Do you *generally* find that home schooled kids are socially inept?

Question

I'm not trying to get anyone riled up, but I was just looking at a question from someone else asking why their home schooled daughter doesn't have any friends.
From my own experience, home schooled kids have a tendancy to lack some key skills. It's almost like they are autistic. They can recite things like crazy, but seem to have no humility or patience.

I have gone through about 3 home schooled interns that were supposed to help out at my (corporate) office, and all three were awkward socially and didn't have near the amont of skills that I would expect from that age group.

I'm just wondering what other people think about home schooling kids. I guess my opinion of it is that it's done too often by people who definately don't have the means to do it, and then they wonder why their kid is not a functioning member of society.

*Note: I am NOT saying that ALL home schooled kids are socially inept. I'm asking if others find them to be that way in GENERAL

to saltitall:

Two things: There was the part when I said ***not all*** because I don't think that all home schooled kids are socially inept. But then we get to the humility and patience part...you obviously didn't get to the last part of my question because you're home schooled.

Two: you mention "maturity" yet I looked at some of your questions. Enough said.

To the proms -

Very, very good point you are making.
It's funny, because I feel like poeple are thinking that I'm some conformist or something. I'm not. I love diversity and am in awe of many different traits in people. I just have had way too many experiences lately with home schooled kids that were just plain strange. But you made me think of all the kids in public schools who are just the same. I guess what my point is is that peer to peer interaction is SO key in developing a child's brain...possibly as much as their own family's impact.
Great answer though, it made me think some more.

Margie - Great answer, too! I appreciate it.

Answer 1

What the hell do you mean by socially inept? I'm not afraid of people, I choose not to act like all of the other moronic kids, but that doesn't mean I'm socially inept, that just means I'm mature!
Sure we aren't what pop culture thinks we should be, but who cares!! We are smarter, and will be WAY more successful in life if we focus on more IMPORTANT things, and not what society thinks we should dress, look, or talk like...

Ok ., I see someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, and yes, my questions ARE immature, but whose isn't?
I'm just sick and tired of people always thinking all homeschoolers are stupid, and socially inept. Sorry that I was trying to get my point across...

Answer 2

Okay, just today I was talking to another mom at my son's preschool about this. I was telling her that home schooling was looking VERY good to me these days although I do NOT have the patience for it. That is why I am not a teacher.
From my experience, kids who come from a strange home, are strange, whether they are home schooled or not. I am saying strange, because I got that vibe from your question, kids home schooled that you have met are socially strange?? Maybe not, but that's what I understood. :) I know people who home school their children and they are some of the best kids I have ever met! Seriously. I wish I knew their secrets. But some home schooled kids are odd parents (as some are anywhere) and of course, those kids are odd too...that is all they are exposed to.
I will keep my kids in public schools because I think it's important to socially develop my kids and like I said before, I AM SO NOT A TEACHER! :)

All in all, I agree with you...but it just depends on the parents.

Answer 3

Generally, and in many circumstances, yes. There are those whose parents have not only home schooled, but added in little league, saturday bowling, soccer, and other activities to enhance the social skills that are missed when a child is home schooled.

I home schooled my daughter for 7th 8th and 9th grades. This was for her educational advantage, and when she felt comfortable she returned to public school. I realize this is not the norm.

On the other side of the coin, I worked with a young lady as a waitress at a local restaurant. She had been home schooled K-12. When faced with simple, everyday situations, she could not cope. She had no concept of "social", other than what she had been exposed to. The first time intoxicated patrons came in, she was floored - wanted to know what disease they had?! The first time a male patron flirted with her, she asked why he thought she was his baby? Simple things like this.

I am a 100% supporter of home schooling if that is what you want for your child. But make sure they are not so sheltered that the real world knocks them for a loop!

Answer 4

Yes! Some argue that they take them to the park, on outings etc. but that is NOT the same as being with the same kids day in and day out where social relationships can be formed. Recently, a home school child joined my son's Tae Kwon Do class. The Master had to remove her from the class. She was disruptive, couldn't do basic moves and was very awkward. Shame really.

Answer 5

Some children are. When I was younger, there was a kid who was home schooled and then came into our school. He had trouble expressing himself, had trouble making friends, and many people didn't like him. It was sad. I wish that it didn't have to be that way!

Answer 6

I've had some friends who used to be homeschoolers and they are fine went it comes to being social. I think it depends on their parents and whether or not they do anything else outside of the home.

Answer 7

I can't say; I don't know any home-schooled kids in order to compare. That's an interesting observation, though.

Answer 8

I think there are quite a few out there who are.

Answer 9

more than you average human or just in U.S of A.




I'll go ask my alien friend.

Answer 10

No, not really.