Whenever the subject of home education is raised in a conversation, without exception someone always offers the opinion perceived to be the single objection to render any further dialogue dead in its tracks: “Home schooling is bad, because the children are deprived of socialization with their peers.”

Whenever I hear this supposedly sage argument, I cannot help to think about my brother Rick. Three years younger than me, Rick showed a better than average talent with music, and he improved his skills with private lessons, playing the clarinet with superb interpretation and passion. Once when I was on leave from the Navy, I saw Rick perform in a high school music competition. Rick looked confident; I was a basket case of nerves. Rick took the honors that day, and I told him how proud I was of him.

So, where is my brother Rick today? Rick died when he was 27 years old, a victim of childhood diabetes and public school socialization. When in the sixth grade, Rick discovered he was a diabetic. By taking daily injections of insulin and controlling his diet, he managed an active life. However, when Rick was a senior in high school, his “friends” taught him to drink alcohol. He came to band practice drunk one day. Not only was he banned from being a member of the band, he seriously jeopardized his health as well. Rick left off playing his clarinet completely.

Becoming a bitter and frustrated young man, Rick seemed to hold only menial jobs. He had no ambitions for the future. However, Rick became a Christian about two years before his death. During this period of his life, Rick took up the clarinet again to play solos in church. I understand the music was beautiful, adding to the richness of worship. At his funeral, only three of Rick’s former classmates were there, while over a hundred members of his church attended.

I often wonder if Rick did not experience socialization in the public school whether he would still be serving the Lord today. Only God knows. I do know, however, the strength of the home school is that children learn to behave like adults, not like immature know-it-alls who pass on bad habits to others. I did not teach my brother to drink, to smoke, to cuss, or to tell dirty jokes. These “skills” were taught by his peers. Those who say socialization in the schools is a positive good are either ignoramuses or liars.