It wasn’t my original statement. It was wintertime’s. But I will answer you anyway.
I think that kids are socialized in public school, some of it is positive, some neutral but a lot of negative.
Even if it isn’t negative socializaton, it isn’t the type of socialization that I desire for my children. It is culture and peer driven. I want the socialization of my children to be biblically and adult driven. I don’t want them influenced by popular culture, music, dating, clothing trends etc. I don’t want them artifically seperated by age and sex. I don’t want them divided from their siblings. I don’t want them to value the friendship and advice of their peers over that of their parents and sibling. I don’t want them making unhealthy friendships or romantic relationships of ANY kind.
My children are the best of friends and the older help care for the younger. They don’t go to their own rooms and get on computers or phones to talk to their friends. They play with their sibling and parents. When we socialize with friends we do it as a family. The older include and look out for the younger. They play games and enjoy converstion with the adults.
We are youth pastors and see the danger of youth culture everyday. The above scenario is not common and it doesn’t happen by accident.
I hope that explains it.
We enjoy many of the benefits you list. Sending your children to public schools does not reduce parental responsibilities, not the ability to raise a strong, inter-dependent family.
Our kids received a strong moral foundation from their home life and religion. They are not caught up in the hollow promises of US pop culture, but have instead learned how to recognize and avoid its negative qualities.
Home schooled kids may get healthy doses of morality and conservative ideals, but so do public school kids if their parents are meeting their responsibilities. In addition, public school kids develop the ability to successfully defend their ideals when challenged.
As I’ve posted above, your kids will have to come to terms with the pop culture and their liberal peers, and conservatism must have a voice in the public schools.