Socialization?

When homeschooling families don't conform to the social norms of attending standard schooling it often provokes negative opinions and judgment from outside sources. The questions surrounding socialization are consistently one of the most asked.

Most parents who have the ability and time to devote to their children's education have time to make sure their child is engaging in proper socialization. While "home" schooling does imply learning is done within the home, learning usually extends to places outside the home more often than not.

There is an endless list of possible ways a parent can ensure their home educated child is learning socialization skills. (Homeschooling meetups, gymnastics, horse riding lessons, team sports, yoga, ice skating, volleyball, just to name a few we have personally used.) Socialization should come naturally in a home education setting, especially child led learning. When your child shows interest in specific sports and hobbies/you naturally meet those who share the same interests. While socialization is a necessary part of early life, over socialization can also cause negative side effects.

Humans are indeed social creatures but the belief that children must be with the same group, of the same age every day is a modernized thought and way of life. In a natural setting there would be multiple of all age groups each observing and learning from one another. Having constant contact and stimuli for some of the most crucial developmental years can lead into emotional dependency.

Emotional dependency is a state where one is incapable of regulating their own emotions.

When they experience emotions such as anxiety, depression and grief they are not able to accept, embrace and nurture their own feelings. Instead, they often find themselves seeking approval, attention and self-worth from outside sources. It becomes much more comfortable to immerse yourself within the thoughts and lives of others rather than quieting yourself to face your own tribulations and life in a mindful manner.

When we allow young children to step away from the constant stimulation of a crowded classroom it allows them to develop the capabilities of finding contentment within themselves. This allows for a confident, calm and grounded person.