Yes, My Grown Homeschooled Children Are Odd

   Tired of being asked "What about your child's socilization?" Yes, me too. Are my children social, of course! Are my children socialized by the standard norms, thank the Lord NO.

   My mom sent me this fabulous article: Yes, My Grown Homeschooled Children Are Odd — And Yours Will Be Too! It's a well thought out article about homeschoolers and their socialization, a common stereotype dismissed. A good read for those who think homeschoolers are off their rocker, or for homeschoolers who need a boost.

 

Some quick thoughts by Diane Flynn Keith

• Homeschool parents model appropriate social behavior and teach their children how to interact and get along with others.
• Homeschoolers interact and play with other children and students through homeschool support groups at Park Days, in co-op classes, and on field trips, etc.
• Homeschooled children participate in (and win!) math olympiads, spelling bees, geography bees, science competitions, and debate teams.
• Homeschoolers join choirs, orchestras, book clubs, athletic events, and they even go to homeschool proms!
• Homeschoolers take classes and compete academically in community college, adult education programs, museum events, online forums, summer school, and at camps, etc.
• Homeschoolers participate in community activities such as Scouts, 4-H, Little League, Pop Warner Football, AYSO soccer, theater classes, martial arts classes, dance classes, etc.
• Homeschoolers volunteer in the community.
• Homeschoolers play with neighborhood kids from both public and private schools.
• Homeschoolers are not isolated.
• Homeschool parents actively encourage their children to take advantage of social opportunities outside the family.
• Homeschooling families are more likely to be civically engaged than families who send their children to public and private schools.
• Homeschoolers display fewer behavior problems than do other children.
• Homeschoolers have higher levels of parental interest and communication, peer independence, a sense of responsibility, and lowered anxiety levels.
• Homeschooled children have higher achievement and mastery levels.
• Homeschooled children have good self-esteem
• Homeschooled children are more socially mature.
• Homeschooled children have better leadership skills than other children.
• Homeschooled children who attempt higher education are successful.
• Homeschooled graduates experience no prejudice regarding employment.
• Homeschool graduates function effectively as members of adult society.

 

Another short blog written by Lee at TheHomeScholar.com wrote about her homeschooled boys that were chosen to receive scholarships based not on their test scores (still stellar) but on their socialization skills.

"…we were told that the winners were chosen based on things like:

• interaction with their peers,
• engagement with the faculty,
• self confidence,
• maturity,
• courtesy, and
• a well developed sense of who they were.

In a nutshell, they were chosen based on socialization. "

To read more of this article: A little Story for the next time you're asked about socialization.

 

Another blog to boost encouragement for those who home educate their children.