Unschooling and Socialization

Sue Patterson

I know that many of you aren't on Facebook, so every now and then, I want to bring over some posts that might be helpful for you to. Like this one... what about unschooling and socialization??


Ah… the question that has plagued us for decades.


It’s a little tricky because it means different things to different people.

  • Some people are worried about how the kids will make friends.
  • Some people worry their kids will “turn out weird” or socially awkward.
  • Some people worry that their kids will be little hothouse plants that can’t cope with negative social situations when they inevitably arrive.



And no matter which worry you might have, for some odd reason, society seems to accept that SCHOOL is the place that will solve everything from a social standpoint. 


  • Maybe they/you are forgetting about bullies? Some bullying is by teachers.
  • Maybe they/you are forgetting that desk proximity does not equal friendship.
  • Maybe they/you are forgetting how many times you were told by teachers “You’re not here to socialize!” … and now they are?? Huh?

 

It’s a lot to unpack.
And that’s because of all the emotions we have tied up into this.


The Unschooling Guide: Socialization


This is a great starting place.


You can do a deeper dive into what’s really bothering you (or someone asking you) about this socialization question.

  • The social skills that start at home
  •  Community involvement
  •  Journaling Prompts about what’s worrying you
  •  "Will unschooling make my kid weird?"
  •  "How will they learn… to wait in line, to take turns?"
  •  Online friends vs friends in real life
  •  Social BENEFITS of Unschooling
  •  Social skills learned in school setting vs social skills learned in real life
  •  Do we need to “Toughen up” kids?
  •  More about Making Friends
  •  Developing Communication Skills
  •  More articles about socialization and children


… I gotta admit, this is a pretty awesome Guide!

Get this Unschooling Guide!

And, if YOU need more Socialization... 

 

Sue's Coaching Group: Creating Confidence Membership


Some of us really need to be around others who aren't going to tell us to put the kids back in school or find some good curriculum, when something goes wrong. Sure, they're still your friends, but you may need some unschoolers in your life to help offset the mainstream push.



  • Multiple coaching calls every week
  • WhatsApp and FB for daily moments when you need connection.
  • Plus a ton of other benefits that come with the membership.


You should join us - it's a great group of people! 

By Sue Patterson August 19, 2025
School Messed with Your Head
Dont Do It Shopping cart
By Sue Patterson August 6, 2025
As moms are shopping the Back-to-School sales, Sue Patterson is trying hard to resist whispering to them, "Don't Do It!"
Today is Our 11th Anniversary!
By Sue Patterson July 29, 2025
Unschooling Mom2Mom - 11 Year Anniversary
Cost Benefits Sign
By Sue Patterson July 28, 2025
Unschoolers use Cost/Benefits analysis all the time!
Wondering about those  grown unschoolers?
By Sue Patterson July 27, 2025
Wondering about those grown unschoolers? Can they be successful adults?
Connecting with your Gamer Teen
By Sue Patterson July 8, 2025
No one prepared you for parenting a teen - certainly not in this day and age. Don't let fears about gaming interfere in your connection with them!
By Sue Patterson June 28, 2025
You Need to Talk to Someone!!!
Self-care tips for unschooling moms
By Sue Patterson June 28, 2025
Yes! Finally some self-care tips that can work for busy homeschooling moms
The Spiral Path of Learning
By Sue Patterson June 22, 2025
Learning isn’t linear—it spirals. Discover how real learning unfolds naturally, without gaps, deadlines, or rigid timelines. Unschooling parents know!
10 Common Struggles parents have when unschooling
By Sue Patterson June 20, 2025
10 Common Struggles parents have when unschooling
More Posts