The Socialization Issue

Today at church, a couple of women found out that I'm going to homeschool. I'm still a little afraid to tell people that we're going to homeschool. For one thing, people here in this international community aren't familiar with homeschooling and think its pretty weird. They are ignorant of its virtues and benefits. So I never know how people will respond when I tell them about HSing. Today I felt a definite negative reaction, though the person seemed kind, genuine, and interested. She made me feel doubtful about my choice. The first question off her lips was "Do you think they will get enough socialization if they aren't at school?"

Now, about the socialization thing. Whenever I think about what my children are missing by not going to school, these are the things I think of:

1. Playing sports (this wouldn't be an issue for us if my boys weren't athletically talented)
2. being together with friends on a daily basis and sharing common interests, encouraging one another, learning from one another
3. participating in group events like choir or band
4. loving a teacher, especially in the elementary years

Whenever I have doubts about homeschooling, I tend to visualize the positive aspects of school. I remember how happy my children were to come home with a grade card full of A's. To be together with friends who you can sit by during lunch, play with at recess and wink at during class. There is a special comraderie that is born when you spend time with each other all day. Some peer pressure is healthy and can motivate a child when nothing else will. We made contact with families that we never would have met if it weren't for school, and because of those relationships were able to make a spiritual impact.

Heaven knows, there are negative aspects to all these good things I am mentioning. Friends turn on you. Kids make fun of you. I suffered a lot of emotional abuse because I looked different. Boys liked making fun of me because of my light skin, freckles and frailness. I still struggle to this day with the emotional effects of being teased in school. I can't help but compare myself to those who have dark skin and no freckles and wonder why in the world God didn't see fit to put a little more melanin in my body! Gradually I am becoming more content with my body and accepting that God made me this way for a reason!

I understand that grades aren't necessary in homeschooling. I like it that we can protect our kids from the negative socialization that takes place in today's schools. I'm not at all worried about my children being backward or lacking in social skills. I'm glad to remove them from the school where cussing in the classroom was acceptable and never punished. I'm glad to remove them from the sex talk and the fashion conscious.

Can we do everything better at home? Will my children thrive in a home learning environment? Will they miss the social life of school, the activities, the friends, the routine, the lunchboxes, recess?

I suppose this is more an issue for parents who are pulling out of school, rather than those who have homeschooled from the start. My oldest has been in school for 5 years and my youngest for 3. They will notice the difference.

I am NOT doubtful of our decision to homeschool. I believe the Lord has called me to this choice, and I have perfect peace that we are in His will. I just can't help but think of the pros and cons and I wonder how others have come to terms with these issues.

I know there are more thoughts lurking in my brain regarding this topic, but after numerous interruptions from my boys, I can't seem to transfer them into writing. You know how that goes??

Tomorrow we will begin our journey. I covet your prayers...

Rejoicing,
Marla