Social concerns of homeschooling
Social skills is an area of deep concern when it comes to homeschooling. Many critics point out that since man needs to hone his social skills, a homeschooling environment where social interaction is limited is detrimental to his growth and development. But studies have proved this wrong.
Children put into the fiercely competitive school environments lack the confidence to hold a conversation. Such children show little genuine interest in the topic of conversation and don’t know how to interact with people of various age groups, especially their elders.
Children who learn at home are more aware of the implications and the purpose of their learning. They will ask intelligent questions and make accurate observations. Children begin their life by imitating their parents. Homeschooled children therefore pick up the sterling qualities they see in their parents. On the other hand, they are protected from the detrimental influences of their peers.
These children are thus better equipped with the tools necessary to face the world. The positive reinforcement that takes place in the homeschooling environment as opposed to being abandoned, embarrassed or ignored in a normal school environment strengthens their self-esteem. Children turn out to be better balanced and well-rounded as they progress into adulthood. Besides, you can enroll you children in all types of activities and many school districts all home schooled children to participate in sports and other after school activities.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:29 am
We plan on homeschooling our children. Social interactions is one of the key questions asked about and I explain that we experience a variety of social interactions without ever going to school: while shopping, church activities, family get-to-gethers, play dates, out exploring the neighborhood, etc. My children are becoming well rounded socially and are well recieved. My fear isn’t their lack of social interactions without going to school, but rather the social interactions they would recieve at school. I have been on elementary school grounds and refuse to allow my children the deplorable social interactions found there. We want our children to succeed in all things to the best of their ability and thus far they have done a great job (with us as their parents and teachers).