One of my least favourite things about home educating is having to explain myself to everyone. We’ve been under the radar so far, with just the usual “got your hands full!” since having three children age 4 and under. But now Jude looks old enough to be in school, everyone, the postman, receptionists, builders, well-meaning people on buses, want to know what’s going on.
And of course, everyone asks that bread-and-butter question of the HE debate: “but what about socialisation?” I imagine by this the people I talk to mean, but if you shut them up at home all day, how will they make friends? In answer to this question I thought I would post a brief run down of our week, from 10-16th November.
I’m sure the postman isn’t reading this. Indeed, if I did answer in this way to everyone who asked, I probably would be letting down the cause of home-educators-are-normal-people-too quite spectacularly. So unfortunately you, dear readers, are the recipients of my venting. You have my thanks and my apologies 
Anyway, here goes:
THURS Bible Study. Children in creche with several toddlers and babies. Jude (6) helps out with them. The children have lunch with Grandma S and spend the afternoon and teatime with Grandma J.
FRI morning playing with siblings. Friends G, S and L (age 2) over for lunch, then meet up with Grandma S and other friends S and N (also age 2) for a trip on the DLR to the Museum of London.
SAT Jude and Andy go to a football session in the park in the morning, with about 25 other kids. Grandma S’s for lunch then back home for the football. Andy’s best friend from school, Uncle P, plays with them all afternoon.
SUN church, Jude goes to Sunday School (Andy stays with girls who sleep in). We don’t see anyone other than the 100 or so people who go to our church after we get home though. Oh no, wait, DS goes to play with friends N, J and N (age 8, 5, and 6) from church for a couple of hours after we get back from a walk in the forest.
MON lunch again with Grandma S (what would we do without her?!), and our friends S and H (age 3). Think that’s it.
TUE Grandma S takes girls to toddler group. Jude goes to Beavers in the evening.
WED we see lots of our HE friends at swimming. Jude has a dentist appt then we go to a cafe for tea and cakes. He makes friends with another 6-year-old in the park afterwards, they play for about an hour. When we get home X, age 8, who lives next door comes over. The evening is spent playing with Lego in the front room and watching Octonauts.
In brief, probably over 80 different children played/interacted with over the course of the week, as well as numerous adults. Not too bad for kids kept in a cupboard 
November 22nd, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Hi
I’m the mummy over at Littledoers.com and creator of the Little Doers Crafty fun Box for kids under 7 and I love the fact that you’ve written about this. My hubby and I are determined to home educate and when we talk to people they think we’re (a) crazy and (b) that our children will not be properly socialised. I get tired of explaining that our eldest will be joining every group going and that with 2 degrees and an Masters degree between us we’re fine thank you very much. It’s amazing that when you want what’s best for your children and don’t want them to be blighted by homework from a really early age then you are thought strange. I don’t judge people for sending their kids to school so why judge me for doing what I think’s best.
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Hi Beth, thanks for reading! I think it’s great that you’re considering HE, but unfortunately you probably should be prepared to talk about it with everyone! Most people are nice, just uninformed. The postman asked me if it was legal the other day (he’s obviously really chatty!).
Love your site, will try out some of your craft ideas
November 23rd, 2011 at 11:20 pm
I think that your postman is more chatty than mine!
Seriously, I agree and could have written something similar about my children. Having a slightly older child at home as well as the younger ones, I do find that we have to balance going out, busy days with time at home to work!
December 1st, 2011 at 11:56 pm
Yes, I’m not sure what will happen when it comes time to do some actual work! Can’t wait to get started though. It is good spending time at home as well, and much better for my laundry/washing up pile