What about socialization?

I laugh when I get that question in regard to our decision to homeschool.

When you think about some of the socialization that takes place on the bus or at school - there are MANY conversations and situations I do want to shield my kids from. For example, my friend whose 8 year old son got a very graphic description of the birds and the bees on the way to school. The 6 year old who walked in the door asking what "french kissing" was because some of the kids were talking about it. The boy standing at the bus stop, in our neighborhood, crying because some of the kids were teasing him and calling him names.

My kids are only young once. Childhood innocence is such a special quality. Let the kids be kids for as long as they can. Once you have a knowledge (ready for it or not) you can never go back.

*Sorry, didn't mean to get on a high horse there. Time passes so quickly and while I know it is my job to prepare my children to become adults and survive "in the real world" - I want to cherish every day they are young! I love to see them discover new things; figure out answers to question; play; enjoy life!*

We have always been good at making sure our kids are involved in activities. We are very active at church. We belong to a small group bible study. We do belong to a homeschool group even though we really only do fieldtrips and some projects with them - not the every week get togethers or play dates they have scheduled. Our kids play soccer, baseball, and wrestling with the Danville clubs. They are about to play some YMCA basketball and tennis. So as you can see they have no interaction with other children or adults! HA!

I decided to do this quick blog because tonight when I called the boys in to dinner we had 4 other neighborhood kids playing in our yard. They had been inside watching Tim install some shelving so they were asking some questions and helping with that also but decided to play some baseball and soccer while it was still light outside. Those 4 kids hung around in our yard waiting for Christian and Joshua to get done eating so they could continue to play.

So I ask you...are my kids lacking in socialization? interaction with other children? learning opportunities? NO! and they would answer the same way.

BTW, there are days when I do want to pinch their little heads off but those are very rare!