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August 31, 2005

Socialization or Socializing

As a home education family, we are often asked the question about our children's socialization with other children their own age . . . as if that is the ONLY other people they could stand to be around. Usually I ask them if THEY only socialize with people their own age? This article explains it even better!! Thanks to Trivium Pursuit e-loop.

How to Answer the Socialization Question Once and for All by Marsha Ransom

I am beginning to tire of the many articles, essays and responses I keep running across on what has become to be known as the "socialization question."

Homeschooling families, please listen carefully: What people refer to as socialization is a non-issue! It has become a buzz-word among the Official Homeschool Nay Sayers Society. When someone asks you the question ("What about SOCIALIZATION!?"), I suggest you begin by asking them, "What do you mean by socialization?" They will more than likely proceed with some variation on the following theme: "You know, having your kids spend time with other kids their age. Hanging out with their friends, stuff like that." At that point do not, under any circumstances respond with, "Oh my little Susie gets plenty of socialization! She's in 4-H and Awanas, and Sunday school and HomeSchool band and she volunteers at the nursing home etc.etc. etc. In fact she has so many opportunities for socialization that I hardly have time to teach her some days..YaDa YaDa YaDa." Why not? Because this is not what socialization really is!

Here is a more appropriate response: "Oh, I think the word you are looking for is socializing. Socialization is actually defined as the process by which the norms and standards of our society are passed from one generation to the next. I've never really thought that a complete strangers six-year old child would be a good source of information on the correct standards of behavior in our family and in society as a whole. As for socializing, I remember from my school days that it was something you weren't supposed to be doing during class!"

We do not have to defend homeschooling based on false assumptions, false accusations, and false information. Please stop telling others about all the opportunities your kids have for "socialization" and start gently exposing them to the real issue here-- a lot of what kids learn from other kids in social situations is simply living according to "The Law of the Jungle." In our family, we have a higher set of laws to follow and I bet your family does too. Next time, don't be afraid to say so!

Posted by Vanessa at 11:05 PM | Comments (0)

August 12, 2005

Whole Grain Hoax

Just as 5 years ago “Fat Free” was the new way to good health, then “Low Carb” was the way to go, now it’s “Whole Grain”. Be assured that nothing truly healthy and truly whole grain comes in the cereal isle or the bread isle of you local grocery store.

Over the past 2+ years I’ve been learning about Freshly Milled grains. What’s that? It’s where you buy grains of wheat (called wheat berry’s), and actually mill it into flour yourself to make truly wholesome foods with the complete grain the way GOD intended it. When I first read about the health benefits and the nutrient PACKED grain of wheat it gave me a whole new perspective of the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with bread and fish. Nearly all the nutrients they needed was provided and they were SATISFIED.

Be assured that the ONLY way to get the WHOLE grain and its benefits is to eat food made from freshly milled flour within 72 hours of when the grain is milled. WHY? Because as soon the outer “shell” is broken open and it’s exposed to air the nutrients begins to oxidize. Think of it like an apple. If you peel an apple and leave it at room temperature what happens to it? It turns brown because of oxidization. It begins to spoil. If you put it in the refrigerator, it will prolong the life of the peeled apple for a few days. And so it is with grain as well. The difference is that you can not SEE the oxidization like you can with an apple. If you’re not eating freshly milled flour you’re not truly getting WHOLE grain.

Like my boys say “the whiter the bread the sooner you are dead!”

To read more check out the articles at Bread Beckers and I highly recommend the health e-letters from Dr. Mercola and Dr. Rubin.

Have a Healthy Day!!

Posted by Vanessa at 10:59 PM | Comments (0)