involvement with other children

[Angie L]

I was wondering if you have to find a way for your children to be around other children or not. I am just curious because we have about 6 families in our 4-h club that are homeschooled and one of their parents says that it is a requirement that they have to be around other children. Thank you very much.

[kat]

Well, I don't know if that is a requirement or not, but I would hope that any homeschooled child has some contact with others outside the home. You can not totally isolate a child from the world outside and then expect him to be able to handle the problems that the world might throw his way as an adult. The fact that they are active in 4-H is one way to have that contact, but are they being "forced" by requirements to do that?

[MK]

Socialization, as it is defined, is not a requirement per se here in my state, but I would think that thoughtful parents would make an effort to at least expose their children to social activities. I have been told by other people that they were astonished at how friendly, open, and well-mannered my own children were, when they had already seen too many homeschooled children who were not so "nice".

There is a little loophole, though... It is a requirement in my state to include certain subjects in the curriculum, particularly social studies. I have found one of the best ways to get social studies is through social activities.

Then one more thing to always keep in consideration is that some children are simply not extroverted. Parents who are sensitive to their children's needs will provide opportunities for their children to socialize with other children, but not force them.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the subject. JMHO. :)

[Angie L]

Thank you very much I was just curious. I have to say that our homeschoolers in our club are a lot more polite then the other kids in the club.

[Suz]

I've been doing a lot of reading and research on this subject and have found so much wonderful info.!!
I have found that kids that are homeschooled are actually more involved with various things than those sitting in a traditional classroom, simply because they have the time.
There are numerous homeschooling groups which get together for field trips. They also have homeschooling basketball, soccer, etc. teams and band and choir as well. It really is amazing all that it has to offer.

[windling]

It's not a requirement in my state either. One of the things you can do I would imagine is weekly museum trips, or park outings. If there are other children there, you have fulfilled your obligation to provide contact with other children. That way you don't have to monitor every thing you do and try to force your child into a social situation solely for the requirement. It's a non-specific thing you can easily work into your schedule that SHOULD meet the demands. Just a thought.