subject: The Many Issues Regarding Socializing Homeschooled Children [print this page] The Many Issues Regarding Socializing Homeschooled Children
For many years, researchers have been studying this very topic. All these studies have concluded that home schooled children have a higher degree of socialization skills.
Many would say that they feel the same amount of time is not the same in terms of educational quality. There are statements that indicate only two hours of home school can equal around six hours of education in a public school. Some home schooled children have said they can accomplish more at home in terms of studying. Because of this, this can allow them time to devote to other pursuits which have socialization benefits. There is also an effort to create specialized organizations to provide a social outlet for homeschoolers.
When it comes to how well socialized home schooled kids are, a lot of it often comes down to money. Social opportunities for kids exist everywhere, as long as parents are able to take advantage of them.
Parents who home school may be under financial pressure when it comes to signing up their kids for the various social activities in their area, many of which cost money to participate in. So even though many opportunities exist, it is not appropriate to assume all homeschool children can take advantage of them. Public school may actually be seen as something desirable, at least from the outside, if your home schooled kids see that most other kids go there. This is why parents shouldn't guard their kids too much from the outside world, as this can end up having the opposite of the desired effect.
There seems to be a trade-off in the degree of socialization, but there are other considerations as well. The homeschooler can be spared from the many types of bad social encounters found at public and private schools. The damaging effects of an institutional school environment can make that reason very significant. This point is especially applicable to students who are at a social disadvantage at a public school. There is far more of an important impact based on the positive and healthy advantages. Children who are home schooled seem to have greater opportunities for higher quality education and social development. The latter is provided by parents who recognize the importance of getting their child out in the world in different settings with other children. And, depending on your location, there are plenty of groups available where children can be with others their age.
