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Every time I turned around I heard someone bemoaning the lack of socialization of children that were homeschooled. While I didn't see a problem I took steps to prove to detractors that my child was socialized as well as the public and private school children. What I discovered surprised me.

The best socialized kids and most well rounded people were the homeschooled group. When I get in a large group of young people with a mix of public, private, and homeschooled kids I can mostly point out each group. Many public school kids do what I call duck and cover'. If there is not a familiar adult with them they won't talk to anyone but will talk amongst themselves. While many display minimal manners most do not. The private school kids seem to have more manners and will, if pressured, talk to other adults when it's necessary. Many of the homeschooled kids display manners, initiative and have no problems talking to adults. They will look out for other children and will step forward more quickly to help an adult. I can look into the eyes of a home school kid when a public school kid looks at me they look around me and fiddle with something while they talk.

I am, of course speaking of a small population of young people and there are exceptions to each group. But the exceptions seem to be in the public and private school children. I know a public school student who is personable and talks freely to me as well as my daughter who is her friend. She skipped a grade in school and is very artistic she also takes initiative and makes presentations to her club groups and other groups she holds membership. I also know a private school young man who is very shy but is willing to step out of his shell to talk to people in competitions.

When I was looking for a way to get my daughter in a group we had already had experience with many youth groups. The group I was, and am, most impressed with is 4-H. This is a federal, state and locally funded program. Its goals are education and public speaking. This program meets its goals and provides its members with fun, entertainment, and opportunities. I expected my youth member to do her own business. She may know the questions and I may direct her to the correct adult but the rest is up to her. The result is a young lady who is ready to go out into the world and be a successful adult. I was pleased to find I wasn't the only homeschooling mother to make this choice so we were in a group of many points of view.
With this program no one has to ever worry about proving that their child is socialized.

Learn more about this author, Ann Dennis.
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