Homeschoolers and the “S” word: What does the question really mean?

If you have been homeschooling (or thinking about it) for more than two weeks, you have probably encountered someone who has asked a question that seems more like a pronouncement:

“If you homeschool, how will your children be socialized?”

In this post, I want to address what this question may mean to the one asking.  In the next article, I will discuss ways to respond.

Those who bring this matter up may be thinking along one of the following lines.  My comments are in italics after each point.