Social Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Most homeschooling parents are acutely aware of the perceived social disadvantages of homeschooling. While it is true that homeschooled children may not learn social skills in precisely the same manner as their public-schooled counterparts, homeschooled children develop into socialized adults nonetheless.

Parents who are considering homeschooling are often concerned about the effect homeschooling will have on their child’s social interaction with peers. The arguments of public school parents and homeschool adversaries magnify this concern. Advocates of homeschooling argue that children learn social skills through modeling the appropriate behavior of trusted adults, and they state that the majority of childhood socialization takes place outside the classroom anyway.

Numerous studies on the statistics on public school versus homeschooling have shown that homeschooled kids develop the necessary social and academic skills to be successful and productive members of society. Whether a homeschooled child develops and thrives socially directly depends on the amount of time and effort put forth by the parents.

Both proponents and opponents of homeschooling agree to the need for basic socialization. Homeschooling presents many social challenges, such as:

• Lack of access to organized team sports
• Lack of opportunity for interaction with people from different backgrounds
• Development of a narrow range of interests due to lack of peer influence
• Issues with conflict resolution and reciprocal play
• Adjustment difficulties upon reentering public school or university
• Inability to learn the skills needed to work or play in a group setting

Homeschooled children develop social skills through everyday interactions with both children and adults. However, some children, especially those in smaller communities or those who live in an area with few other children, may be unable to form close relationships with kids in their age group. When this is the case, it falls to the parents to make certain there is access to other children as much as possible in a variety of settings. To foster peer relationships and social skills, homeschooling must take place both inside and outside of the home.

1. Join a local homeschool group. If you cannot find a group in your area, start one for your child. Homeschool support groups are excellent for socializing homeschooled children, and they provide much needed resources and support to homeschooling parents.
2. Enroll your child in a community team sports program. Most communities offer sports programs to children of all ages, and enrollment in the public school system is not mandatory for joining a team. Check with your city parks and recreation department, or contact your local YMCA to determine what programs are available in your area. Playing a team sport will enable your child to socialize with other children his age who have similar interests.
3. Encourage your child to give back to his community. Even elementary-aged children can help clean up parks, read to younger kids or the elderly, or work with environmental groups planting trees. In addition to providing your child a chance to socialize with both children and adults, volunteering is excellent at building self-esteem and teaching your child to care about his community and planet.
4. Sign your child up for a reading group at your library. Whether your child is four or fourteen years, it is likely that a library near you offers a weekly reading group. Joining a reading group fosters a love of reading, improves oral communication skills, and allows your child to interact with children in his age group.
5. Allow your child to play with other kids in the neighborhood. Take your child to your local park, and spend time getting to know your neighbors. Most public-schooled children socialize more after school with kids in their community than they do during school hours. It should be no different for a homeschooled child.
6. Send your child to camp. Summer camps and weekend camps are a great way for your child to meet other children and overcome any fears he may have approaching unfamiliar peers. Moreover, spending time at camp will encourage independence, give you a much needed break, and create memories that your child will carry with him forever.
7. Enroll your child in dance, art, music, or 4-H programs. Some community organizations offer these classes for free or for a reduced price. Ask other parents to determine what classes are worth the cost.
8. Travel with your homeschooled child. Introduce your child to new cultures and experiences through travel. You can incorporate these experiences into lesson plans, or simply spend time away from home on a relaxing vacation.

If you are a homeschooling parent, you must ensure your child has access to children in his age group. The social skills developed during childhood are essential to a successful future. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to encourage your homeschooled child to socialize, develop relationships with peers, and overcome the social disadvantages of homeschooling.

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