However, for me, that is not the deciding factor. I do NOT want to nurture a child who is academically brilliant but has no idea how to relate to her peers (not just adults). I was good at school but was terribly, terribly shy and being clever exacerbated that. I don't want that for DD. I would quite happily take a drop in her grades for the trade-off that she is emotionally intelligent and is socially confident.
A child that is shy isn't always going to benefit socially by being in a school environment. Sometimes it can be a terrible problem for them.Then you could have not only a drop in grades but also a socially stunted child who feels they don't fit in anywhere.

I have found with homeschooling that my kids interact very well with everyone. I also take them to Art lessons, Ballet and swimming lessons where they interact with children of their own age. Becasue they are self confident and don't have to put up with constant bullying they are more confident and able to interact with others without the fear of rejection, and because of that confidence, if they do get rejected it's not a big deal.

The argument of socialisation is often used by opponents to homeschooling, when in reality most homeschooled kids are much better at socialising with their peers than those who go to school. School just forces association with those that we normally wouldn't have anything to do with, it does not necessarily teach social skills, and to some children it can be very damaging and crushing for their self esteem. If you involve your kids in after school or weekend activities with their peers you would probably find that they will be better adjusted that their schooled peers.


It's a big decision to make but the argument of stunted socialisaion really doesn't measure up. Maybe you could talk to some in your local area and talk to their kids too. You might get a different perspective on what really happens in the homeschooling world.

In any case you could always try homeschooling and if it doesn't work you can send your kids back to school.

Kind regards
L.B.