When they do, here is my response:
First, socialization starts in the family setting. Aren’t we trying to raise young men and women who work well as a FAMILY. Second, true socialization continues in the community. True social growth happens when a person is in a variety of settings with a people of varied age and gender. In general, homeschoolers are out and about during the day, meeting people, going to classes with adults and other children, etc. Social growth is inhibited by age segregation and ability labeling. NEVER again will one be in a group of people who are of the same age, doing the same thing at the same time and to the same standard; in the ‘real world’ we need to know how to get along with those older than us and those who are younger.
I feel so strongly that the FIRST priority is to learn how to work well together, socialize, as a family.