One of the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling is, “What about socialization?”  More often then not, I have seen homeschoolers shrug or laugh off this question.  After 6 years of homeschooling my own children and being around other homeschooled children, I think parents ought to give more consideration to this question.  Obviously, we don’t want the bad influences on our children that peers can bring, but we must recognize that there are good influences that come with peers too.  A few to mention are confidence, open-mindedness, acceptance of others, ability to handle themselves in a group and a broader outlook on life.  Children who are homeschooled strongly reflect their family and it’s values, but they need to develop as individuals too.  Remember that they will need these social skills to one day spread their wings and fly.  These social skills begin in childhood and are built upon throughout life.  Socialization is a necessary part of developing the whole child.  Don’t shortchange your child by limiting their social interactions with other children.  They need the necessary skills built through peer interactions to develop properly.