by Sara Mcgrath

Created on: August 09, 2010   Last Updated: April 01, 2011

The biggest disadvantage of homeschooling is social skills right? It's certainly not academic performance. If the child at home lacks regular opportunities to interact and converse with people outside the home, this may be a valid concern. However, homeschoolers today have a variety of options for social experiences if they choose to participate.

In addition to socialization as a potential disadvantage of homeschooling, what else might be of concern? I'll examine these three concerns:

1) Quality of social experiences,

2) Non-standard curricula, and

3) Lack of teacher certification among parents.

Is lack of socialization a disadvantage?

When considering social opportunities, it's important to define socialization. If we're referring to the socializing of groups of children to fit into an institutional setting, i.e., sit still for hours, speak only when allowed or after raising a hand, waiting in lines, etc., then school would be the place to get this training. If we're referring to socializing with other people, having conversations, etc., then homeschoolers may have the advantage of time and opportunity to practice and develop this skill and activity, as well as to develop the self awareness and confidence that improves the experience.

Homeschool co-ops, for example, provide children with a variety of social experiences including play dates, interest clubs, events, holiday parties, field trips, classes and workshops, mentoring relationships, etc. These networks of homeschoolers provide children with access to children and adults of multiple ages and interests.

Some parents, however, don't help their children make these connections and some kids don't want to participate. I would argue, though, that it's near-impossible for even the shyest child to avoid all social interaction. Even homebodies have some interactions with extended family, neighbors,  postal clerks, grocery cashiers, librarians, bank tellers, etc.

Among the Top 10 things homeschoolers do while others are in school: "No. 1 Homeschoolers get to socialize!" As a formerly schooled child, I distinctly remember my teacher saying, "You're not here to socialize!" While most kids are in school and their parents are at work, my children and I get to socialize. We socialize with one another - my favorite - and we get to interact with the community. My kids know the folks at the post office, grocery store, hardware store, and library. We run errands together every day and we go to play dates.

Is nonstandard

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