Often, people who have very limited knowledge about homeschoolers will ask a stupid question when "conversing" with a homeschooler...it goes like this... "Oh you homeschooled? Did that affect your ability to socialize?" Well, that's when I just want to stare at them and start drooling or something. I think that would get the point across that I'm socially inept... The ironic thing is that I AM CONVERSING SOCIALLY with this person as they ask me this assumed and steryotypical question. Where do you think children were taught the most throughout history? In the home by their mother or learning a trade from their father. It's worked pretty well throughout the ages. I mean, it's not like parents are useless once the child has been conceived and born! They are naturally there to mentor, encourage and teach their offspring how to live in the world and how to have a relationship with God and others. That is what my parents did and I am grateful to them for taking that responsibility and time. I love that they fought for their time and relationship with my brothers and I, no mater what the cost! I love that they wanted to be with me during the day, spending time with ME instead of sending me to be with other people who my parents do not know, and who do not even know ME nor do they have much invested interest in my (with 20 other children in the classroom.) And I am not dissing teachers because I have had wonderful teachers in college and I have also observed teachers who care deeply about their students. I may be dissing the school system but that is another topic, hahaha...But really, my point is that I simply want people to see the benifits of homeschooling not the pre-conceived and assumed handicaps. I want people to be educated and informed before they ask stupid questions. I'm learning that formyself. I'm like, "Summer, just take the time to think before you speak!" It's not easy, but it is important. The whole reason I brought this up is because I joined a facebook group (yes, yes, everybody laugh, haha) about having social skills as a homeschooler. And going back the question of whether my social skills have been "affected" as a homeschooler... Actually, being a homeschooler IMPROVED my social skills. I have the encouragement to socialize with people of all ages. I am not limited to "highschoolers" or "freshman" or "my peers" or whatever school crowd that I have to be categorized under. I have no pressure to be in a "limited" social sphere (such as the 7th grade or Senior level, etc.) because when I am at home or out and about, I am hanging with my siblings (of all ages), my friends (schooled and homeschoold) my parents and or other individuals. When I am out participating in social clubs or sports, I learn to respect and socialize with all different kinds of people. Personally, I am probably more socialized than most public or private high school graduates. So, Social skills...Yes, my social skills have been "affected"...I say for the better:) I are educated in mi Casa and eslewhere... Gracias! LoL... | 
