Hi estrenger,

Great question! I think that homeschooling can be an extremely positive experience for kids: they get targeted lessons, a chance to focus on concepts that they find tough, and a dedicated teacher. However, I think that homeschooling educators and parents need to also really think about the social and emotional learning that kids are getting a chance to experience.

If kids don't have a chance to socialize with peers and work in groups with kids their own age, they are missing out on a large part of the "real world" that they will be expected to be proficient in once they reach high school, college, or even their future careers. Working well with people is a skill that should not be downplayed or neglected, so it's important that parents make this a big part of their homeschooler's lesson plan... Otherwise, they're running the risk that their kids will not be socially confident or competent.

Alex

In our experience our kids have only learned how to interract with people of all ages better than when they were in the public school system and age segregated.  The key is to give them social opportunities.  My kids play on community sports leagues, take art classes, attend AWANA club, go on co-op field trips and many others.  So they have opportunities to interract with not only kids their own ages but of all ages as well as a variety of adults (coaches, leaders, teachers, mentors).  We've had no problems with the kids listening to and obeying any adults no matter the situation.