It’s an understandable concern. After all, most of us spent our childhoods in more traditional educational settings, attending brick and mortar schools, surrounded by other kids daily, and where social interaction was an intrinsic part of our educational experience. How can this be replicated if we are teaching our children at home? Why? Well, it’s partly because homeschooling usually doesn’t take place exclusively at home, and homeschoolers actually interact frequently with others. But it’s also because homeschool parents usually make an effort to bring socializing into the mix, with positive results. Here’s how families of kids who are homeschooled, or otherwise educated at home, ensure that socialization happens so that kids form meaningful relationships with their peers, are well-rounded—and most of all, are happy.
Homeschooling and Socialization
No one can deny that socializing with other children is an important part of child development, especially as kids move through the elementary school years and into secondary grades. Of course, interactions with trusted adults—such as parents, other family members, and teachers—can be enriching too, but children are meant to play and explore with other children. School environments also teach children how to follow directions from others, be good listeners, and take turns when speaking. These skills don’t always come naturally to young children, and need to be taught and nurtured.
What Does the Research Say?
Research about homeschoolers and socialization is, unfortunately, not abundant at this time. However, the available research does point to mostly positive outcomes when it comes to socialization and homeschooled children. For example, a systematic review of the available research on homeschooling, published in the Journal of School Choice found that not only do homeschoolers fare very well academically, but they also appear to be well adjusted and well socialized. Research shows that homeschooled kids are less likely to engage in risky behavior such as alcohol consumption. An older study cited by Ray (from 1992) found that homeschooled kids had fewer behavioral problems than their conventionally schooled counterparts. Richard G. Medlin, PhD, a professor of psychology at Stetson University, published a review of homeschool research in the Peabody Journal of Education. He came to similarly positive conclusions:
Adults who were homeschool as kids are “civically engaged” and well adjusted. Homeschooled children have stronger relationships with their parents and other adults in their lives. Homeschooled children are generally content, hopeful, and report high levels of satisfaction with their lives. Homeschooled kids are ethical and are more likely to take social responsibility than conventionally taught kids. Homeschooled kids are open-minded and like to try new things. Homeschooled kids are well-behaved and experience less “emotional turmoil.” Homeschooled kids who attend college are as social as their peers who were taught more traditionally.
What Do Homeschool Parents Report?
According to Medlin’s research, parents of kids who learn at home report positive outcomes about their children’s socialization skills. If you talk to any veteran homeschooling parent, they will likely agree, explaining that their children generally have uniquely diverse experiences as homeschoolers. They interact with kids of all ages, have many experiences with other adults in public situations, and generally learn how to be a respectful, thoughtful, and empathetic member of society because they are schooled at home, and not despite it.
Social Engagement
Most homeschoolers will tell you that the thing to keep in mind about homeschooling is that only a small portion of it happens at home. In fact, many children do a large bulk of their academic schooling with others—such as in homeschool co-ops and through outside classes and activities aimed at homeschooled kids and families. Really, the ways that you can keep your home learner engaged with others are endless, especially with a little planning. Here are some of the most popular ways that homeschool parents give their elementary-aged kids opportunities for socializing.
Join a Homeschool Co-op
Homeschool co-ops are popular ways to connect with other homeschool families so that your children can play and learn with others. Some of these co-ops are primarily social in nature; others involve parents taking turns teaching classes or hiring outside teachers to teach students. HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) is a good place to start if you are looking for a local homeschool co-op or group.
Enroll in Extracurricular Activities
Just because you homeschool doesn’t mean your child can’t participate in after-school or weekend activities with non-homeschool kids. Some public schools even allow homeschool kids to participate in their extracurricular activities. Sign your child up for martial arts, dance, cooking, piano, computer coding—whatever floats their boat.
Get Involved in Sports
If you have a sporty kid, getting them on a local sports team (even through your local school district if allowed) is a wonderful way for you to socialize your child. Sports involve many of the important skills you will want your child to learn, such as teamwork, communication, and managing big emotions.
Volunteer
Volunteer at the local zoo, a homeless shelter, or soup kitchen. Older kids can volunteer at a local non-profit, an animal rescue, or a local hospital. There are so many opportunities to get your kids involved in local civic organizations. All of them are educational opportunities as well as ways to interact with others in meaningful ways.
Register Your Child for Classes
Even without enrolling your child in a full-day school program, there are academic classes you can usually find within your community. Many non-profits, environmental centers, museums, and libraries offer educational classes for kids of all ages. These are also great ways for your child to get used to a classroom-like setting and engage with others.
Take Community College Courses
High school-aged homeschoolers are often able to enroll in community college courses. This is a fantastic way to enrich your child’s education, teach them to be more independent, and give them opportunities to engage with others. And of course, there’s the bonus that they will get a leg up on their college coursework (at a very low cost per credit).
Go to Summer Camp
Homeschoolers often attend camp—day camp and sleepaway camp. This is a great way to make long-lasting friendships and is also a good way to build grit and independence.
Get Outside
Whatever you do, get your homeschooler outside. Of course, homeschooled kids need sunshine and movement as much as any child. But going beyond your own backyard offers more opportunities for socialization for your child. Visit your local park frequently, go to the zoo and botanical gardens. If you visit these places during school hours, you might run into a homeschooler or two and make fast friends.
A Word From Verywell
Homeschooling doesn’t mean that your child will never interact with other kids or develop the necessary social skills to thrive. There are many creative ways to keep your child socialized, including playdates and community-based classes and gatherings. Either way, it can be reassuring to know that educating your child at home is not likely to be detrimental to their overall social development. On the contrary: With a little creativity and exploration, there are many ways to ensure that your home-educated child thrives and forms meaningful connections with others.
