The word you never want to say to a homeschooler

Socialization.

Don't say, just don't say it. We hate that word!

For myself, I especially do not like that word coming from a public school instructor/administrator/etc.

Let me tell you why, from my own observations in my own life, firstly. School was a nightmare for me many times. There was no instruction on how to socialize or how to be proper to each other, and even if there was, it was very brief and shortly long forgotten. There were girls who clicked up and actually looked for other girls to belittle and make fun of and spread rumors about, just to make themselves feel good. There were the really shy girls who were afraid to make friends and be outgoing (me). There was the type that was way too outgoing and in your face all the time and quite frankly... just strange. There was the type that was anti-social and wore black all the time. There was the type that all they did was study and kiss up to their teacher(s). Uhm... does this sound like a healthy social arena? I think not my friends. Let me comment that most of this behavior is due to how they are raised, NOT from being in public school. And it doesn't change unless the parents change. So public school is not the answer. Working in groups in public school? I hated it and didn't learn anything from it. How did I learn to work in groups? By doing it in real life! I worked when I was 16 and I was in youth groups growing up and served in leadership positions among them. Also, I had siblings and parents who I had to work with to keep our home and family running smoothly. I did not gain what those who argue is important socially, from public school! It makes me so mad every time someone says something about it.

"School" is for education. Not life lessons. Social skills need to be taught by parents, not strangers and strange kids. Eck!

The home schooled kids I knew and know, are very well adjusted socially. They are cordial and polite, they are hard-working and can speak very well in public, they are confident and un-afraid, yet also very humble. These social skills that home schooled kids retain are that of an adult variety, yet they can also relate well to children their own age. What other's think is "weird", is just not average. Because most of us are just a wee bit screwed up from a public school upbringing. Okay, don't think I'm rude. I can admit that I am a wee bit weird from it, can't you?

My children will become socialized through church, (which is more than just a once a week thing), siblings, cousins, grand-parents, community sports, neighborhood friends and possibly home school co-ops if we choose to participate in them. In Utah you can be home-schooled and still participate in public school extracurriculars. Also, I do not intend to keep them locked up at home. We will take field trips with groups.

Now, I hope the matter is settled. And please be realistic when you think of socialization and insisting that the only place to get it is at a public school. Thank you.