How to Answer the Socialization Question Once and for All

By Marsha

I am beginning to tire of the many articles, essays and responses I keep running across on what has become to be known as the "socialization question."

Homeschooling families, please listen carefully:  What people refer to as socialization is a non-issue!  It has become a buzz-word among the Official Homeschool Nay Sayers Society.  When someone asks you the question ("What about SOCIALIZATION!?"), I suggest you begin by asking them, "What do you mean by socialization?"   They will more than likely proceed with some variation on the following theme: "You know, having your kids spend time with other kids their age.  Hanging out with their friends, stuff like that."  At that point do not, under any circumstances respond with, "Oh my little Susie gets plenty of socialization!  She's in 4-H and Awanas, and Sunday school and HomeSchool band and she volunteers at the nursing home etc.etc. etc. In fact she has so many opportunities for socialization that I hardly have time to teach her some days..YaDa YaDa YaDa." Why not? Because this is not what socialization really is!

Here is a more appropriate response: "Oh, I think the word you are looking for is socializing. Socialization is actually defined as the process by which the norms and standards of our society are passed from one generation to the next. I've never really thought that a complete strangers six-year old child would be a good source of information on the correct standards of behavior in our family and in society as a whole. As for socializing, I remember from my school days that it was something you weren't supposed to be doing during class!"

We do not have to defend homeschooling based on false assumptions, false accusations, and false information. Please stop telling others about all the opportunities your kids have for "socialization" and start gently exposing them to the real issue here-- a lot of what kids learn from other kids in social situations is simply living according to "The Law of the Jungle."  In our family, we have a higher set of laws to follow and I bet your family does too. Next time, don't be afraid to say so!

A freelance writer, Marsha serves as a homeschool resource for her local library and has written articles for "Home Education Magazine" and a column for "Home Educator's Family Times." She has served on the planning committee for her local homeschool cooperative, taught creative writing, edited the newsletter, and been a member of the HUB (Homeschoolers United Building) advisory committee.  Her book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Homeschooling" was published in February 2001, and she has spoken at homeschool conferences and curriculum fairs in Texas, California, and Michigan.  She also works part-time outside the home as an office manager for both the family business and at a local church.

Comments

[Julie Ward]

Marsha this article has been so useful to me. I now refer anyone asking the "s" question straight here!!

Cheers,
Julie in New Zealand