What about Socialization?!

Adapted from an article by Robin Sampson

If only homeschoolers had a nickel for every time they heard the question, "... but what about socialization?" That infamous socialization question, for any seasoned homeschooler, is quite a humorous one! Although non-homeschoolers worry that homeschooling may turn children into social misfits, we know that the opposite is true and that POSITIVE socialization is one of the best reasons to home school your children.

Most home school families I know are very active with other families. There are weekly field trips with support groups, twice-a-week church functions, scouts, choir, weekly skating parties, etc, etc.

But don’t take my word for it. Let us look at the home school statistics.

Studies Prove Homeschoolers Do Better Socially
Information gathered by the National Home Education Research Institute prove home school students have significantly higher self concepts than those in public schools.

Dr. Johnson (1991) concluded that home educators carefully address the socialization needs of their children in every area studied (i.e., personal identity, personal destiny, values and moral development, autonomy, relationships, sexuality, and social skills).
Studying actual observed behavior, Dr. Shyers (1992) found the home educated had significantly lower problem behavior scores than do their conventional school age mates. And the home educated have positive self-concepts.
Dr. Taylor (1986) found that the home educated have significantly higher self concepts than those in public schools.
The home schooled are well adjusted socially and emotionally like their private school comparison group. The home educated, however, are less peer dependent than the private school students (Delahooke, 1986).
Dr. Montgomery (1989) found that home schooled students are just as involved in out-of-school and extracurricular activities that predict leadership in adulthood as are those in the comparison private school (that was comprised of students more involved than those in public schools).
Home educated children are more mature and better socialized than are those sent to school, according to Thomas Smedley’s personal interaction and communications approach to understanding socialization.
Dr. Gary Knowles, of the University of Michigan, explored adults who were home educated. None were unemployed and none were on welfare, 94% said home education prepared them to be independent persons, 79% said it helped them interact with individuals from different levels of society, and they strongly supported the home education method.

What Does God’s Word Say About
Socialization?
The concept of separation from evil is fundamental to God’s relationship with His people. According to the Bible, separation has more than one dimension:
· Separating yourself morally and spiritually from sin and everything that is contrary to Jesus Christ and his word. (Ephesians 5:11)
· Drawing near to God in a close intimate fellowship through dedication, worship and service. (Psalm 4:3)
· Retaining a position in the world where we can serve as salt and light to unbelievers. (Matthew 5:13-16)

We are called to live lives of separation, protecting our children from the teachings and pitfalls of the world. And yet, we are called to train our children to love and reach out to the lost world around them. This requires a careful balance of preparing their hearts in the safety of their home, but also of providing them opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life. Because of the more frequent interaction they have with adults, homeschooled children are being socialized in the most relevant ways.