No! Please! Not more SOCIALIZATION!

[SagMom]

So, we went to a museum today. There was a group of kids, probably ages 8 to 11 or so who were there with their mothers. I'm not one who expects kids to stand quietly with their hands folded, and this WAS an interactive exhibit, but these kids were beyond even MY limits. They were screeching, racing and chasing each other around the exhibit, pushing and shoving, being rough with the displays and generally being rude. We avoided them as much as possible. Their mothers were sitting on the floor of one of the rooms, talking to each other and on their cell phones and ignoring their kids.

So, as we're leaving, one of the docents asks my kids what they thought of the exhibits. They chat a moment, she learns they're homeschooled. She says, "Oh, homeschoolers? Well, maybe Mom can bring you back here again sometime." To me she adds, "It's good for their socialization."





I burst out laughing.

[shaywyn]

.................................................. ....and finally

[Lillian J]

Originally Posted by Joan

So, as we're leaving, one of the docents asks my kids what they thought of the exhibits. They chat a moment, she learns they're homeschooled. She says, "Oh, homeschoolers? Well, maybe Mom can bring you back here again sometime." To me she adds, "It's good for their socialization."



I burst out laughing.

I can't stop laughing! - Lillian

[Jen123]

ROLFOL
See , that's where I would've said "are you completely serious ? Look around you at the destruction the socialized kids are doing."

What are joke !!!

[Tori Gollihugh]

Originally Posted by Joan

So, we went to a museum today. There was a group of kids, probably ages 8 to 11 or so who were there with their mothers. I'm not one who expects kids to stand quietly with their hands folded, and this WAS an interactive exhibit, but these kids were beyond even MY limits. They were screeching, racing and chasing each other around the exhibit, pushing and shoving, being rough with the displays and generally being rude. We avoided them as much as possible. Their mothers were sitting on the floor of one of the rooms, talking to each other and on their cell phones and ignoring their kids.

So, as we're leaving, one of the docents asks my kids what they thought of the exhibits. They chat a moment, she learns they're homeschooled. She says, "Oh, homeschoolers? Well, maybe Mom can bring you back here again sometime." To me she adds, "It's good for their socialization."





I burst out laughing.

up
This smilie is showing that I laughed so hard I wanted (or did) cry... how rediculous!

[white_feather]

All I can say is good for you for laughing, because I'd have been tempted to pull out my soapbox.

[lizzie]

Originally Posted by white_feather

All I can say is good for you for laughing, because I'd have been tempted to pull out my soapbox.

and hold forth indefinitely!!!

[SagMom]

Originally Posted by white_feather

All I can say is good for you for laughing, because I'd have been tempted to pull out my soapbox.

The whole "socialization" thing is just so....OLD. I'm really quite bored with it--too bored to bother to drag out the soapbox. (As my dd would say, "Whatever.") But the irony and the timing of the docent's comments just struck me as funny.

[spin462002]

I know exactly what you mean and you have to laugh. There's another side to "socialisation" too, it's a bit sad really.

Every year we go to the local Agricultural show. We go on a Friday before all the weekend crowds. My children have always loved it, it has become a family ritual. We go through all the pavilions and see lots of interesting things. Then they have food and rides and show bags and the whole catastrophe. I love it!(it's hot then, we are in Australia remember)

Every year we see school children walking around in regimented groups (unlike those at the museum) with clip boards in their hands.Fun, no way. They are shepherded and controlled and look like they'd rather be doing anything else, preferably having fun! The teachers always look hot and harassed and stressed out.

We always feel sorry for the children, it looks like they are on an endurance test or a "survivor" challenge.

If that's what we are "depriving" our children of, so be it! Vive la difference!! Home schooling rules!!

Delight in your children and with your children, you are advantaging them, giving them a head start in life, and don't forget to have fun together. Let's hope learning never becomes like a "survivor" challenge at home!!

Life is short, have no regrets!

spin
mom of four aged 25, 23, 21 and 12
nanna of two aged 4 and 1

"...counting my blessings, single mom, life is what you make it!"

[white_feather]

Originally Posted by Joan

The whole "socialization" thing is just so....OLD. I'm really quite bored with it--too bored to bother to drag out the soapbox. (As my dd would say, "Whatever.") But the irony and the timing of the docent's comments just struck me as funny.

I believe you. I'm bored of it, and I haven't even started homeschooling yet. Really, I do admire your ability to laugh and not say anything else - it's definitely better to laugh than be p.o.'d all the time. I'm just quite not there yet!

[BellatrixtheStar]

So funny! I keep picturing that woman like some pinchy old lady saying "Eat your Broccoli...It's good for your digestion." Like your kids were some kind of cave dwellers that needed a cure for their lack of interaction with the rest of the world!!! I laughed so loud at that one,I got some Looks!!!LOL!!!
Good thing I wasn't drinkin' milk!!

[applejuice]

Amazing! Some people simply do not get it, do they?