The ‘S’ Word
Friday, October 6th, 2006By Mimi Rothschild
Although I personally feel that the socialization problem has been blown way out of proportion by the mainstream media, it should remain a very real concern of homeschooling parents. It’s important that our children are able to interact with a diverse array of people, and that should include peers. Fortunately, there are many ways to accomplish this. Here are a few groups that will provide your child with vital peer interaction.
Co-ops: I’ve sung the praises of cooperative pograms on this blog before. With today’s thriving network of homeschoolers, there’s simply no excuse to not get involved. The educational and social benefits are invaluable. Click here to find out more about The MorningStar Academy Co-op Program.
Community Involvement: There are many community programs that will help your children meet other kids. Community fairs, parks, swimming pools, 4-H groups, day camps, and more abound in communities.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts: These scouting organizations will help your kids meet other boys and girls in addition to providing them with a growing experience that they will never forget. Whether it’s a week-long hike in the Australian outback or a trip to bring cookies and milk to the local nursing home, being a part of the scouts is a great experience.
Church groups: Awana and Vacation Bible School programs are great for younger kids, while youth groups can be a positive experience for the teens.
Sports teams: Sports teams will help your young ones learn how to work as a team towards a common goal. It is also a great source of exercise. Contact your local public school to find out what programs are offered. You can also look into joining a homeschool sports league. Click here for more information about homeschool leagues in your area.