One of the most common questions about homeschooling comes in the form of your child’s social life.
‘But if you homeschool…. How will they make friends?”
“How will they gain social skills?”
“Who do they hang out with all day, you? That’s not good for them!”
They are valid concerns, and socialization is one area that homeschool parents need to consider when planning to homeschool. Today, I’ll share my experience as someone who was homeschooled from kindergarten through high school graduation, and my opinion on the matter of socialization.
Homeschool groups, co-ops, or whatever you want to call them, are an excellent resource for the self-taught family. I was always in a co-op growing up. While the schedule fluctuated- sometimes we’d meet weekly, others bi-weekly, or even once a month- it was a staple in my life. Many of my childhood friends came from these communities. As a child, I was very outgoing. I’d raise my hand for every question, urge the other kids to play games with me, and I became best friends with any child I met at the park. However, as I grew older, I settled into an introverted personality. While I still attended co-op, I rarely had other activities going on. I didn’t play sports. I wasn’t in any clubs. Aside from seasonal Bible studies, I did little outside of school.
I always had the option of doing more. In my state, the public schools are legally required to allow homeschooled students to play on their sports teams. There was a community theater organization I could have joined. My mom had the offer open to me, I simply wasn’t interested. I was shy, there weren’t many- if any- people I would know there, and the idea of trying something new freaked me out. It wasn’t until I began college that I was around people more regularly, and while I did fine, it was an adjustment.
If you are a new homeschool parent, you should know that your children will not all be the same. Some will want to be around people and try new things. Others will not.
If you are an experienced homeschool parent and my experience sounds similar to one of your kids, take note.
I have two siblings, both of which engaged in a lot more activities than I did. They said they wanted to do something, and so our parents supported it. If you are the parent of a child who may be shy or introverted, I would encourage you to push them to try new activities. Being homeschooled means that they have the time to rest and recharge after practice, club meetings, or rehearsal. Give them a nudge past their comfort zone. They may learn that they were right, they do hate soccer! Or they could find a new passion that they love. However, your introverted child likely won’t be interested in something unfamiliar with people they don’t know. That nervousness will continue to grow if you don’t give them the skills to manage new experiences.
Socialization is a vital part of a child’s development! Homeschooling does not have to be a detriment to that, but some of your kids may need a little push to try something new.
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