…is the third installment of the Back to Homeschool Week.
Socialization seems to be the default objection for those who disagree with the notion of home education. This has got to be the weakest argument that one can make regarding school choices–unless you live in the middle of nowhere and have no church, community, family or friends.
My children get plenty of social interaction, and they get it in doses they can handle. They are in choir that reaches into the community, Missionettes and have many friends. Oh, and they take a drawing class with grandma and 6dd attends a group piano lesson. Our family lives here so they get to see cousins, grandparents and other relatives often. We visit some small shoppes regularly and they know the owners and customers. Too much socialization makes my kids tired and grouchy. And it’s hard to get schooling done. They need a balance of quiet time at home and time with people of all ages, preferrably in a service of some kind, like visiting the nursing home or taking cookies to the firehouse. And a fun sleepover is great too.
We don’t do co-ops right now. They just don’t appeal to me at this time. We take field trips when they are appropriate but we don’t usually take trips “just to get out of the house.” My kids like the routine of home and we enjoy our school time together.
My kids get tired and grumpy after to much socialization also. We joined a co-op this year for music, and art. It is going well but my kids all scatter to their room for time alone as soon as we return even though it’s lunch time. My youngest even choose to forgo eating to take a nap.
Naps over lunch? Wow. That says a lot, no?
Think how it would be if they ran from morning to night. like too many kids these days. I think my children are well-adjusted because they get regular sleep and good exercise.