But....What about Socialization???

Ugh!!!  That dreaded "S" word....

A thorn in the side of every homeschooler.

Socialization.

But...what *about* Socialization?

    At first thought, it would seem homeschooling means children are in their homes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no outside connections or chances for any socialization whatsoever.

     Not so and the reality is quite the opposite.

     Most people are surprised to learn that homeschooling actually allows for a lot of socialization opportunities and across all age groups...from young children to the elderly.

Let's look at just a few of such opportunities:

1)   Homeschooling Groups -- These are groups of homeschoolers that get together (some very structured and some with no structure at all).  They offer a wide variety of events...such as field trips, sporting events and parties (Christmas, Valentines and other such holidays).  They attend workshops, take classes and take part in community events.  Some have co-ops where a variety of skills are learned.

  2)  Community Groups  -- These are endless, but include things such as soccer, hockey, ballet, church groups, brownies, guides, cubs, scouts ...... to name but a few.

 3)  Living Every Day Life --  This is one of the best areas to experience (learn) socialization.  This is the type of socialization most of us encounter in every day life.   Talking to the bank teller at the bank, the grocery clerk at the grocery store or the people behind you in either of these line ups.  The people at church, the people encountered while volunteering, the service man who comes to the door, the neighbour and their not-yet-school-aged children.  Everywhere we go...there are all kinds of people.

   4)  Extended Family and Friends -- Cousins, neighbourhood children and kids of our friends and co-workers.

     The list of opportunities to socialize goes on and on...
 

     So what about socialization?

     As you can see, it's really a non-issue for homeschoolers.