Oh the socialization aspect. I think my boys are more socialized now being at home than they were when they were in public school. For me, socialization includes more than just being 'around' peers of the same age. And, yes, I said 'around' and not 'interacting'. My children interact with people of all ages, older, younger, and peers of the same age. I can take my children anywhere and they can behave acordingly; whether it be at a playground playing or at a funeral or fancy restaurant.
I subbed in PS for about 5 years, and to be honest, I saw very little healthy interaction among the kids (and I wasn't in 'difficult', but 'good' schools). When I say healthy interaction, I mean relationship building. With today's STUPID 'No Child Left Behind Act' and now teaching to standardized tests, there is no time in school anymore for relationship building/socialization. The school must make the 'grade'; forget about teaching the kids HOW to learn. Just memorize the information so our school will get a good grade!
This, plus discipline issues, combined, make relationship building/socialization almost impossible in the public school. Teachers can't give much 'free' time in the class as the kids as a group will get out of hand. Teachers actually have very little/no authority over their classes anymore. If a child misbehaves there is nothing she can do about it to make it stop. Don't spank MY angel/child or I'll sue! Don't make MY child write 100 times "I will listen to my teacher and not disrupt the learning of my classmates" as it will just be a waste of time and make them hate writing. Don't make MY child do jumping jacks/run the perimeter of the playground during recess as it will embarass them. Don't give MY child extra punishment work as that is discrimination. Don't write notes home to ME as I wasn't there; MY child is your responsibility while at school, you deal with the situation. I could go on and on. Teachers today have their hands tied behind their back (not their fault) and the CHILDREN know it. The only advantage a teacher has these days is terrifying the children into obedience or bribing them. Once she's lost that edge, there's not much else she can do. It is a huge shame that teachers can't expect good behavior and administer swift punishments in the classroom if needed, thus helping keep control over the kids. It's amazing how if Bobby gets spanked, that Tommy behaves better. Gee, I wonder why? And It is amazing how Bobby behaves better afterwards because of the embarassment/pain of being spanked and the other kids knowing.
As far as socialization goes, what I saw in the PS was not healthy overall. Most of it came in the form of one child harassing another while in line or behind the teacher's back. Or little 'clicks' of snotty girls being mean to the one who wasn't accepted into the group. Or some little boy stealing something from a classmate. In the real grown up world, this behavior isn't accepted and sometimes it is punishable by jail. Why should I accept it from children as being normal?
OMGoodness, I could really get on a soapbox here about socialization. I've got to stop myself here. LOL
To the OP, the first year of homeschooling is really difficult. There are many learning curves, but you will find what works for you and your child. I personally wouldn't let your child's view of the socialization aspect determine what you think is best for your child. Our children need guidance. Not everything they want is what is best for them. As parents we have to be the ones to make those decisions. I'm not saying don't listen to your child, but ultimately you have to do what you think is right whether or not your child agrees.
Again, I want to encourage you in your homeschooling. I would at least give it another year and then decide what to do after that. I have just finished up my 2nd year homeschooling my 2 boys (11-12 both finished 5th grade this year). This past year was nothing like my first year. I was once told by a veteran homeschool mom that it takes at least 3 years to 'get it right'. She said that the first year you totally screw up, the 2nd you then go to the opposite extreme, and by the end of the 3rd year, you find what works for your child and your family. So far, her advice has been my homeschooling experience.
I wish you well!
JC
