There’s a myth I hear often about homeschooling—that kids who learn at home will somehow be unsocial, clingy, or lack confidence. But let me tell you a story that says otherwise.
My husband and I recently snuck away for a much-needed weekend together (shoutout to our amazing friends who cared for our kids, dogs, and home while we were gone 🙌). And while we were refreshed by horse rides, bike trails, and the chance to stay out past 8:00 for once—Lucy had her own little adventure back at home.
No tears. No drama. No clinging to mom’s leg. Instead, Lucy waved us off with a cheerful smile and a giggly, “Happy trails!” She loved the change in routine, the chance to bond with friends in a new way, and—let’s be honest—the fun of testing out what she could get away with under new management.
When we reunited, we were all recharged, refreshed, and genuinely happy to be back together. Lucy hadn’t been hindered by homeschooling; she had flourished in her independence.
The truth is this: confidence and social skills aren’t dictated by whether a child is homeschooled or traditionally schooled. They’re shaped by the daily investment of parents, the variety of experiences we give our kids, and the encouragement to step bravely into new situations.
So next time someone brings up the old “but what about socialization?” line, I’ll happily share Lucy’s smiling “Happy trails” send-off as my answer. Homeschool kids can be social, confident, and independent—they just have the gift of doing it at their own pace, in their own unique way.
Raising Light 