[KentuckyHillBilly5321]

Children that are homeschooled will not have the exact same type of social interaction opportunities as children that are in school which is good because I dont want my child to have those types of social interaction. For the most part, many of those types of social interaction are more negative than positive.
People always bring up the socialization issue when parents say that they are going to homeschool. Well, when you go to school you are told that this is not a place for socialization. It is a place to sit down, shut up and be forced to do work for about 6 hours per day. You can't talk to your neighbor and you can only speak to each other during breaks or lunch. If you are caught "socializing" then you get into trouble. My child will not be missing out on the socialization part.
Studies have been done that show homeschooled children have higher self-concepts, are more mature, and are better socialized than children in school. Like I said before, this will depend upon the parents more than anything. Our son just turned 5 last week and he has never been in daycare. He is a very social child, makes friends easily, plays sports, and interacts well with all types of people regardless of age.

Personally, homeschooling will suit our family best for the time being. If our children have a desire to attend school as they get older then we will let them choose whether they want to go to school or not. There are several reasons why we are choosing to homeschool. I will not list all of them here but here are a few 1.) There are problems in the school systems. 2.) There are too many unqualified teachers today and with our education and nontraditional beliefs, homeschooling will work much better for us.

Overall, I know I can provide my children with a much better education and head start on life with homeschooling. I don't like all of the limitations, force, and rules put upon children in school. Children learn much better and flourish in a child -directed environment. Children are born with a natural love for learning. School takes this away.

With you/QQ's situation, I could understand where you are coming from. And right away--I think (not that this matters at all)--but both of you are pretty solid with your communication--so I could see how it would be a great thing for you guys.

The one thing that still stands out is the "negative interaction" piece.

I will definitely say that I could have lived without that part--but when I think about where I really learned how to deal with people (people who are hard to get along with--especiall with my job) it was through those bad interactions. I definitely hated every minute of it--and would have liked to avoid it--but now--I know that I would have never had a chance if I wouldn't have learned those skills.

Now--I am not saying that those things can't be taught at other places and times--but it would be a little different.

I just think that a kid loses a lot. But--that doesn't mean that it isn't the right option for the right kids.

And--as of 2007--home schooled kids will NOT be permitted to participate in any athletic events that represent schools. I have the literature from a track and field rules meeting if any one wants to check it out.