The first response I usually get when someone finds out we home school is ..."Aren't you worried about their socialization?" I'm sure in the back of their mind they are thinking of that one home schooled family they knew growing up who were totally "weird and awkward". Yes there are those, but haven't you also met totally "weird and awkward" families that send their kids to public or private school? Parents are their children's primary educators. By mere example we are always teaching. You never hear someone say "Little Suzie reminds me so much of her second grade teacher." Yet, how many times have we as parents been proud or mortified by our child's demonstration of our best/worst self? The skills to interact well in social situations are taught, or not, by parents.

I believe that most people confuse socialization with socializing. In Webster's dictionary the definition of socialization is "a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position." Socializing is "to associate or mingle sociably with others." So, am I worried about my children's socialization? No, I feel like I handle myself well in social situations and have successfully taught my children how to do the same. If you're still worried about it, come talk to my kids, let me know what you think!