Thirsty Thursday ~ Socialization

I had to laugh when I saw that the topic was Socialization at Thirsty Thursdays. I am trying to set the schedule for next year right now and am struggling to find a balance between being home enough to keep the house running, child training and completing our schoolwork and getting out to socialize with others. I think it is important to say that many people think socialization is the act of hanging out with other people. This is true in part, but not the whole picture. I have four children and three of them have special needs. One of my children has severe sensory problems to the point of appearing at times to have Asperger's Syndrome. I have another child (adopted) with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. My oldest son was born with a damaged brain (Dandy Walker Cyst Syndrome) and severe shyness and anxiety (mostly from his years in public school). All of these children, because of their special needs, struggle with social skills. We spend loads of time working on social skills in our home. So, while I think it is important to go out into the world and meet with other human beings, I also need time at home to teach proper behavior again and again. In other words, my children are socialized at home, practice their skills at home and then practice their skills in public. 

My oldest son, who graduated from homeschooling this past May, is a great example of a homeschooled kid. He was homeschooled for 10 years. Even with his special needs, he is adored at the nature center where he has volunteered for the past seven years. His boss and other staffers have used the following words to describe him: invaluable, team worker, good with the public, eager to help, delightful, knowledgeable, and someone they really enjoy being around. He took a few homeschool history classes with a retired college professor during his last two years of homeschooling. She said he is funny, knowledgeable, always contributes in class and is fun to be around. We also have heard the same from church, fencing and drama classes in the last few years. People often say that my little ones play well together, are conversational with others, and share well with strangers (toys in doctor offices, etc.). 

With all that said, I am very careful about what activities we do outside the home. My kiddos can't just go into any situation and be successful. They need lots of prep work for simple things like the library or standing in lines. Boy, do they have a hard time standing in lines! I try to find classes that are small, calm, and with good role models. This is our current plan for the next school year.   

• Mondays ~ Homeschool co-op (everyone) and ballet (Little Red Ridinghood)    
• Tuesdays ~ Play therapy and swimming (Tom Sawyer)    
• Wednesdays ~ Home    
• Thursdays ~ Home    
• Fridays ~ Speech (Goldilocks) and Fencing (Tim)

I am also starting a Five in a Row (FIAR) field trip club for special needs kids to be held on the second Wednesday of the month. We are going to try the local art museum's art class for my younger three on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. We also have Tomatis (sensory integration/occupational therapy) in September. and December for 8 day loops. I am also trying to figure out if therapeutic horseback riding lessons will work out for Goldilocks or if she will take dancing instead. 

That is more than enough socialization for us! 

Blessings, Dawn