Braving The Socialization Monster

Among the myriad of comments I get from anti-homeschoolers, the most irritating involve the socialization issue. Supposedly, homeschoolers "miss out" on socializing and somehow become unmannered little hooligans.

Let's start by looking at what socialization actually is, shall we?

"Socialization is the process by which children and adults learn from others." ~ University of California's Sociology Department

When children go to school, who are they primarily learning from? In my local school, even Kindergarten aged children are switching classes. How much time are our children spending with any one adult during a day? Granted, they have a "home" room but what does that mean exactly? It's not a home and they can't go back when they want to.

As a homeschool project, my son and I created a pie chart breaking down an average family's "together time". It's on his computer though, so instead of sharing the actual chart, I'll just share the plain figures:

*** AVERAGE ADULT ***
8 hours of work
1 hour of lunch
1 hour to get ready for work + breakfast prep
1 hour to get out of work mode + dinner prep
1-2 hours of commute time (round-trip)
8 hours of sleep
----------------------------------------------
20-21 hours a day out of a 24 hour day

*** AVERAGE CHILD ***
6 hours of school
1/2 hour of lunch
3 hours after school care
1 hour to get ready for school + breakfast
1 hour to get out of school mode + dinner
1-2 hours of commute time (round-trip)
8 hours of sleep
----------------------------------------------
20.5-21.5 hours a day out of a 24 hour day
(excluding any homework time)

Where is the stability and reliable adult in this picture? For that matter, why do we marvel at how many marriages are falling apart or the increase in "rebelling" teens? Who is actually acting like their family and providing the most influence? Their peers!

In my homeschool, my son spends most of his time with me. I am his mother, his teacher, his cooking instructor, his camp counselor, his defender, his encourager .. I am a constant presence in his life. He goes with me on errands and speaks to people from all walks of life. Our work revolves around our lives instead of our lives revolving around a school clock.

Although I must follow a mandate by the State of Texas that I will teach my son citizenship, I would have done it anyway. I want the best for my son. I want him to strive to be better than me in every way. That includes being the best individual he can be.

There are also many homeschool groups throughout the world that provide each other with support, educational resources and opportunities to socialize. Soccer teams, UIL teams ..

What exactly is it that homeschoolers are missing again?

Wishing you much peace, happiness and success,