The Dreaded "S" Word

Do you know what word homeschoolers hate with a passion? Socialization! Everyone around us always seems so worried about how our kids will survive in the real world without the benefit of school socialization. Well, let me give you my answer to that concern. Warning - I'm up on my soapbox now!

The Webster dictionary defines "socialize" as:
1. to make fit for living in a group
2. to subject to governmental ownership or control

Are my children fit for living in a group? Well, let's see. Most days my doorbell is rung a minimum of 5 times by other kids asking to play with my kids. My children receive countless invites to overnights and outings. They are involved in church activities, Scouts, and community sports. All of my children will introduce themselves to someone new and ask them politely for their name. They can even get along within their own family on occasion.

As for the second definition, who wants their child under the control of the government! Yes, we will follow the laws of our country (as long as they don't go against God's laws), but I refuse to allow my children to be formed into a standard square peg to fit into the same slot as everyone else. My children are more like a diamond, sphere, and pryamid. They are unique and will continue to be so.

So while most children next week will head into a classroom with one adult and 30 kids the same age, mine will be out in the "real" world. They will get a behind the scenes tour from the postmaster, have a discussion with the lab tech at the clinic, assist a neighbor in his garden, and spend more than two hours a day with their parents. They will not be bombarded with new age relaxation techniques, politically correct thinking, or evolution-based science. They will learn about God's amazing creations, that there is a distinct right and wrong, and that drugs will not solve their problems.

As for critics who will say that I'm out of touch with schools today, let me respond that I was a public school teacher. Been there, done that, running as far from it as I can!

So I'm coming off my soapbox to get back to raising my children without the government's help.

Let me end with a favorite quote from President Ronald Reagan - "The scariest phrase in the English language is 'We're from the government, and we're here to help.' "

My apologies!

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What to wear?

No, this isn't about standing in front of the closet trying to decide what to wear - although that is a common occurence in our home. This is about whether females should wear pants, dresses/skirts, or both. I have recently been strongly feeling that I need to limit or completely stop how often I wear pants. It really hit home a few weeks back when during a Bible study, I came upon the verse Deuteronomy 22:5 about a woman not wearing a man's clothes and vice versa. So I have decided to do a trial run of wearing skirts and dresses more often. Here's what I've discovered.

1. In summer heat, skirts are actually much cooler than shorts. There is no clinging to the skin but much more air movement. As I do not wear skirts that are short or tight, I have been able to still participate in all outdoor activities with no difficulties.

2. I find myself moving in a more gentle, feminine way. I like feeling like a woman!

3. Although my husband does not care if I wear pants or not, I have noticed an increase in kind comments and expressions on a skirt day. He has definitely shown a preference!

4. While out in public, I hear comments that it is so nice to see a lady wearing something besides tight pants and midrif shirts. Strangers will open the door for me, offer to help carry bags, and start conversations with my children. It's as if the world is looking for a chance to encourage old-fashioned values.

5. When I started this experiment, I didn't make any announcements to family members. However my daughter is now wearing skirts and dresses more than ever before. I see her spinning in the family room and calling herself beautiful. She too is enjoying the benefits of being feminine. And yes, she still rides her bike, plays at the park, and goes traipsing through the fields!

6. I now find myself not wanting to wear pants. They are no longer comfortable to wear.

In summary, it has been three weeks since I started the switch. I'm not sure if I will ever give up pants (especially in the winter at 30 below), but I will definitely wear them a lot less. Yes, it is difficult to find appropriate dresses and skirts in your typical store, but between thrift shops and internet searches, you can find them. I may even finally have to learn how to sew. Hmmm.