One of the biggest questions homeschool parents get is “What about socialization?”. We’ve discussed here before about what socialization is, and how homeschoolers can make sure their children are socialized. So, today I am going to share some of the social advantages homeschoolers have, and how the statistics say homeschoolers perform socially.
HSLDA conducted a survey in 2003 of over 7,000 adults who were homeschooled. The survey’s goal was to show that homeschoolers “grow up” better off than their public schooled peers and that in fact, they are well-socialized adults capable of handling society, and their peers. What they found was very interesting!
- Homeschool graduates are active and involved in their communities. Those who participated in community services were 71% of homeschooled adults compared to 37% of non-homeschooled adults. Eighty-eight percent of homeschooled adults were members of organizations like a church, professional group, etc compared to 50% of U.S. adults.
- Contentment makes a big difference in our lives as adults right? Homeschooled adults are happier with their lives, compared to adults who were not homeschooled (59% vs. 39%).
- Out of all the homeschooled adults, polled 95% say that they were glad they were homeschooled and 82% say that they plan on homeschooling their children.
In addition to the above facts, there are many more awesome social benefits to being homeschooled. One study conducted by the Seattle-based Discovery Institute found that homeschooled children tend to demonstrate fewer behavioral problems than their peers do. This result was found after counselors observed a group of children playing; they did not know which were homeschooled, and which were not. The results, iNational Home Education Research Institute president Brian Ray, believes are based in part due to who the main role models are in a homeschoolers life:
“Public school children have, as their main role models, peers, while homeschool students have as their role models, adults,” he explains.
The study also found that homeschoolers tend to be less apt to follow along with negative influences. Jeffrey Koonce, a school superintendent in Miller County, Missouri, has studied homeschool students as some transition into public schools. He has found that in most cases, homeschoolers are “socially adept” and mature than their peers. This could be because homeschoolers are around a wide range of ages, including adults, rather than being in a school with students all the same age on a regular basis.
If you have been concerned over how your homeschooled child may fare socially, I hope this has put your mind at rest. Homeschooling offers many advantages; social skills are just one of them!
Author Bio: Misty Bailey is the blogger behind Joy in the Journey and the podcaster behind Joyfully Homeschooling. Her goal in this online space is to encourage and inspire you on your homeschool journey by providing practical tips for real life homeschooling. Through real stories, real struggles, and real life, Misty encourages her blog readers and podcast listeners to embrace imperfection and strive for a more joyful homeschool.
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