Creating Social Opportunities for Home Schooled Children

By Ina Woolcott

Unfortunately when choosing to home school parents often find they need to justify themselves to others as there are always some who believe that home schooled children don't mix enough with other children, like they would in a public school. This is not even true. The social opportunities are countless. Events can be planned and are positive social experiences. At school much of the daily socialising can be negative. Amongst homeschoolers it is a common belief that children learn how to behave sociably from watching how adults interact and not by watching children. There are few, if any, home schooled children isolated to the extent where they don't interact with other people.

The best way for socialisation is to join a local home schooling group and can be found nationwide. Many home schoolers are members of support groups. Not only do they provide a supportive and encouraging network to home schoolers, they also organise days out and get-togethers. They offer opportunities for children to work, learn, and play together. Anyone observing a group on a day out would see kids of all ages interacting in different ways. Maybe playing football, climbing trees, running around, playing on a swing, having conversations - generally having fun! More meaningful and long standing friendships are built as there is more time and space to chat and learn from each other than is possible in a public or private school. On line you can find home schooling websites where you can search for home school groups in your vicinity. I recommend this one to search for support groups in your area in the UK

For information on local home schooling support groups in your area please check related link
Home School World

There are also extra curricular activities your child can participate in through the LEA (local education authority). Schools must give home educated children the choice to take part in sports for example. I suggest you take the time to get in touch with the LEA to find out further info on the extra curricular activities available.

Another idea is, if you have your own business include your children. Here is another chance for socialisation as they could interact with your customers. They will also get a glimpse into the working world and this may provide them with a head start in life.

At the local swimming and sports centre your child(ren) can be enrolled in all sorts of activities such as swimming and tennis. Your child may make friends at the park, at a stage show or on any other day out.

Any one can see that there are numerous socialising possibilities for home schooled children. Take time to do research and you be amazed at what you will discover.