I want to thank all of you who have sent me encouraging e-mails and also respond to some of the comments on socialization.
Comment: I don't have children yet But my husband and I don't like the idea of homeschooling. However when we have children we intend to look at private and public schools that offer a better education. We both attended public school that are terrible (I wenbt to IPS) Honestly socialization isn't the issue for us. They certainly can get that socialization.
My issue is: what about those that get culture shocked after turning 18. I've had friends that were homeschooled that went through a kind of "preacher's kid syndrome" for lack of a better term. Others simply experience a kind of culture shock.
But what probably concerns me the most is how do they learn to be upright witnesses for Christ when they go in the world which is much bigger than they thought? Many christians I met before becoming one didn't know how to talk to non-christians at all.how do handle this?
Response: Some of us are no longer shocked by the wrong we see in our culture because we've been immersed in it, grown accustomed to it and, in some cases, view it as normal.
"They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity with a continual lust for more." Ephesians 4:18-19
I don't want my children to lose their sensitivity. I want them to be shocked by what they see in our culture.
Children learn to be upright witnesses for Christ by ministering together with their parents. My husand and I interact with nonbelievers on a regular basis and our children will learn from us.
I do not agree with the premise that we are to send our children into the schools to be "salt and light" and I will post more on that later. In my years as a public school student I saw more Christians being influenced by the culture than I saw influencing the culture.
I attended Christian school during my elementary years. It was there that I experienced racism, heard filthy jokes and got the scoop on all the movies my mother wouldn't let me watch.
Comment: I was home schooled for a big chunk of my life and while I did like it I have had major problems since going onto university.
I can talk to 'adults' fine, it's people my own age (20-ish) I just can't seem to mix with at all. Being polite is one thing, being able to let your guard down and interact on a social level is totally different.I have had to work so hard, through many struggles and tears to be able to talk to people my own age. I still have no really close friend and I wonder if any guy will want to get to know me.
I think it's okay to homeschool as long as they have a few outside stimulation. Visiting cousins who are similar ages, having a church with a number of young people, maybe a sports team or dance class. We are called to be in the world but not of it; Not isolated completely from the world.I know for some people it works out fine, but socialization can be a legitimate question.
Response: I am sorry you are struggling, but I wonder about the types of people you have encountered. If you are a Christian, it does not surprise me that you aren't fully at ease in a university setting. I am not suggesting that you should not attend college, but I understand why it could be a struggle.
"For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliver?" 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
That being said, my children do some of the things you suggest while under my supervision. I want to shelter my children, not isolate them. I do think isolation can be harmful.
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6 comments:
thanks for the great blog!
I am so excited about the kinds of stuff you are doing with your kids. Mine are still much younger, but I am hoping to follow a similar path with them; lots of real life learning. (I think I am learning more these days than when I was in college!)
Your thoughts on socialization are well-put, and reflect my own experiences in school (it didn't bring out my best self!). I even see it in my kids already and their peers--a dulling influence coming back from school, a little more malice and manipulation. ugh.
thanks again. I'm going to check out the book you recommend from our library. any more picks?
Interesting thoughts. I'm always amazed by how much the words you write sound like what I would write.
It's encouraging to find someone that's a "friend" online (even if we never meet until Heaven!).
On another note, on your art day post, was that red paint on your carpet? Or was that small pieces of paper... if it was paint, how did you get it out?! YIKES!
Jess
mamabear - Some of my favorite books on homeschooling are How Children Learn, How Children Fail and Dumbing Us Down. Public School, Public Menace is another good one. I'll post more as I think of them.
jess - I was just thinking the same thing! I went to respond to something in the comments section on your blog yesterday and found that you'd said exactly what I was planning to post.
The red on the carpet was small pieces of paper, thankfully!!!
The questioner has got it wrong. Public school is a controlled bubble which does not reflect the world. If you want to have the child out in the real world, be a witness, avoid culture shock, etc., then don't put them in the bubble: homeschool them.
Sarah and I are going to homeschool because homeschooling is real life.
Good point, David!
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