How do I feel about socialization?

How do I feel about socialization?

(Insert deep dramatic sigh here.)

Socialization.  The word that makes this homeschool moms roll her eyes and count to ten when it's mentioned.

"Don't you worry that your kids won't be socialized?"

"How will your kids learn how to act around other kids?"

"You can't protect them from the world forever, they need to learn about the real world.'

Oh.  My. Goodness.

Just stop!

We don't live in a bubble or a commune.  We live our community.  We do speak to others.  Surprisingly enough, we can even converse about things other than the Bible.  Shocking, I know. 

Yes, my kids are involved in church where they interact with other kids.  Don't assume that doesn't count because it's just church kids.  My kids have learned about all kinds of things from church kids, including zombies that will eat your brains.  They go to MMA class twice a week now - in the past they've done community soccer or basketball - and they actually spend time with other kids there as well.  Just this week at the park, they were playing with (gasp) strangers - and had no trouble joining the group and playing.  And don't forget co-op.  It may not be eight hours a day, five days a week with kids only in their age group, but surprisingly enough they have made friends there that they even like to play with outside of co-op. 

Here's the thing.  If your main reason for homeschooling is to control who your children interact with, you'll probably want to hang it up right now.  That's just not possible.  No matter where your child is educated, correcting misinformation and behavior is always going to be part of your job.  Deal with it.

Now, about the "real world" comments - yes, I do want to protect them from the "real world".  What parent doesn't?  There is nothing wrong with childen being innocent while they are children!  My 5, 6 & 8 year old shouldn't know about s*x, or pot, or even "bad words".  No kids that age should.  Whether you homeschool, send your kids to public school or choose private school, your job is to protect their innocence. 

Let them be kids.

So basically, don't ask me about socialization. 

We got it covered!