the S word

"you're homeschooling??? but what about SOCIALIZATION?" (that would be the "S-word")

well. let me tell you. our photo for today is proof that we "socialize" (dictionary.com says that means we "take part in social activities") here you see k and kj on the see-saw with their friends at the park where we meet up every other week.

now regarding socialization... looking at dictionary.com again we find the definition says "the adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture".

this is where s and i have thought, prayed, studied, etc and made a choice on behalf of our children. we have chosen to mold our children by shaping their environment or "surrounding culture" so that the "behavior patterns" that they "adopt" are those that we feel will honor our Lord Jesus Christ above all else. our calling is to train our kids in the Lord because they are really His. they have been entrusted to us for a time and we do not take lightly this trust, this responsibility.

are we keeping our kids in a bubble? well, we live in a normal neighborhood, shop at normal stores, and go on "field trips" to normal places that are all open to the public. we hear colorful language, see behaviors that we don't want to emulate, and we interact with unknown kids in non-controlled environments.

our desire is to temper what goes in to their little minds, all the while training them so that in time they may venture out on their own and not be easily swayed by the "powers of this dark world" (ephesians 6).

on a more academic level... a child's worldview becomes more solidified around age 8 or 9. consequently, we are doing our part to give j, k, kj, and si a solid foundation so that they are equipped to lead a more effective life.