Really?

by Cati
(Minnesota)

I was visiting my Dad's house when my sister asked my DD if she was excited to go to kindergarten and ride the bus. At first, my DD played along, but then said, "I get to go to school at home." I'll never forget the look my sister gave me from across the room. Oops, I had forgotten to tell her...okay, maybe I didn't forget--maybe I was hoping to avoid it altogether.

She looks up at me and says "Really? (Add sarcastic, slightly disgusted tone) You're not REALLY homeschooling, are you?"
I say, "Why yes, we are, thank you."
Alright, game on. This is what I'd been preparing for. The hypothetical argument I had been having in my head for weeks was now playing before my eyes.

So, we hashed it out. I tried to remain calm, but I can tell you that I was wound up like a rubber band on the inside.

Ah, yes, to the point. So then she asks me, "I have some real concerns about what you're about to do. How will she be socialized??" (Aw, come on, can't they ask SOMETHING else?)
I reply, "I'm not aiming to make my kid into a reclusive freak..." My husband adds, "______ knows LOTS of people."
Thank you, husband.

"Ya, but can she interact with them??"
I'm sorry, but what a load of nonsense!!!! My daughter is one of the most well adjusted, social, outgoing kids I know!

And here's the bottom line--this issue of "socialization" is a real scapegoat. Opposition is really grasping at straws here. If "socialization" means throwing my five year old into a class where she learns about another five year old's mom's drunk and abusive boyfriend, you can count me out. Furthermore, what's wrong with having a shy child? There certainly were plenty of kids in my grade who were socially awkward--and I went to public school!

There are so many things so much more important that this "socialization" obsession. If you want to talk about REAL issues, I'm game. "Really."