How Do Homeschoolers Socialize Their Children?

One of the most common asked questions, and misconceptions of homeschooling is, “How do you socialize your children?” I always find this question odd, and a bit frustrating, to be honest. I even had a physician ask me one time why I am still homeschooling my high schooler, and if I’m worried about him not having friends…

I ended up leaving the office without hesitation or an explanation and to be frank, I was incredibly disappointed. We were coming out of a time when kids were forced to wear masks all day long at school and were having to remain 6 feet apart from their friends. This was when pulling your mask down to chat would get you in trouble, a call home to your parents, or worse… and she had the audacity to question the socialization of my children. Y’all, we were having to set boundaries at our house because the kids were flocking to it day and night.  

Oh, and I’ll let you in on a little secret… I don’t know a single homeschooling family that quarantined for the long haul. Of course, we all did for the first two weeks, but after that – no thank you. Our children were still getting together at clubs, co-ops, play dates, and field trips. They weren’t wearing masks, or social distancing. This wasn’t about politics. It was about the well-being of our children.

So that leads me to answer your question – “How do we socialize our children?” By doing life together. By getting involved in our local homeschooling community. By going to church. By serving others. By participating in field trips and events every week. To be honest, we spend so much time socializing that we have to ‘pencil in’ time at home to get our bookwork done.

If you are new to the homeschooling scene, or new to the area, or maybe just realizing that life is meant to be lived in community – Welcome! I urge you to get involved in a homeschool group that aligns with your values and beliefs, even if it isn’t TN Homeschoolers. Join clubs, co-ops and classes. Sign up for field trips and events. Be consistent.

Maybe you’ve tried before, and never felt like you fit in. That’s okay. Try again. And again, and again. I’ll say it once more, life was never meant to be lived alone. Consistency is key. Find something you and your kids enjoy and do it every week. This helps establish routine, allows real friendships and relationships to be created and is something everyone in the family can look forward to.

A few of our favorite field trips are historical places, such as: Oakland’s Mansion, Belle Meade, Sam Davis Home, Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage, Fiddler’s Grove, Cannonsburgh Village, Stones River Battlefield.

Some of our favorite educational places in Tennessee are: The Capitol building, TN State Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, TPAC, Science Adventure Center, Morning Glory Apple Orchard, Vanderbilt Dyer’s Observatory.

If you’re interested in doing life together, scroll up and click on those tabs at the top of the page. Find some field trips, events, clubs and classes that seem interesting and hit, “add to cart.” Check out on the final page, and WELCOME TO THE FAMILY. We are SO glad you are here. <3