Written by Robin Sampson and used with permission

I read a blog post
ranting about homeschool socialization. The post received many
interesting comments. I had this cartoon made a few years ago that
illustrates my feelings.

homeschool socilization

Yes, homeschool children should have friends. But not
just random friends. Homeschoolers have the opportunity for selective
socialization. Parents can guide their children to other Christian
families with like-minded morals and values.

Most homeschool families I know are are very active
with other families. There are weekly field trips with support groups,
twice-a-week church functions, scouts, choir, weekly skating parties,
etc, etc.

But don’t take my word for it. Let us look at the homeschool statistics.

 

 


Studies Prove Homeschoolers Do Better Socially

Information gathered by the National Home Education Research Institute prove homeschool students have significantly higher self concepts than those in public schools.

  • Dr. Johnson (1991) concluded that home educators carefully address
    the socialization needs of their children in every area studied (i.e.,
    personal identity, personal destiny, values and moral development,
    autonomy, relationships, sexuality, and social skills).
  • Studying actual observed behavior, Dr. Shyers (1992) found the home educated had significantly lower problem behavior scores than do their conventional school age mates. And the home educated have positive self-concepts.
  • Dr. Taylor (1986) found that the home educated have significantly higher self concepts than those in public schools.
  • The home schooled are well adjusted socially and emotionally
    like their private school comparison group. The home educated, however,
    are less peer dependent than the private school students (Delahooke,
    1986).
  • Dr. Montgomery (1989) found that home schooled students are just as
    involved in out-of-school and extracurricular activities that predict
    leadership in adulthood as are those in the comparison private school
    (that was comprised of students more involved than those in public
    schools).
  • Home educated children are more mature and better socialized than
    are those sent to school, according to Thomas Smedley’s personal
    interaction and communications approach to understanding socialization.
  • Dr. Gary Knowles, of the
    University of Michigan, explored adults who were home educated. None were unemployed and none were on welfare, 94% said home education prepared them to be independent persons,
    79% said it helped them interact with individuals from different levels
    of society, and they strongly supported the home education method.

What Does God’s Word Say About Socialization?

The concept of separation from evil is fundamental to God’s
relationship with His people. According to the Bible, separation
involves two dimensions – one negative and one positive:

  1. Separating yourself morally and spiritually from sin and everything that is contrary to Jesus Christ, righteous and God’s Word.
  2. Drawing near to God in a close intimate fellowship through dedication, worship and service.

Don Stamp commentary explains in the Full Life Bible:

  1. In the Old Testament separation was an ongoing requirement for God’s people. (Ex 23:24; Lev. 20:22-26; Isa 52:11😉 They were expected to be holy, different and separated from other peoples in order to belong to God as His very own.
  2. In the New Testament God commanded separation of the believer (a)
    from the corrupt world system and from unholy compromise, (b) from
    those in church who sin and refuse to repent (Mat 7:15; 1Co 5:9-11; 2Th 3:6-15) and (c) from false teachers, churches or cults that teach theological error and deny Biblical truths (Mat 7:15; Rom 16:17)
  3. Our attitude in separation must be one of (a) hatred toward sin,
    unrighteousness and the corrupt world system, (b) opposition to false
    doctrine, genuine love towards whom we must separate, and (c) fear of
    God as we perfect holiness.
  4. The purpose of separation is that we, as God’s people, might (a) persevere in salvation (1Ti 4:16; Rev 12:14-17), faith (1Ti 1:19; 6:10; 20-21) and holiness (Jo 17:14-21; 2Cor 7:1); (b) live wholly for God as our Lord and Father (Mat 22:37; 2Co 6:16-18); and (c) convince the unbelieving world of the truth and blessings of the gospel (Jn 17:21; Phi. 2:15.)
  5. If we separate ourselves properly, God Himself rewards us by
    drawing near with His protection, blessing and Fatherly care. He
    promises to be everything a good Father should be. He will be our
    counselor and guide; He will love and cherish us as His own children. (2Cor 6:16-18)
  6. The refusal of believers to separate themselves from evil will
    inevitability result in loss of fellowship with God (2 Co 6:16), of
    acceptance by the Father (6:17) and of our rights as children (6:18cf. Rom 8:15-16).

What do you say when people ask you about socialization? Answer in the comments below.