The S-Question

I've been homeschooling my two children for 10 years. Yet I still struggle with the S-question that inevitably surfaces in my conversations with those around me. When I say the S-question - I mean that dreaded word - socialization! Why is it that so many folks think that students who attend school outside the home are always well socialized? I do not agree. Homeschoolers have such a variety of opportunities to socialize and their interaction is different than those of students schooled in the traditional manner. I guess this question bothers me because it is just assumed that the goal of schooling is socialization rather than the larger view that suggests socialization is just one important aspect of the lives of our children. If we really want to assess positive youth development, we really need to look at other aspects such as contentment, selflessness, forgiveness, resilience and gratitude. I will talk more about these other aspects in the next few posts. I am grateful to Dr. Gary Welton who has done a great deal of research into the aspects of socialization and the homeschooling experience. More later....