Social Disadvantages Of Homeschooling:
What About Friends?

The social disadvantages of homeschooling are often put forward as the main reason for choosing not to homeschool, so it's wonderful to hear from 4,000 homeschool families you don't need to worry.

The advantages of homeschool socialisation

People seem to imagine that you're going to lock your child away, sit them down in front of a pile of books all day and throw the key out of the window.

What about friends?

That's usually the first question people ask if you tell them you're homeschooling.

I'm hoping that a quick look at the research results below proving how socially adept homeschool children are will give you something to slip into the conversation!

The Social Advantages of Homeschooling

Let's start by turning the question around.

What exactly are the social benefits of going to school?

That's why bringing together the experience of homeschooling families in the Courageous Homeschooling Handbook is so helpful and reassuring.

"I went to national school, and it didn't help or make a whole lot of difference to me that I attended school and was surrounded by so many other kids who just wanted to be popular or be in the 'in' crowd...It was tiring..

I concluded going to school doesn't help one make friends. Or to learn to socialize any better than a child who is homeschooled...

(My homeschool daughter) has grown to be a very sociable young lady. Confident, loving and engages well in conversations with people from across all ages. Yes, ironically, she's a total extrovert compared to my spouse and I."

~Julyan, The Courageous Homeschooling Handbook

It's hearing from homeschool moms like Julyan that puts things back in perspective.

The Courageous Homeschooling Handbook with encouragement and inspiration for families starting teaching their child at home
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You can hear many more homeschool families giving invaluable advice on how to make friends in the Courageous Homeschooling Handbook.  You'll also find reassurance and answers to the worries we all face like: Am I good enough? Can I cope? and Will I fail my child?

Social Disadvantages Of Homeschooling De-Bunked

So what's the truth?

All the homeschooling parents I've met (and I mean all) are only too pleased to meet up, precisely because they want their child to make friends with yours.

If other people knew how much effort all the homeschool parents I know put in to ensure their child doesn't face any social disadvantages because of homeschooling they'd be amazed.

In fact, knowing how many homeschooling children have plenty of friends I think outsiders might be more entitled to ask:

"So you mean your child is going to spend all day playing?"

If you decide not to send your child to school, you've automatically been granted free entrance to the homeschool club.

(Don't take offense, but I sometimes think that's more important to them than what they think of me!).

Obviously, if you decide to start, you'll probably worry about the potential social disadvantages of homeschooling.

The fact is you'll almost certainly find some sort of homeschool group meeting near you where the children can play and the adults can talk.

Dr Raymond Moore quote

It'll depend on where you live, of course, but usually some of the parents get together to organize educational trips and visits (at group discount rates, which helps when it comes to saving money with homeschooling.)

On top of that, there are loads of other opportunities to make sure your child doesn't face any of the potential social disadvantages of homeschooling.

Groups, clubs, societies, lessons, courses, adventure holidays – your only limit is your child's interests and possibly your wallet!

sailing
William sailin

"The socialising side of homeschooling is one I always get struck with and I really think it's ridiculous....

Since I have taken my son out of school he actually has a better social life and he mixes with children of all ages, he is so much happier, more patient and helpful to younger children, his confidence has blossomed and our bond has strengthened.

I am counting down the weeks until my other children will be finishing school and joining the home school journey :)"

~ Helena

So, even if your child doesn't live near other homeschool families, there's no reason for there to be any social disadvantages to homeschooling.

There's plenty of opportunities for your child to learn with other children, make friends, socialize.

Families choose many different ways to homeschool and you can draw up whatever homeschool schedule suits you and your kids.

And let's not forget the other perspective: what sort of socialization would your child get if they went to school?

John Taylor Gatto spoke about the disadvantages of the public education system when he was presented with the New York City Teacher of the Year Award in 1990:

John Taylor Gatto quote

What an indictment!

Maybe those who worry about the possible social disadvantages of homeschooling would be better occupied having a radical re-think about the skills children practice at school.

Homeschooling statistics on socialization prove that nearly twice the numbers of homeschool adults participate in at least one on-going community service, compared to adults of a similar general population.

"I truly believe school socialization is more harmful than good. I blame it for my shyness and social anxiety."

~Jennifer, Courageous Homeschooling Facebook support group

"Socialization? Exactly WHAT socialization?" was the way one Mom responded when she saw the results of a school day on her daughter.

So the supposed social disadvantages of homeschooling can actually provide a wonderful cover for a game which parents seem to play: a supposition that all children who go to school have loads of friends.

Of course, on reflection, many parents acknowledge that this isn't true, but then you hit the double whammy.

Myths around the social disadvantages of homeschooling

There seems to be some sort of generally accepted theory that just because you suffered at school somehow all children should.

It must be good for them.

It teaches children to toughen up and learn how to cope.

But does it? Peer pressure is an inescapable part of school life.

At its worst, bullying results. How does being bullied help you become a better adult?

Just look at my page on school bullying and the real-life experience of parents whose children have suffered.

"My son has constantly been teased and bullied the last few years and the school knew it and dealt with it, but it never stopped. This year he finally had enough and defended himself physically and was suspended. I understand the policy but don't agree. I pulled him next day. Best thing I've done so far.

Homeschooling is hard, but I have no regrets."

~ Andrea, homeschool-activities Facebook fan

Not everyone at school gets bullied. But they'll all struggle with whose top in the popularity stakes and having to keep in with their mates.

The price they pay varies.

But school makes it hard to be different and ignores many of the advantages homeschooling brings.

bird

Try something as innocent as being an 11 year-old birdwatcher and see what happens.

My husband Rob was that boy, and he still remembers it.

There is definitely a case to be answered.

friends

Rather than looking at the disadvantages of homeschooling, you could easily pen many papers about the social disadvantages of school and ask yourself:

Is school really the best way to learn the socialization skills you need as an adult?

There are, in fact, lots of advantages to homeschooling socialization as you'll see.

My experience is that the social disadvantages of homeschooling are vastly over-exaggerated and can be overcome, though I know that it does take a little work sometimes.

"I did worry about socializing with other children...(but) late last year we went into a museum and J. got talking to the curator there and he asked me if I homeschooled her.

When I nervously said yes, he said I can tell, she is very polite and she looks so happy and, she isn't disruptive. I came out of that museum with a very big head. He also told me he used to be a school Head Teacher."

~ Sylvia, Courageous Homeschooling Facebook group

public school socialization joke

The Courageous Homeschooling Handbook

The Courageous Homeschooling Handbook for home educators starting out

Don't forget you can find lots more tips, advice and reassurance that home education is a far more healthy way to learn social skills in the Courageous Homeschooling Handbook here.

"What makes people think that public school is the only place for a child to learn social skills, or that it's the best place for it? I do not want my children shaped by that environment. I'm raising strong, independent, creative individuals with healthy self-esteem and good morals. They have wonderful social skills, too. They're friendly and warm, and can hold mature inteeligent conversations with anyone.

A confidence I believe that has been fostered by being schooled at home, where no one tells them they aren't good enough because of how they look, or dress, or makes fun of them because they're different."

~ Jennifer, Courageous Homeschooling Handbook

Want to remember this? Pin the Myths about the Social Disadvantages of Homeschooling to your favorite Pinterest board!

Homeschooling and socialization: why home education offers a far more healthy way of learning social skills

You can read more about peer pressure and why I hate the idea that the success of your homeschool is measured by the number of friends at your child's Birthday party here.

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