I was homeschooled K-12, as was my younger sister, and the response my parents frequently received after telling this to people was, “What about socialization?” They would respond that we were in dance classes and plays as proof that we participated in group activities, but fellow parents couldn’t seem to fathom raising your children without the public school system. I’m very grateful for the superior education we received through being homeschooled, but I’m equally grateful that we weren’t constantly subjected to peer pressure and the bad influences that go along with unsupervised socialization. Group mentality is a problem which is intrinsic to sinful human nature, but it’s become much worse since parents have turned the raising of their children over to the public school system.
Meanwhile, Marian catches the attention of lifeguard Bill Rand (Ted Pearson), and they begin seeing a lot of each other. Marian quickly gets very serious about Bill, who is separated from his wife but says they can get married once he is divorced. Judge Hardy is concerned about these new influences, and he keeps a close eye and sympathetic ear for his children.
Back in their hometown of Carvel, there may be some trouble brewing for the Hardy family because of a note Judge Hardy endorsed. One day, Judge Hardy accidentally comes upon Andy and Jerry in town as the youngsters are saying goodbye. Out of friendly interest, the judge decides to meet his son’s new girlfriend for himself.
Al.
