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Discussion on: Does anyone homeschool here?

 
stereoplegic profile image
Mike Bybee • Edited

I seriously question your socialization if you think it has to be compulsory and uniform.

You're ignoring everything I've said about the massive time and cost savings, and the additional opportunities for socialization afforded by them; and you still haven't answered why you're giving public school parents a pass on their dereliction of parental obligations, rather than holding them to the same standard you do homeschooling parents.

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bernardwiesner profile image
Bernard Wiesner

I seriously question your socialization if you think it has to be compulsory and uniform.

I never said that.

I think you are misjudging and misunderstanding what I am saying and are becoming too defensive.

I like homeschooling and I see enormous benefits in it. I agree with most of the other points you mentioned about the benefits of homeschooling. I regard homeschooled children often more smart and intelligent than other non homeschooled ones. The only point I disagreed with you is the socializing one, its the challenging one to get right with homeschooling and is the biggest factor parents should care about if they decide to pull their children out of public schools. Parents have to make sure their children can meet up with other homeschoolers and organize club activities for their children, ideally on a daily basis. If this is possible, its a great option to consider pulling the out of public school.

You misjudge me if you think I am against homeschooling. My issue was simply that you made it look as if the socializing part is not an issue and no need to worry about that. In fact its the most concerning issue and should be cared most about if you decide to homeschool your children.

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stereoplegic profile image
Mike Bybee • Edited

Of course you should care about it. But that's the thing: If you're withdrawing your child to homeschool (or making the conscious decision to do so from the start), then chances are pretty good that you do. I pointed out above how this conversation turned from "but what about socialization?" to "well sure, if the parent really cares..." (and apparently continues to do so... But again, somehow it's ok for public school parents not to care?).

And I'm saying that socialization comes in far more forms than just standing in lines with the exact same kids in the exact same groups day in, day out. It comes in the form of some of the most valuable lessons in life: Conversations with elders. And with other children of different ages. And in seeing adults interact with one another and being a part of said interactions, rather than just being "talked at" (as opposed to "spoken to") by the same authority figures every day.

Sure there are the occasional, stereotypical, isolated weirdos. There are plenty of those in public schools too, relegated to such by the cruel social structures of the popularity mob (usually the cool kids who don't amount to anything as adults).

And no, it shouldn't be "cared most about." A complete, comprehensive education (including heavy study in history, so often an afterthought in the current public obsession with STEM scores), in which socialization is just one of many components (albeit a critical one), should be top priority.