[SpookBrat]

I think it's great she chose a Jewish family to work with. Critics paint an image of homeschoolers as being mostly Christian fundamentalists (and we're an evil bunch aren't we)? Not just Christians homeschool and many homeschoolers aren't homeschooling for religious reasons. We are a very "religious" and conservative family, but religion wasn't our main reason for pulling our kids out. Missing my kids was the biggest reason.

"Homeschooling critics worry that homeschooled children don't learn the social skills to be had from interacting with other children."

Can I just say something? There are three homeschooling families in my little pocket neighborhood here. We are all pretty close. Our kids do their school work in the morning, do some chores and they are GONE for the rest of the day, outside playing....where they should be! Kids don't have enough time to play anymore. This social skills argument is a crock. In fact, it's a real struggle to get my kids to quit working on their social skills and get some work done!!!

[Boxsford]

Good morning SpookBrat! Thanks for the ping.

"John Taylor Gatto [author, Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling] is a supporter of my film. So is Helen Heneger, of Home Education Magazine -- and many others that I wish I had time to list.

Impressive support.

"But homeschooling remains what it has always been: a method. And people can use it to achieve different goals."

Can't agree with this. Homeschooling has become a lifestyle for many who choose to keep their children at home. This author misses the mark on the importance of family.

[Aquinasfan]

Kids don't have enough time to play anymore.

Absolutely.

[Salvation]

**Can I just say something? There are three homeschooling families in my little pocket neighborhood here. We are all pretty close. Our kids do their school work in the morning, do some chores and they are GONE for the rest of the day, outside playing....where they should be! Kids don't have enough time to play anymore. This social skills argument is a crock. In fact, it's a real struggle to get my kids to quit working on their social skills and get some work done!!!**

Bingo!!!

[Paradox]

<"Homeschooling critics worry that homeschooled children don't learn the social skills to be had from interacting with other children."

Oh yeah, those much needed skillz, like how to properly "size" somebody when they disrespect you, like how to properly be a "player". Or how about the proper dress code for young girls, like belly shirts and pierced navels by 12 years old?

My kid could do without all that, thank you.

[homeschool mama]

So true, Spookie.

I'd much rather have a civilized child than a socialized one. :o)

[luckystarmom]

I'm starting to seriously consider homeschooling for my son next year. He's spending way too much time with homework. I actually don't mind school, but I don't want him to spend much time with homework. He's only 8, and he needs play time. He spends hours on homework, mainly because he's just sick and tired of doing the work.

[asformeandformyhouse]

This social skills argument is a crock

Every time someone asks 'What about socialization?' I reply that I'm not raising a socialist.