The Socialization Question is the concern most frequently raised about homeschooling: "But what about socialization?" Research generally shows homeschooled children develop strong social skills through co-ops, sports, clubs, and community involvement.
What is The Socialization Question?
The Socialization Question refers to the pervasive concern people raise about homeschooling: "But what about socialization?" or "How will your children learn to interact with others?" It's the number one critique homeschool families face—so universal that it has its own nickname in community slang: "The S Word." The question typically stems from assumptions that school is the primary venue for developing social skills, and that removing children from that environment creates socially deficient individuals. For families new to homeschooling, it's often their biggest initial worry.
Key Takeaways
- The most common question/concern raised about homeschooling
- Research shows 87% of studies find homeschoolers perform above average on social measures
- Approximately 88% of homeschooled students participate in extracurricular activities
- Homeschoolers often interact with more diverse age groups than traditionally-schooled peers
- Experienced homeschoolers consider it an overblown concern—hence the "S Word" nickname
What Research Actually Shows
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, 87% of peer-reviewed studies on social and emotional development show homeschooled students performing statistically better than conventionally schooled peers. Measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, and community participation. A 2025 study found long-term homeschoolers had the lowest depression and anxiety scores and highest life satisfaction among all groups studied. About 70% of homeschoolers participate in group activities like co-ops, sports, or clubs. That said, research often uses volunteer samples that may oversample engaged families, and a 2014 survey found roughly 25% of graduates reported poor socialization—suggesting outcomes vary based on family intentionality.
How Homeschool Families Actually Socialize
How Homeschool Families Actually Socialize
- Homeschool co-ops
Regular group classes, field trips, and social events with other homeschool families
- Sports and athletics
Community leagues, YMCA programs, and in many states, access to public school teams
- Clubs and organizations
Scouts, 4-H, chess clubs, theater groups, and hobby-based communities
- Church and religious communities
Youth groups, Sunday school, and faith-based activities
- Part-time jobs
Teenagers often work, developing real-world social skills with diverse ages
- Neighborhood and community
Playgroups, library programs, volunteering, and everyday interactions
Why Experienced Homeschoolers Find It Frustrating
After answering the socialization question dozens (or hundreds) of times, most homeschool parents develop a weary familiarity with it. The frustration comes from several sources: the question assumes homeschooled kids stay home all day (most families are over-scheduled with activities); it implies parents aren't doing enough; it ignores the research showing positive outcomes; and it's often asked at ironic moments—while waiting for dance class or during a sports game. Many families joke that their only socialization problem is "figuring out which opportunities to skip." The question also overlooks that school socialization isn't always positive—bullying, peer pressure, and conformity are school experiences many families deliberately avoid.
The Bottom Line
The Socialization Question persists as homeschooling's most frequent critique despite decades of research showing positive outcomes and the obvious reality that homeschooled children participate in abundant social activities. If you're new to homeschooling and worried about this, take heart: most families find they have more social opportunities than time to pursue them. The key is intentionality—deliberately building connections through co-ops, activities, and community involvement. Within months of homeschooling, most parents wonder why they ever worried about "The S Word" at all.
