Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Are Homeschoolers Not Socialized?


Many people believe that children who are homeschooled are "weird" or shy and can't fit in with the other children.  They aren't socialized properly.  I think this is such a bad argument against homeschooling!

Are all the children in public school not "weird"?  Are they all outgoing and fit in well?  Do they all get along with others, thus socialized well?  NO!  There are all types of children in public school.  There are also all types of homeschooled children.

I have met homeschooled children who are wonderful!  They are well-behaved, happy, and easy to talk to.  I have met public school children with the same qualities.  There are also homeschooled children who are shy and socially awkward, but so are some public school children.

The most important thing with socialization is what goes on in the family and the temperament of each individual child.  Some are more outgoing and happy than others.  Some talk more easily.  It has nothing to do with whether they are homeschooled or not.

The main reason one should homeschool their children is to protect them from evil influences and train them in the ways of the Lord.  As Nancy Campbell says,  "We are not faithfully teaching our children unless we teach them what it means to walk in the fear of the Lord. This is the foundation of their education which is more important than any other curriculum. The fear of the Lord teaches them how to keep pure in the midst of wickedness, how to depart from evil, and walk in the way of life."

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 
You shall teach them diligently to your children, 
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, 
and when you walk by the way, 
and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6,7