Don't You Believe It

I've heard it a million times, "Oh you home school? Are you worried your kids won't be 'socialized' enough?" I usually just laugh. I think about the years I spent in public school. P.E. and lunch time were the only time I was NOT sitting in a chair listening to lectures. My most social time was either at family gatherings with all my cousins or after school playing with the neighbors' kids. Sadly, this day and age do not lend themselves to allowing your child carte blanche to go play with the kids down the road. Things need to be more 'arranged'. All is not lost though. There are tons of things to do that cost little or no money.

Take Ansley and her 'Dumplings'. What an awesome experience and it cost nothing. She loves hanging out with the older girls, especially if Daddy takes her. (Mom, eh, not so much. Let's just say she has Dad wrapped around her little finger) There are also some dance and gymnastic classes we hope to get her into in the near future. Not to mention swim classes.

Judson and his Dad take karate classes together twice a week. Very cheap because it's through a church but very nice for he and his dad to do it together. This is one time Mom wishes she could do it too. I LOVE LOVE LOVE martial arts. However, my back and knees say NO NO NO. It is our hope the the other kids will join in as they get older. "The family that kicks together sticks together" In addition, Judson is playing basketball this year too. (Stay tuned for pics. Sure to be fun.) On top of that, living in an urban area makes it even more easy to access things. Like yesterday, Judson took a cooking class with his friend Luyushu. They had a good time. (notice the home made oreo cookie crumbs and kool aid on their mouths)


Not to mention, everywhere I go, they go too. Doctor's appointments, grocery, shopping, visiting, even voting. You name it, they do it. It's not like you can schedule appointments while they are in school. They are learning how to act not only with their same age peers but with people older and younger than they are. Let's face it when they grow up, they won't be interacting ONLY with people born their same year but people of all ages. In addition, my kids have great insight into interacting with people of differing abilities. They come with us to appointments where Sawyer is evaluated. They are exposed to medical facilities and treatments that are out of the norm. To them, it's just another day.

So don't believe that kids who are home schooled are not socialized. Parents I know who home school go out of their way to make sure their kids have ample opportunity to socialize with their peer group.