Cara’s officially graduated! WOW! It was exciting for her, and me too… we were both homeschooled, and to have our family and friends there was a huge thing. A lot of people have their doubts about homeschooling, so to see my mom, sister, and dad get up and say what they did in front of so many people, is always encouraging to other Homeschoolers. Most of all, it’s a testament to yet another homeschooler accomplishing something. It was a statement to our family members that we take things seriously.

You know, the most vocal, but in my opinion, most shallow argument people use against homeschooling is….(you ready?)…”What about socialization?”

My answer: “What about it?”

“Well… what do you do about socialization?”

Of course, I know this isn’t something they just thought of asking out of concern. It’s something they’ve been taught to ask. They don’t know anything else, so I don’t fault those that ask. Apparently, they must not get out much themselves, otherwise they would have learned homeschoolers really *don’t* have an issue with socialization. Besides, if they really thought I wasn’t “socialized”, why would they waste their time asking me, since I’m most likely not “socialized” enough to answer.

So it continues..



“Well… what about proms? I mean, you can’t go to proms. What about, like, well… boyfriends… dances…”

And they usually stump themselves before I can even answer. Really. Ohh! Socialization! You mean, the bullying? The suicide attempts? Bomb threats? Breakups? That’s what you call “socialization”? First of all, we *do* have homeschool proms. I still wouldn’t want to go to a prom if I had the chance. And see? That’s where I get to be proud of my decisions. If I was in a basic highschool, I know I’d feel pressured or obligated to go.

Sheesh, you talk about “socialization”: “Oh look! So-and-so is with so-and-so now? Ohmygossssh that is SO lame! I can’t believe it. He SO totally should of gone out with HER!” And so on. Or the parties afterwards. Why would I want that, why would I (should I) care? Is that really the kind of socialization I want? I think I’d rather consider how my actions may affect my future and start planning for that now.

You see, the “issue with socialization” doesn’t lie among the homeschoolers. The issue is in the general public that have lost so much Common Sense to the point that common sense isn’t common anymore, so they don’t understand common social issues that homeschoolers are usually the first to demonstrate (yes, the run-on was intentional).

The “issue” with us homeschoolers really isn’t an issue at all. Granted, we aren’t perfect all the time. But when it comes to handling professional situations, engaging in intelligent conversations, and being leaders–well, we’ve got that pretty well under control. It’s not surprising that the ones with the finger pointing at them getting asked, “What about socialization!?” are the ones the finger-pointers are working for. Look it up, I dare ya. Google the research, statistics, charts, and graphs comparing the work ethics, social skills, overall positive countenance, and contentment of homeschoolers vs. their non-homeschooled peers.

We’re happy with who we are. We do well academically. We’re leaders. We’re confident, courageous, and competent. We have lasting family relationships. We’re not perfect–but we aren’t afraid to admit that. We’re honest and down-to-earth. Oh, and we win spelling bees.

So what about socialization, now? I’d say, don’t waste your time.