What Is Socialization Anyway?
As a homechool mom, the most frequent and, frankly, the most annoying question I get about homeschooling is
“What about socialization?”
Many people seem to think that homeschool kids are all socially backward and sheltered. They feel that they need to be properly socialized or they won’t be able to function in the real world. And by properly socialized, I mean exposed to large groups of children their own age for 8+ hours per day so they can learn to act like the average child their age.
It cracks me up when someone asks me about socialization while our kids are busy playing together!
Their question makes be wonder “What is socialization anyway?”
Definition Of Socialization
Dictionary.com defines socialization as
“a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position”
I agree that it is important for kids to develop their personal identity and to form their behavior around their values. I believe that kids need to learn social skills. I do not believe that kids need to a school setting to accomplish this. They need real socialization.
Homeschool Socialization Research from NHERI and Harvard
Research doesn’t support the old stereotype that homeschooled kids are socially awkward or behind. In fact, the balance of evidence suggests the opposite. The National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) has found that homeschooled students typically score at or above average on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development, like peer interaction, leadership skills, self-esteem, and community involvement. In addition, they regularly engage in real-world group activities such as co-ops, sports, volunteering, and clubs.
In addition, researchers at Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program analyzed data from more than 12,000 children and found that homeschooled young adults were more likely to volunteer, more forgiving, and more socially engaged than their peers attending public school. This definitely challenges the stereotype that heavily prevailed when we first started homeschooling, that homeschooled kids are socially stunted and deprived.
What research suggests is that homeschooled kids aren’t less social; their social lives just look different. The connections our homeschooled kids have are across a wider range of ages. My kids interacted with far more adults (especially my daughter, who was the stage manager). Homeschooled kids were also found to have more real-world experiences, which can build confidence, communication skills, and social flexibility.
Overall, there’s no strong scientific evidence that homeschooling negatively affects social development. Multiple studies have shown positive social outcomes when homeschooled kids are involved with their communities and peers.
Real Socialization
The homeschooler’s idea of socialization is:
- family time
- quality time with close friends
- getting to know people around town with similar interests
- volunteering
- sport teams
- a job outside the home
- church time fellowship
- multi-age co-ops or group lessons
The teen years are often mentioned when people ask me about socialization. Honestly, that is the time our kids have the ability to do even more. Here are things my kids have participated in:
- Assistant teacher for younger kids’ karate classes
- Robotics team member
- Lifeguard
- Volunteer as a stage manager for a local theater group
- Music lessons
- Volunteering at a local food pantry
- Sport teams
- Group art classes
- Multiple theatre productions
- Working in retail
My daughter took her stage manager skills (which involved developing people skills too!) to start a mentoring program in the biology department where she is working on her Master’s degree. This role is helping her cover tuition costs.
There are plenty of opportunities for socialization while homeschooling, and these opportunities also provide a way for our kids and teens to develop other skills they’ll carry into the future.
These types of social activities encourage personal development, relationship building, awareness of community, family bonds and social skills all within an environment that provides support and guidance through the socialization process.
That is real socialization.
Do you homeschool? Do you get the socialization question over and over, too? How do you handle it?
Read more homeschool socialization viewpoints today at iHomeschoolNetwork.com.
