Socialization in School is Overrated

It looks nothing like real life anyway

“How will they learn to socialize with other kids?” This is a common objection to homeschooling. Even though it comes in the form of a question, it’s really an implicit objection.

Let’s walk through the type of “socialization” kids get at government schools.

• They sit in the same room all day with kids their own age

• They are dictated to by a teacher for most of the day

• They have to ask for permission to go to the bathroom

• Except for short breaks, they only get to talk to others in a controlled environment

• They have a higher chance of experiencing physical violence than at any other time in their life

This type of “socialization” is overrated. It looks nothing like real life. It will never be replicated again unless they go to prison. Worse, it transfers influence from the parents to peers and hired professionals.

No thanks. If you have an older boy ready to fight and survive in a hostile environment, public school can provide that testing for him. But don’t call it socialization.

The idea of sticking kids into a classroom for 6 hours per day with kids their own age is still relatively new. While you don’t want to insulate your children, homeschooling can provide a much better environment for what people call socialization and you don’t have to try very hard or be very creative.

• Siblings

• Grandparents

• Co-ops

• Churches

• Sports leagues

• Public parks

• Neighborhood kids

• Charity work

And much more. It’s called life. Have your kids order their own food at restaurants and be polite to the waiter, and that will go a long way as well.

Homeschooling doesn’t work for everyone, but it can work for a whole lot more people than you think. It might work for you. Find out how.