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! 

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By Sue Patterson March 16, 2026
One of the questions unschooling parents ask all the time is: “But how do you plan anything?” Most of us were trained to believe planning means lesson plans, subjects, and assignments. So when you remove curriculum, it can feel like you’ve removed the roadmap too. But unschooling planning isn’t about deciding what your child must learn next. It’s about shaping a life where curiosity has room to grow.
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Struggling with unschooling doubt or feeling like you’re not doing enough? Discover how daily reinforcement helps homeschooling parents build steady confidence.
Where did your confidence go?
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Feeling steady one day, and panicking the next?
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Homeschooling parents discover how kids learn naturally from the 2026 Winter Olympics through strewing—no curriculum, lessons, or checklists required at home.
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Deschooling isn’t a one-time phase homeschooling parents expect. As kids grow, familiar school-based fears return. Learn when to revisit deschooling and recalibrate.
Unschooling questinos
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Feeling lost about teaching your kids? Sue Patterson shares unschooling reassurance and perspective on learning beyond school— without pressure, plans, or lessons.
Why deschooling is really for parents
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When deschooling feels uncomfortable, it’s usually homeschooling parents—not kids—who struggle. Learn what’s really happening when learning looks “too relaxed.”
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