Are there social disadvantages to homeschooling? Deciding to home school can be a monumental decision. Many Parents hear this question thrown around to discourage them from homeschooling.
While it is true that homeschooling children do not learn social skills the same way that their public school counterparts do...they will turn into socialized adults!
When the necessity of socialization is discussed, it is most often in reference to relationships outside the home. But why do our children have to be socialized without parental involvement? Since when has mom and dad become non-important? Does the student have to be "socialized by an organized school" to develop "properly”? Is it best to learn socialization in an institution or by being in society with the parent? Is it really best for my children to learn social skills from their own immature peer group?

The truth is homeschooling and socialization work hand in hand .


5 Myths of the Social Disadvantages of Homeschooling

1. Lack of outside friends or play in a group setting
   
   
2. Lack of access to organized team sports
   
   
3. Lack of music opportunities
   
   
4. Lack of opportunity for interaction with people from different backgrounds
   
   
5. Lack of communication skills
   

• Local Church

One of the greatest ways to get to meet other people from different backgrounds is to find a good local church.
My children are involved with the nursing home ministry. All of them from preschool to high school can interact and socialize with the older people. Their ministry involves singing, playing their violins, visiting, and spending time talking with these sweet people.
My older girls get to work in the nursery with the babies and toddlers. This teaches them responsibility and how to take care of little ones in a teaching setting.
We are heavily involved with the family activities that are offered at church every month, from the Harvest Fellowship cook out to a fun game of Putt Putting.
Children's choir, adult choir, Christmas and Easter programs provide other opportunities to sing and learn to speak in a public setting.
Activities involving the children and teens are a great way for homeschooling families to make lasting friends.

• Homeschool Groups

Many homeschool families enjoy becoming a part of a homeschool group. The group in our area offers a gym class once a week and the opportunity to become involved with many other actives such as science and art projects.

• Private Teacher for Music
  

Both of my older children have been taking violin lesson for many years. This gives them the opportunity to play for nursing homes, churches, and other community functions.
There are many youth orchestra's that young people can become involved with.

• Community Sports
  

Every community has some kind of organized sports, be it football, soccer, martial arts, baseball, or basketball. 
Playing in a group setting is easy for my children with as many sibling as they have. We never lack for enough players for basket ball, kickball, or even three on three soccer!

• Field Trips
  

We love to see the fire station, go to the zoo, and see historical sites in and around our community.

• Library Programs
  

All of my children love the library. Each summer the library has a wonderful reading program for high school to preschool. Many libraries have free actives for different age groups throughout the year. This summer my elementary children enjoyed a frog jumping contest, a magic show, and even a talent show given by all the children in the program. 

• Family Life

Just being an active part of a loving family is a great social advantage. Each day new concepts of right and wrong are taught, like learning to be kind, polite, helpful, obedient, diligent, and how to stay on a schedule.

As I look at each of my children from my high schooler to my preschooler, I can see that each one of them can and will grow to be well adjusted adults: not because they have been institutionalized, but because they are being taught all the life skills they need...here at home, in our local church and in their community!

Social disadvantages of homeschooling? What doyou think?