activity that includes journaling and mindfulness exercises
Child 1 is dropped off to the weekly language arts cohort (consisting of 4th and 6th graders) nearby to go over this week’s reading of Baewulf
Child 2 is taking on online zoom session practicing her math fluency on Abacus.
Child 1 returns and completes her math homework with fellow homeschool friends to turn in that following week.
Child 2 attends science session on the forces of nature at nearby wildlife rescue center with a pod that includes a range of 3 grades.
They have lunch
Afternoon
All children are ushered to an outdoor school that includes hiking, engaging with farm animals, and using their entrepreneurial energy to build the year’s farm stand.
Early Evening
Kids have dinner and gather later gather with their soccer coach for short practice. They end the evening helping parents wash up.
In a nutshell, while the concerns about homeschool children lacking socialization opportunities persist, the reality is quite the opposite. Homeschooling provides a unique environment that fosters social growth by promoting quality interactions, diverse social experiences, community involvement, enhanced communication skills, and the pursuit of personal interests. These factors contribute to the development of well-rounded, empathetic, and confident individuals who are prepared to thrive in a society that values collaboration, adaptability, and meaningful connections. So, let's challenge the misconceptions and embrace the idea that homeschool children can indeed become social butterflies, spreading their wings in a world full of possibilities.
