Thoughts on Socialization


A concerned family member said to my husband a few days ago, "Socialization is important. It's what you get in school; it's the socialization that's missing when you homeschool. . ."


Socialization, huh? Mmmmm. . .so many thoughts swirling around in my head. . .but here is what I will share. . .

Husband and I are not convinced that "socialization" must have its foundations laid in the halls of a school building. . .the Lord has matured us in this area. We used to think that going to school would be a great place to offer our children the valuable experiences of dealing with conflict, learning to be your own person, and so forth. Don't get me wrong, school very well can be a place to learn many valuable lessons, for our God is great and He does all things well. . .

Speaking personally, what we have learned is that these experiences can also be learned right here at home, under the authority of God's Word. (Anyone with siblings can tell you that there are numerous, daily opportunities to learn about conflict resolution!) As a Christian family, all things (socialization included) must have its foundations laid upon the One who laid the foundation of the earth. . .Jesus Christ. This is paramount. We are learning that when we choose Christ as our foundation for what we do each day, it becomes increasingly difficult (and unappealing) to conform to the "norms of society". . .it is okay with us if others think our children are ""different, strange, and unusual." Here's why:

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a peculiar people;
that you should show forth the praises of Him
who has called you out of darkness
into His marvellous light;" -I Peter 2:9

. . . so if we are teaching them the things of God, my children should be "different" from what society thinks is "normal"--including the way they socialize.





What the Lord is showing us is that He gave us our children not only to love and care for, but most importantly, He gave them to us for the advancement of the Kingdom. . .teaching them to live for Christ and His purpose. The Lord is showing us that too often we (meaning my husband and me) have taken a worldly view and we must follow these important instructions:

"And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God." -Romans 12:2

Yes, I want my children to be productive citizens in this society. Yes, I want them to be able to interact well with others. Yes, I want them to feel comfortable in their own skin. Yes, I want them to have great friends. But above all, I want my children to know Jesus Christ, know Him deep and well, and to seek to do His will, even if that comes at the expense of not being "socialized" according to the world's standards.





Linked with:



Growing Home
 

Comments

  1. Thanks, Jennifer. . .we're pressing forward.

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  2. Amen! Stand firm and remember God is faithful to those who do His bidding in all things. We have taken the same stance unto His glory. Be encouraged. Blessings.

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  3. Thank you, Naomi.
    I appreciate your encouragement. . .God is faithful!

    Take care.

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  4. I posted a comment early this week. I don't know what I did wrong.

    I had sad that I agree with you 100%. I even told my kids if they stay home and take there colleges courses, we would pay for it. If they choose to leave for school, then they are on their own.

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  5. Hi Desiree,

    My oldest asked me if there was a way she could complete college from home. . .I told her, "ABSOLUTELY!" :) College campuses just aren't what they used to be.

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  6. Amen! Remember that every child is socialized; it's not a matter of IF but HOW...and I am with you about the fact that our children be socialized in Godly values...at home. I also have a bumper sticker (that I have yet to put on my car!) I love: "Public school? Aren't you afraid about socialization?" :^)

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  7. Tina,

    You are absolutely right, every child is socialized, but what is important is how they are socialized. Great point!!

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  8. PREACH IT, DARLIN'! I love it when people ask me the "socialization" question. After 20 years worth of socializing our children through homeschooling, it is very easy to explain how children who are not peer dependent are much better socialized than those who have a "herd mentality." You're doing a great job, Stacie, dear! :) Thank you SO much for linking up!!!! :)

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  9. Ha! Thanks, Anne. I love what you said about the "herd mentality" because that is what it is. . .a group think situation. So glad that God has chosen to mature us in this way.

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