Socialisation

One of the many complaints and concerns that people have over home education is the idea that "socialisation" is an issue, and it is a constant source of irritation to home educators that is constantly brought up.  But is socialisation an issue?

My little boy is 5 and a half now, and is constant saying "I'm bored, it's boring" over thing that he generally loves doing.  This is not new, many parents deal with their children coming home from school with that particular phrase.  The problem I have is that I know exactly where it comes from.  O's friend, that we saw this morning.  We were at soft play, having a wonderful time, and all you here from this friend is "I'm bored, it's boring"  and all too soon my 2 come out with "I'm bored, can we leave yet".  Now my issue is this...How do I deal with it?  I have the opportunity to prevent my children playing with this child, but O likes him!!!  And it is good that he has friends.  But he plays with random children at the park, at soft play, at swimming, at singing, at church!!!  So is it important he maintain this particular friendship.  If O were in school I would just have to deal with it.  How much do I "control" the situation.  I don't want my child coming out with bad habits.  At the moment everything is "boring" and that is not okay.  He is getting moaned at for it.  I suspect there is no answer that is the correct one!!!

So all in all our lovely trip to the expensive soft play was ruined and cut short because apparently having unlimited access to a huge play frame, loads of slides, a foot ball cage and friends to play with leads to 4 bored children who wanted to go home!!!