The Truth about the Homeschool Socialization Myth

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Have you heard there are negative effects of homeschooling on socialization? Read our guide on the truth about the homeschool socialization myth.

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Homeschooling and socialization are two words that often end up in the same sentence, but not necessarily as a good thing. In fact, families beginning their homeschooling journey often ask this question first when looking into how to start homeschooling.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the truths regarding homeschool socialization.

Although homeschooling has managed to gain a lot of traction in recent years, people still think that kids educated at home are missing out on being socialized. As a homeschooling mom of multiples, I can tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact is we are dealing with a homeschool socialization myth!

Featured Tool for Homeschool Socialization

One of our favorite online tools for homeschool is Outschool. And while we normally talk about it in term of tutoring and online courses, a lesser known use is for homeschool socialization.

Outschool offers online homeschool social groups and clubs for different age ranges. Groups range from social group learning activities to discussions over lunch. And these groups are available for as little as $2 a month!

Want to check out the socialization opportunities offered by Outschool? Click here to see all the current groups!

You can also learn more about Outschool here.

The Truth About Homeschool Socialization

The term “socialization” actually takes on two meanings:

1. The activity of mixing socially with others.
2. The process of learning how to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.

With these two definitions in mind, go with me to your every day public and private school classroom. Yes, there are anywhere from 15 to 30 kids in one class, but in many cases, these students are constantly told to be quiet, limit their talking, and are given minimal times throughout the day to actually be kids.

Of course I understand some classrooms are different than others. There are exceptions to every rule, but these are exceptions.

Now think about your typical homeschooled child. They are encouraged to talk and to communicate. They are given lots of opportunities to be a part of groups that enhance socializing with others. The truth of the matter is socialization in its true form is something that homeschooled kids can get tons of.

Why do people think homeschoolers socialize less than public school kids?

Before homeschooling became the ideal choice of education, these chosen families were few and far between. They were rarely seen and programs, services, and support groups didn’t exist.

In those times, socialization looked different. These families depended on one another, along with what community support they knew of (the local barber or the mom and pop shop owners). 

Fast forward to today, homeschoolers now have the backing of organizations, local businesses, and even some public school systems. There are more resources than one can count, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Parents have figured out and begun to utilize play dates, CO-OP groups, field trip groups, and so on as a way to provide their children with ample opportunities to socialize with other children.

That being said, it’s worth noting that in order for homeschool kids to be well-socialized, parents have to take an active role in finding those socialization opportunities. If you don’t get your kids involved, then the homeschool socialization myth will become there reality.

Also, in light of being prepared for life, home-educated kids take the cake. Numerous amounts of homeschooled children are beginning college well before high school graduation and are able to start the workforce much earlier as well. Talk about being a meaningful member of society!

Of course, this isn’t meant to bash public and private school systems. The biggest issue is parents somehow feeling like they are not giving their children the ability to socialize with others, and being demonized for it.

If you feel like you’re not giving your child the best opportunities to socialize with others, here are some simple ideas to encourage easy socialization.

Homeschool Socialization Ideas 

Before you give up on getting your kids social, consider these tried and true ways that will keep them anything but isolated.

Join a homeschool group.

Local homeschool groups are popping up all over the place, mainly because homeschooling has become so popular. If you’re not sure about your area having a group, do a simple Google or Facebook search to see what you can find. We have a homeschool help Facebook group as well. Or find a local thread on a homeschooling forum. If you still don’t see anything, consider starting one.

And as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, homeschool socialization groups exist online as well. This is becoming increasingly common in our modern era, especially post-Covid. For that, we recommend you check out Outschool.

Plan field trips with other families. 

If there’s one thing homeschooling families love, it’s field trips. You don’t have to gather a huge group to do these (although big groups tend to get discounts). Call up one or two of your homeschool girlfriends and plan a small field trip to a local farm, museum, or historical site. Or dream real big and take a homeschool cruise!

Set up weekly, biweekly, or monthly play dates.

Play dates especially come in handy if you have a few busybodies in the family. Education doesn’t have to be all textbooks and worksheets more than exercising the physical body. Play dates give children time to play with other kids and will give you some adult interaction (Lord knows we need it!).

If you’ve worried about “socializing” your homeschoolers, chances are you’re doing just fine. But just in case you want to be more intentional about it, start with these ideas and go from there!