A Homeschool Recommendation for Dr. Phil

I was not going to say a word. Not a peep. But, I can't bite my tongue any longer. After watching the Dr Phil episode that aired about two weeks ago, the second of such shows on this topic, I have decided two put in my two cents worth.

As I watched the show, I was not at all surprised to see that Dr. Phil had picked such radical guests to represent the home school community at large, after all, what better way to get your personal bias across to millions of viewers.

I would think that Dr. Phil would realize after seeing some of his own guests, that school these days seems to have much more to do with keeping order amongst unruly children than education. Ironically, airing this very week, a show titled Teacher Troubles. An episode about students that have harassed teachers on the internet. Since I have not seen this show, I will not comment further. My point is this kind of socialization is not what my child needs. I have heard Dr. Phil say, and I'm paraphrasing, that exposing children to adult issues is detrimental to a child. Children are not mature enough intellectually to handle adult situations. Well Dr. Phil, what do you think the children that my child would be socializing with have been exposed to?

Socialization is defined as a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.

A large percentage of children in public school have tried street drugs and or alcohol. Many are engaging in sexual activity, which we all know can be a life threatening choice these days, at any age. Oh and lets not forget bullying, violence, lack of accountability and a setting void of any moral standards. All in the name of socialization? I don't think so. Not for my child.

When children are in a public school setting, you are surrounding them with other children whose home life may not be as pristine as yours. Children who may have real problems from dealing with serious family or other issues that no child at any age should be exposed. These children live what they learn and then come to school and teach it to others. For me, who had one child enrolled in public school through high school, this is a very real and dangerous situation. Three years ago, twenty-eight new security cameras were installed at my local high school. The arrest rate for students was as high for the year as the number of students that had graduated. That is the scary reality, like or not.

So once again, why would I want to send my child to a place where my child’s values are under attack and or minimized? Good question. Therefore on that note, I recommend Dr. Phil do a little reading. He might just learn something about an issue he is unfamiliar with.
But What about Socialization? Answering the Perpetual Home Schooling Question by Dr. Susan A. McDowell This encouraging book uses hard research, facts, and home schoolers’ experience to answer questions and counteract myths about home schooling and socialization. Dr. Susan McDowell presents a comprehensive look at this key issue in home education, and addresses many topics, including:
•Just What Is Socialization? Looking at the Multiple Meanings Behind the Question.
•Voices From the Front: What Home Schooling Parents, Authors, Leaders, and Home Schooled Children Have to Say About the Socialization Issue.
•What Does the Research Have to Say?

A Detailed Look at More Than 20 Research Studies.

I highly recommend this book, especially to those of you have been battered by questions from relatives or neighbors doubting your decision to home school your children. This book will strengthen your resolve and give you help to answer these questions with confidence.