What’s the minimum number of children required to homeschool successfully? If you’ve ever wondered whether you can homeschool an only child, today’s Home School Heartbeat is for you! HSLDA President Mike Smith discusses socialization for the only child and how you can home educate well.
Mike Smith: Homeschoolers have long known the real secret of socialization: the best socialized children know how to get along with people of every age. If you have an only child, socialization may be an important question in your mind, or a common concern for family and friends. But rest assured—just because your child doesn’t have siblings doesn’t mean that he will be unable to have fun with other children.
If you live in a city or suburb and have neighbors, your younger child will probably have a pool of natural playmates. There are lots of ways to create social opportunities for your child, too. He might enjoy being on a city or regional sports team. Maybe 4-H is more up her alley, or more accessible to your family. Having just one child might also give your family the flexibility for time-consuming pursuits like ballet or gymnastics.
Perhaps physical competition isn’t your child’s cup of tea. Speech and debate is a great way for homeschoolers to meet friends, while practicing effective and articulate communication! The NCFCA—the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association—has affiliates in every state of the U.S.
Finally, make sure your child has the opportunity to interact with—and bless—older adults. Volunteering at a retirement community or nursing home is a wonderful way to help your student reach out selflessly. This will impact not only your child’s life, but the lives of many others.
And until next time, I’m Mike Smith. Daily Transcript
