Socialization? (Part 1)
In the beginning of our home schooling experience, it was amazing to us, how many people opposed our personal decision to take this direction. They came from everywhere. I remember wondering at the time, who wrote the feature article that showed up in USA Today or Newsweek, that so many people knew or even cared.
I understood that my parents would have concerns. Both did, and both weighed in heavily. Then friends at church. Neighbors next. The first time this happens, you are taken back. I think it is human nature to either dig your heels in deeper or begin to doubt your abilities or your decision.
Yet, after a while, a pattern showed up that for me, began to make me question the questioners instead of feeling attacked. There was one comment that they all seemed to have collaborated on. "What about the social component of your child’s development? " "Won't your children be socially underdeveloped and backwards because they don't go to public school?"
Well now here we are 20+ years into this experiment and the results are in. Want to know what they are?
My father came to me a few years ago, and apologized for taking the harsh position he did in the beginning. He said, "There is a real magic in the eyes of your children. You have something special going on here. I couldn't be happier with your choice."
Even my mother admitted that the kids were "just great." Brothers and Sisters agreed as well.
A serious affirmation came, one family at a time, when those at church began asking Cyndy and I 'How do you get started with home schooling?"
Our kids are outgoing, comfortable in their own skins, easy in getting along with adults, unafraid to ask tough questions, but willing to be respectful (most of the time) and learn from those around them.
In short, they have turned out very socially adjusted, more than most.
So where did they get these skills, if they didn't "practice them on the school playground?"
We will address some of our ideas in the next installment. In the meantime, for a family who home schools, what do you believe are the major sources of self esteem, self confidence, and social skills?
I understood that my parents would have concerns. Both did, and both weighed in heavily. Then friends at church. Neighbors next. The first time this happens, you are taken back. I think it is human nature to either dig your heels in deeper or begin to doubt your abilities or your decision.
Yet, after a while, a pattern showed up that for me, began to make me question the questioners instead of feeling attacked. There was one comment that they all seemed to have collaborated on. "What about the social component of your child’s development? " "Won't your children be socially underdeveloped and backwards because they don't go to public school?"
Well now here we are 20+ years into this experiment and the results are in. Want to know what they are?
My father came to me a few years ago, and apologized for taking the harsh position he did in the beginning. He said, "There is a real magic in the eyes of your children. You have something special going on here. I couldn't be happier with your choice."
Even my mother admitted that the kids were "just great." Brothers and Sisters agreed as well.
A serious affirmation came, one family at a time, when those at church began asking Cyndy and I 'How do you get started with home schooling?"
Our kids are outgoing, comfortable in their own skins, easy in getting along with adults, unafraid to ask tough questions, but willing to be respectful (most of the time) and learn from those around them.
In short, they have turned out very socially adjusted, more than most.
So where did they get these skills, if they didn't "practice them on the school playground?"
We will address some of our ideas in the next installment. In the meantime, for a family who home schools, what do you believe are the major sources of self esteem, self confidence, and social skills?
posted by Mark and Cyndy Weiss at
11:00 AM
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