Socialization Issues

We don't feel that we have an "socialization issues". We are part of a big family, active in our church, and set up play dates with the girls friends. Most of our socialization is done in a multi-generation atmosphere, which we feel is better than the girls being segregated into groups of only children their own age. We feel there is a lot that our children can learn from interaction with people older than themselves. Our children learn to respect their elders. There are times when age-appropriate groups are needed, too.

Here's what our "socialization" calendar looks like for the 2012 - 2013 school year (and bear in mind, many of these activities can also fall under "field trips", "clubs", "outside classes", etc.

On A Regular Basis, We...
1) Have family meals and get-togethers, some at home and some at restaurants and parks..
2) Go to church, including attending Sunday School. The girls participate in Children's Sermon and Wee Church.
3) Both girls go to a weekly age-appropriate reading group at our local library.
4) Volunteer at our local Food Pantry one day each month.
5) The girls go and visit family regularly, including overnight stays with their sisters (ages 19 & 21) and Nana & Papa.
6) They keep in touch with their sister & brother-in-law and cousins who live out of state through phone calls, e-mails, facebook, this blog, and soon Skype (as soon as our webcam comes in).
7) Maddy has local and out-of-town and out-of-state pen pals that she e-mails.
8) We schedule play dates often.


September 2012
1) Had a Labor Day/Daddy's Birthday Fish Fry at our home with family invited.
2) Attended Get Acquainted WADI Picnic.
3) Went to see "Finding Nemo 3-D" with a sister and brother-in-law, then we all had supper at Backyard Burgers.
4) Hosted Maddy's birthday party with guests all ages, both family and friends.