[sawsun1]

Hello

I have a child who is in public school though very very fresh at it and have thought to homeschool just because of strong views about it and have a hard time digesting my child in the public school system. I found that in meeting the other parents some listen to my thoughts about the public school concerns while others have solid view that it is good for socialization skills and it is essential for them to achieve success later on(getting in to a good college able to avoid loner/antisocial lifestyle etc etc) and "being a rebel" personally got one mom nowhere in her professional life and to in fact she was the first to be fired or laid off in a job, also lacked the promotional opportunities if she "spoke her mind". Although i appreciate their experiences and views i do not agree so if there is anyone who had a child in school then decided to homeschool i would love to hear from you-- Any thoughts from anyone is appreciated Thanks so much

mama of one

 

[CerridwenLorelei]

schools
and in the ps my ds was a "loner and rebel" so the socialization crud doesn't wash well with me. I would also recommend reading Dr. Fred Worth's socialization article. You can do a google search for it.
AND HOMESCHOOLING DOES'T MAKE KIDS LONERS -that is often a personality thing or preference thing.
Your child can learn to interact with people on a daily basis when you homeschool. The grocery store, the bank

There are homeschool groups out there that have co-ops, playgroups, field trips etc, so he wouldn't be missing out on anything there.
Most ps are not like college. I know mine wasn't. While there are similarities ( class structure, lectures etc) they won't necessarily be in the class with all other 20 yr olds, they will be allowed to leave to pee when they need to and not told to wait until it is scheduled, they can choose their food at cafeteria and not line up for recess..

sounds like the rebel mom who spoke her mind just needs to find her correct niche.....

HTH some

 

[Openskyheart]

There are many many many homeschoolers who had their children in school and felt as you do now.

The socialization question is a very popular question amongst non-homeschoolers. They feel that school is the best place to become socialized in this society, and cannot imagine how a child, outside of the confines of school will ever meet friends, and learn to be part of society. What I've noticed during my two years as a homeschooling mom is that *all* of my friends who have their children in school still imagine that we homeschoolers are sitting at our kitchen table doing workbooks for 6 hours a day with our lonely, isolated children. It doesn't matter how many times I tell them all the wonderful activities we are involved in, the "6 hours a day at the kitchen table" picture is stuck in their minds! LOL!

Regarding socialization, homeschoolers have a different point of view - a point of view we have gained from experience. In school, a child is "socialized" to speak to adults only when spoken to, to only make friends with same-age-peers, to line up, and shut up, and look up when the teacher is speaking, to be "popular," or be a "geek." They are socialized by other students and by teachers to not follow through with their own creative ideas ("We wish he could do that project, but we just don't have the time.") They are socialized to *not* be who they are.

As homeschoolers, children have many more realistic, real world social experiences than children who sit in a classroom all day do.

Homeschoolers go to homeschooling workshops, playgroups, theater groups, art classes, participate on sports teams, dance classes, science classes, martial arts classes, computer clubs, 4-H, girl scouts, boy scouts, etc.

Homeschoolers go to the bank, the library, the drug store, warehouse store, grocery store during the day and interact with other adults and other homeschooled children there. Homeschoolers go to museums, and art galleries, and zoos, and aquariums, and go on homeschool group sponsored field trips.

Homeschoolers go to the park, and to the beach, and the lake, and the river. They camp in the mountains, or in the desert. They go to restaurants, and plays, and gymnastics meets, and football games, and birthday parties, and block parties, and holiday parties, and, and, and (fill in the blank).

Really, we are so busy with my children's social activities that I feel like I need a break! LOL!

As far as fitting in: My kids were in school, and believe me, there are plenty of kids in school who don't "fit in." And school is a misery for them. My kids "fit in" socially very well in school. They both were well-liked by children and adults, but outside of school they are able to form deeper friendships, and have the energy to pursue the activities which they love. In fact, there are plenty of homeschoolers who "fit in" just fine, but they also enjoy the freedom, and creativity of homeschooling.

I hope this helps give you a little bit wider picture of what homeschooling can be like. What city and state do you live in? We can probably steer you toward resources for homeschoolers in your community.

Laura

 

[iris0110]

Well I have been getting alot of Bs lately about how it is important that I send my son to public school. He has a speach delay and an intense temperament, and his behavoiral therapis thinks he isn't interacting enough with other kids because I am a SAHM. So the school distric wants to put him in special ed preschool, but I am not going to let them. First I don't want my son labeled that way, and second I don't want him getting a bunch of negative socialization. In a public school they throw 30 kids into a room with one adult, and the socialization begins, problem is a large quantity of that socialization is negative, and individual needs get lost in the mass system. I went to public school, and while there I learned alot of wonderful things, like smoking and drinking for starters. I also learned about the class system, and that people who played football were far more important than those who didn't. There were guns and drugs in our school, and the students were often treated as comon criminals. I met alot of girls who were pregnant very young, and so many other girls who though it was cool to be teen moms. So you have to ask yourself if this is the type of socialization you want for your child. A homeschooling child will still get the chance to socialize through activities and hobbies such as soccer or dance class, or music lessons or camping groups. There is no need for your child to be a shut in just because you are home schooling. I know the state of Tx now prohibits colleges from discriminating against homeschooled students. The student simply takes the SATs or Acts like any other student.

I don't want to necesarily say that public school is a bad choice, but I don't really feel like it compares with homeschooling. Of course there is always private school, but that tends to be really expensive. Really it comes down to your values and what you feel is best for your family, and no one can make that decision but you.

 

[sawsun1]

I agree with you that the homeschooling does not foster loner types that each personality type is unique and each child has their "comfort levels" so thanks for the supportive words I am very new and understanding this system slowly... patience is appreciated!