The Impact of Homeschooling On the Socialization of Children
Millions of families are using various approaches to homeschooling their children. As homeschooling evolves over time, there may be several misconceptions about it. Some proponents of homeschooling are quick to point out that the issue of socialization is a dead one. They also believe that the healthy development of socialization skills has never really been a problem. There have been studies going back ten years or more. And according to these studies, the socialization skills of home schooled children are generally more advanced.
It's hard to argue nowadays that modern schools are safe or healthy places for socializing children. The overall direction of schools is only going downhill, and the safety of kids is only one of the problems. Therefore it does seem that a healthy home and relationships between parents and children would almost certainly be an improvement. Children who are educated at home can potentially experience a far greater diversity of life than those stuck in a classroom. Kids can be given more direct experience of the world by being shown things in person to supplement book learning. What is also a very compelling point is to consider the usual effects of negative socialization that routinely occurs in public schools. Children go through a supposedly normal institutional education and emerge beaten and worn. It can be very difficult for children to get over such experiences, and it can be detrimental to how they turn out as adults. Considering this, the notion that a typical education is essential for a child's development seems less than convincing. The greatest benefit of homeschooling is it allows a child to fully blossom in a safe environment. This kind of supportive environment encourages kids to mature and develop their abilities to the utmost.
If children don't feel free to communicate openly, it's hard for them to be socialized in a positive way. The fact is, children are much more likely to be encouraged to express themselves in a healthy way at home than in school. Between peer pressure, bullies and teachers of questionable competence, schools are seldom the ideal places for kids to express themselves. With such experiences very common, especially in American schools, the majority of students are never able to participate to the best of their abilities. Rather than encourage learning and self expression, this type of environment does the opposite. Homeschooling, meanwhile, allows kids to develop the kind of qualities that give them true confidence. Parents don't have thirty or more kids to police and can provide much more individual attention. If there are several kids in a family, they can be taught to respect each other's efforts. Homeschooled children actually seem to have greater opportunities for social development. This is partially due to their parents understanding the need to get their children out in various settings with other children. And there should be plenty of groups for kids to with others their own age.
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