Unschooling and Socialization

Sue Patterson

I know that many of you aren't on Facebook, so every now and then, I want to bring over some posts that might be helpful for you to. Like this one... what about unschooling and socialization??


Ah… the question that has plagued us for decades.


It’s a little tricky because it means different things to different people.

  • Some people are worried about how the kids will make friends.
  • Some people worry their kids will “turn out weird” or socially awkward.
  • Some people worry that their kids will be little hothouse plants that can’t cope with negative social situations when they inevitably arrive.



And no matter which worry you might have, for some odd reason, society seems to accept that SCHOOL is the place that will solve everything from a social standpoint. 


  • Maybe they/you are forgetting about bullies? Some bullying is by teachers.
  • Maybe they/you are forgetting that desk proximity does not equal friendship.
  • Maybe they/you are forgetting how many times you were told by teachers “You’re not here to socialize!” … and now they are?? Huh?

 

It’s a lot to unpack.
And that’s because of all the emotions we have tied up into this.


The Unschooling Guide: Socialization


This is a great starting place.


You can do a deeper dive into what’s really bothering you (or someone asking you) about this socialization question.

  • The social skills that start at home
  •  Community involvement
  •  Journaling Prompts about what’s worrying you
  •  "Will unschooling make my kid weird?"
  •  "How will they learn… to wait in line, to take turns?"
  •  Online friends vs friends in real life
  •  Social BENEFITS of Unschooling
  •  Social skills learned in school setting vs social skills learned in real life
  •  Do we need to “Toughen up” kids?
  •  More about Making Friends
  •  Developing Communication Skills
  •  More articles about socialization and children


… I gotta admit, this is a pretty awesome Guide!

Get this Unschooling Guide!

And, if YOU need more Socialization... 

 

Sue's Coaching Group: Creating Confidence Membership


Some of us really need to be around others who aren't going to tell us to put the kids back in school or find some good curriculum, when something goes wrong. Sure, they're still your friends, but you may need some unschoolers in your life to help offset the mainstream push.



  • Multiple coaching calls every week
  • WhatsApp and FB for daily moments when you need connection.
  • Plus a ton of other benefits that come with the membership.


You should join us - it's a great group of people! 

How will we know they're learning if we unschool?
By Sue Patterson April 3, 2025
Sue's Unschooling Mom2Mom Podcast shares 5 Tips to help you KNOW your unschooled kids are actually learning - plus some bonus ideas to consider!
Seasonal Unschooling in the Sprint
By Sue Patterson March 23, 2025
Seasonal unschooling offers the structure many parents want to find. Find out the specific information about how Spring offers ways for homeschooled and unschooled children to learn more about traditional stubjects like language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Pi Day - The Quintessential Homeschool Holiday
By Sue Patterson March 13, 2025
Ready to celebrate Pi Day - as unschooling homeschoolers?
The Art of Noticing & Individualizing: Secrets from Stage Managers
By Sue Patterson March 7, 2025
Noticing and individualizing your child's learning is an art! This podcast shows how Unschooling parents can take some cues from stage managers - plus a free PDF to help you dive deeper!
Can we Talk? Is Homeschooling Not Working?
By Sue Patterson February 26, 2025
Can we Talk? Is Homeschooling Not Working? Sue Patterson offers solutions for homeschooling parents who are struggling and covers a few common questions.
By Sue Patterson February 20, 2025
This year, I'm turning 64! I know, most of you are decades younger than me, and that seems.... OLD.
Feeling Discouraged? You're not alone!
By Sue Patterson February 16, 2025
Sometimes parents can feel discouraged with the way their family's unschooling life is progressing - or not progressing. Here are some tips to help walk you through rough times.
By Sue Patterson February 7, 2025
Get on the email list to receive free monthly PDFs from Sue's vault of unschooling resources!
By Sue Patterson January 28, 2025
Let Go of Lesson Plans: Embrace Winter as Your Unschooling Curriculum
By Sue Patterson January 23, 2025
Do you think of Reading as the Holy Grail of Learning? Let's talk about that!
More Posts
Share by: