The Truth About the "S" Word
By Nancy Casterline
Added Sunday, September 02, 2007
Let's talk about socialization. Remember when that word created a sense of panic? -- maybe it still does. Oh no, my child is going to be maladjusted, unsocialized, a misfit.
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We just got back from vacation. Four moms and one grandma took eleven children ranging in age from 7 months to 17 years to South Dakota to see Mt Rushmore. Did you know that all four of the presidents were homeschooled? We camped at a family campground and cooked on the open fire. We slept on the ground, in bunk beds and in a camper. We had fun.
Let's talk about socialization. Remember when that word created a sense of panic? -- maybe it still does. Oh no, my child is going to be maladjusted, unsocialized, a misfit.
Fear not, behold I bring you good news, not only did these 11 children from four different families get along, they found things to explore, they climbed mountains. They pitched in with younger children and adapted games to allow everyone to play, without adult interference. They looked out for each other and all pitched in to find a missing wallet and found it!
There was no squabbling, no one had cooties, and they were respectful of each others' ideas and suggestions. They created their own entertainment when we were waiting at Mt Rushmore. They started playing charades and a group gathered around them and started playing along and cheering for them. Adults were drawn into the game! Our children were not intimidated, they just kept playing and included the newcomers.
We stopped at one attraction and the guard was so pleased with the children's curiosity, knowledge and the ease with which they discussed the topic, that she let three car loads of us in for the price of one.
Isn't that what socialization is about, getting along with the people around you? Not just your age peers, but everyone. We had a good time. It was a true test of what we have been talking about and researching for years.
Homeschooling does not stifle social development; homeschooling encourages it. Driving home last night in the wee hours, after the little ones had fallen asleep, I felt very blessed and encouraged to see that glimpse of a reward for "not growing weary in well doing."
Thank you Lord for my children, my calling to motherhood and to homeschooling.Thanks especially for a great vacation.
Nancy Casterline is a born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and the mother of five great children. She has one grandchild with number two due in January. She is also recently widowed which has proved to be a great challenge, but one that the Lord has been faithful to see her through.
Nancy has been homeschooling for 20+ years and cannot imagine living any other way. Two of her girls have special needs; one with fetal alcohol syndrome and myotonic dystrophy, and one with Downs Syndrome. She feels very strongly that homeschooling is the answer for special needs children.
Nancy loves to read, to sew and do crafts, but mostly she is a homeschooling mom. She does volunteer work with Christian Home Educators of Colorado as the Introductory Seminar Coordinator and she's on the annual conference committee.