Socialization

This is the bumper sticker that now dons our vehicle.

Why?

In short, it is a tongue-in-cheek 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em'!

Want the long version? Well, here it is!

Most critics of homeschooling used to site academics as their main complaint against this particular method of education. However, that argument has died down as the test scores have come in and the colleges and universities are speaking. With that 'concern' tossed aside, the next big one on the list is SOCIALIZATION. If parents educate their children at home, those children will miss out on the opportunity to socialize with their peers and inevitably will become nerds, social outcasts and rejects of society. They won't fit in well with a group of children their own age, they won't look like the other children, and they won't talk like them. In a group of same-aged individuals, they will stick out. And this concern alone causes many to take an adamant stance against home education.

Would you like to know MY thoughts on socialization? If not, please stop reading lest I mistakenly offend you.

Socialization means "The process of learning interpersonal and interactional skills that are in conformity with the values of one's society." Wow! Really???? So, by definition and because we home school, my children are missing out on the process of learning interpersonal and interactional skills that are in conformity with the values of one's society. And to that I say, "Hallelujah and Praise the Lord!!!" Romans 12:2 says " And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God". The critics tell me I should be assuring that my children are learning the necessary skills that are in conformity with the values of their society but God's Word says that's the very thing I should be avoiding.

But what if my children won't fit in? What if they don't dress the same and talk the same as other children their age? What if they become.....(gasp!!!)..... NERDS?!?!?! This may surprise you but I really don't give a hoot if they end up being nerds! I don't care a lick if they fit in with their peers. But I'll tell you this: I am passionate about doing all I can to help them fit in with their Lord and Savior in Heaven and to conform to His values and His values ALONE. And if they enter the heavenly gates with horn-rimmed glasses and a pocket protector, I guess you'll know they were home schooled!!!

Perhaps homeschooling is not for everyone, but if socialization is the hook that hangs you up, it is a poorly grounded argument, especially for the Christian.

And by the way, go to any public or private school and I guarantee you a nerd will be found. Hmmmm.... must have some homeschooling in his family tree. Poor kid!