Homeschool Socialization 

Homeschool Socialization is one of homeschooling parents’ biggest concerns. Will their children have enough socialization opportunities? They fear their children may grow up socially backward and unable to interact well with others. Parents worry that their children will lack the skills needed to form strong friendships with kids their own age.  

Many parents ask the following questions: 

• Will homeschooling hinder our children’s social development? 
• Will homeschooling limit our children’s social opportunities? 
• How will our children be able to adapt socially as they grow older? 
• How can we ensure that our children get as many social interactions as their traditionally schooled peers? 
• Are there even any viable socialization options available to homeschoolers? 

This blog post answers these questions and provides practical ways to incorporate homeschool socialization into your routine. 

Homeschool Socialization Research Studies 

Although there isn’t an abundance of research on homeschool socialization, the data available suggests overall positive results concerning homeschooled children and socialization. The Journal of School Choice published a report that homeschoolers generally perform well academically and socially. Thirteen out of fifteen available studies on homeschool socialization reported “positive outcomes for the homeschooled compared to those in conventional schools.”  

Research has revealed other positive conclusions regarding homeschooled children: 

• Homeschooled children display fewer behavioral problems than their conventionally schooled peers. They are also less likely to engage in risky behavior such as alcohol consumption.  
• Homeschooled children tend to be more open-minded and willing to try new things. 
• Homeschooled children develop stronger relationships with their parents and other adults involved in their lives. 
• Homeschooled children are more likely to be ethical and take more social responsibility than traditionally schooled students.  
• Homeschooled children who attend college adjust socially as well as their conventionally schooled peers.  
• Homeschooled children are generally optimistic and satisfied with their lives.  

Does homeschooling affect social skills? 

All education, whether at home or in a traditional setting, will affect children’s social development. All children, whether homeschooled or conventionally schooled, experience social interaction every day. Social development takes place primarily in the family since they are the people we are around the most. How kids relate to parents, siblings, and other relatives largely impacts how they build social connections with others outside their family. Homeschooling, done correctly, can help kids develop strong social skills both within and outside their families.  

Is Homeschooling Bad for Social Development? 

Contrary to what many people believe, homeschooling can be more beneficial for kids’ social development than traditional school. A common misconception of homeschooling is that children will have fewer opportunities to meet other children, form lasting friendships, and build meaningful relationships with others. The fact is that homeschoolers can have just as many, if not more, of these social opportunities. One huge advantage of homeschooling is that your children do not have to face the daily peer pressure or bullying that is so prevalent in traditional schools today. You have more freedom and flexibility to introduce them to various kinds of social interaction with children their own age. Another great advantage is that homeschoolers enjoy more flexibility in their schedule. This allows families more time to include social activities than traditionally schooled children.  

How to Make Friends as a Homeschooler 

Here are several tips for positive homeschool socialization to remember and practice:

Share with others. 

Sharing is not only an important social skill but also a biblical principle God wants each of us to develop. He wants us to willingly and generously share with others what He has so graciously given us. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is a truth learned only by practicing regularly. We should be happy to share our resources, time, and hospitality, especially with fellow believers who are a part of God’s family. The more we share with others, the more opportunities we will have to build lasting friendships. 

Cooperate with others. 

Cooperating means “working together to achieve a common goal.” If homeschoolers want to make close friends, they must be willing to cooperate with others. This means putting aside your own desires, goals, and opinions for the sake of your peers. It also means showing respect for others’ opinions and requests. It means you get involved and help with group projects and activities.  

Listen to others.  

How do you feel when you’re talking to someone, and you can tell they’re not really listening to you? It can make you feel frustrated, sad, and upset, right? An important part of developing strong social relationships is being a good listener. Listening involves more than not speaking when someone else is talking. It means paying attention to what someone is saying. Focus on the conversation instead of what you want to say when a person finishes talking. You can’t really help or encourage someone if you’re not absorbing what is being said. Afford others the courtesy you want others to show you by intentionally listening to them.  

Follow directions.  

Believe it or not, this is a very important aspect of making solid social connections. If you are good at following instructions, you will have a great advantage when participating in group activities. You can help avoid confusion, disunity, disorganization, and wasted time. You and your friends will be able to enjoy being with each other more and will be able to accomplish more together.  

Respect personal space.  

This is a crucial quality to practice in any social situation. Be aware of where you are and where other people are. A general rule of thumb is to keep an arm’s length between you and another person when talking to them. Standing or sitting too close to people can make them feel uncomfortable, so be sure to give others plenty of room.  

Respect others’ personal belongings.  

This goes along with the previous tip. Ask before you take or use something that belongs to someone else. Be careful with other people’s possessions; don’t throw them (unless they’re meant to be thrown), handle them roughly, or leave them somewhere. Treat others’ belongings the way you want them to treat yours.  

8 Activities for Homeschool Socialization 

Join a homeschool co-op. 

Although this isn’t the only place homeschoolers can socialize with other kids their own age, it’s a good place to start. Co-ops provide many opportunities for homeschool socialization:

•  Homeschoolers can take classes with peers their own age and grade. 
•  Homeschool families can have regular times of recreation and play together. 
•  They can participate with other homeschoolers in extracurricular activities and field trips.  

Find out what your local library has to offer. 

Libraries are another great place to meet and connect with other kids and families. Besides reading programs, many libraries also offer activities such as music, art, crafts, and writing. Our local library even hosts monthly events just for homeschoolers. Some of these have included watercolor art, learning basic Spanish, creative writing, and learning about farms.  

Sign up your child for music lessons. 

Learning to play an instrument can benefit children in several ways:

• It can help them develop hand-eye coordination. 
• Children will learn how to read music, an important mental skill. 
• Children will learn how to read music, an important mental skill. 
• Learning music can help kids focus better. 
• Recitals and concerts provide good opportunities for children to interact and socialize with their peers. 

Get your child involved in a team sport. 

Sports are one of the best opportunities for homeschool socialization. Not only do children learn teamwork, but they also learn to take instruction and correction from adults besides their parents.  

Find out what extracurricular activities your public school offers to homeschoolers. 

Many public schools allow homeschoolers to take part in after-school programs such as sports, choir, and debate. My oldest daughter has played soccer at our local high school for two years, and it has been a wonderful opportunity for her. She has been able to meet several girls her own age and become friends with them. She has developed soccer skills she wouldn’t have otherwise. And, best of all, it has opened the door for chances to share the gospel with her peers.  

Research nearby clubs and classes your child can join. 

These include, but aren’t limited to, the following: 

• Gymnastics
• Martial Arts
• Ballet
• 4-H
• Scouts
• Civil Air Patrol

Explore museums and zoos in your area. 

Many of these organizations, as well as aquariums and art galleries, offer extra programs for children. Some of them host events specifically for homeschoolers too. 

Consider community productions. 

Another great opportunity for homeschool socialization is through local theater productions. You can also sign your children up for a youth orchestra or choir.  

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Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves homeschooling them. During her own twelve years of being homeschooled, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.