Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

The teen years are a time of building important social skills and developing relationships. How does homeschooling affect this process? Get one mom's perspective, on today's Home School Heartbeat with Mike Smith.

Mike Smith:
This week, I'm talking with Diane Kummer about those all-important high school years. Diane, one of the most common questions that arises at the mention of homeschooling through high school is, "What about the prom?" In other words, do homeschool students have sufficient opportunity to develop the relational skills they will use in the adult world?

Diane Kummer:
Parents can offer their children other wonderful, and sometimes even better, alternatives than they would have in a school setting.

For example, both of my children were involved in a handbell choir with other homeschooled students. They had the opportunity to play for nursing homes, retirement communities, and rehab centers. Not only did I use their handbell rehearsals and performances to satisfy their high school fine arts credits, but they served in the community and shared the love of Christ at the same time.

I know homeschooled students who are able to work alongside professionals several hours a week in many different internships. There are homeschool sports associations being organized, and in some areas, homeschoolers can participate in sports offered at private Christian schools or even public schools. One of my friends organized a homeschool drama group so that her girls could participate in theater. And it's been quite successful.

Simply ask the Lord for creativity to come up with alternatives.

Mike:
Thank you for being with us, Diane. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.