I saw this question on Pioneer Woman’s homeschool blog and I wanted to post it here as well as my answer (in case anyone is interested)
“I recently had a discussion with a friend via email about the possibility of homeschooling my boys when the time comes. Her response was something I could not answer. Since this is unfamiliar territory to me, I was left without a response.
What would you say to this??
This is what she said:
‘As far as homeschooling, I’m not a fan. I think it’s important for kids to have their social lives with friends they go to school with, to create bonds and learn how to deal with confrontation on their own when they are with their friends on a regular basis. I’m not saying they can’t “be socialized” with home schooling I just think its not a “true” socialization (my opinion).
In addition, I feel that unless I went to school to become a teacher and even a Phd I can’t give them the true academic experience and support they need. Just like the saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child, well it takes one to educate them as well. To be taught by one person, is to be taught with one view and one method not allowing them the chance to adapt to different learning atmospheres or to hear their peers views.’ ”
The socialization argument is one homeschoolers are all too familiar with, but for someone who has never homeschooled, it can be a bit difficult to answer in a gracious, non-defensive way. How would you respond to a friend with the same question?”
My answer was highly insensitive , but true none the less. Here it is 🙂
