tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923009219174714607.post8524569384368956328..comments2013-10-05T13:04:52.513-07:00Comments on Both Ends of the String: Preschool?Dawnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06423244482355885977noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923009219174714607.post-63354905841795763772011-06-01T22:11:01.334-07:002011-06-01T22:11:01.334-07:00I read an article recently that said that playdate...I read an article recently that said that playdates are more important because families are having fewer children. In the past, playdates weren't important because the kids in the family "socialized" each other. I wish I remembered where I found it.<br /><br />Being a grownup, I get to choose my friends. They aren't my friends just because they are the same people who go to the same school that I do. I like being able to pick my friends. I don't see why my kids can't enjoy that ability too.<br /><br />Also, I keep thinking, how many of my high school friends do I really keep in contact with? Sure, I enjoy following them on facebook, but I don't get together with them on holidays. I spend that time with my siblings, parents & children - with my family. The family relationship will last forever. That relationship takes precedence over any other.Dawnettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06423244482355885977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923009219174714607.post-59040648956280010112011-05-29T19:39:11.056-07:002011-05-29T19:39:11.056-07:00I'm interested in this topic as a homeschoolin...I'm interested in this topic as a homeschooling mother, a citizen and a woman who enjoys learning and educational pursuits of all kinds and ages. <br />The socialization argument is without foundation. Children are socialized in families. And unless we keep them locked up, they are socialized when they go out of the house. Shopping, errands, libraries, <br />play mates. I think socialization as far as being external and separate from the family is a bit hooky. And, I could make a case against the negative socialization that occurs at school. Sometimes it can become quite Lord of the flies. There are myriad socialization scenarios I don't care for my children to experience before they are prepared. <br />I'd like to make a case for the innocence of a childhood as well. We're in such a rush in our country to grow our children up faster and faster. Let them be little children, savor their childhoods... protect that remarkable time that fades all too fast. <br />With a caring parent near by to help navigate social situations and with teaching and positive interactions with others (ie" in the family, or wherever the family goes together), I believe the child can be ready for the time of life children are truly geared for more social interaction outside of family networks... those teen years. :) <br />You make good points about children who need therapies or special helps. Parents should be able to use all that society offers for the benefit and blessing of each child individually. Yet another boon of homeschooling! :) <br />This is half baked, and already too long. Interesting topic though!<br />LHRummlerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com