Your first question - about socialization - is the number one concern most people have about homeschooling. The importance of socialization is a separate debate, but how much a homeschooled kid gets is dependant on the parent. I'm sure there are cases of kids being locked away in their houses, but the vast majority of the homeschooled kids I know have an excellent social life. Where I live there are a lot of large groups that get together as a whole for seasonal parties and clubs, and also network into smaller groups with kids that are good friends and close in age. In addition, there are all the regular activities that kids do. My son is in karate, he will be joining 4-H this month, and does scouts. He also has a playdate with two close friends once a week, and kids in the neighborhood. My son is just like me in personality. I went to public school and was very shy until I suddenly outgrew it in adulthood. So, if my son is a deer in the headlights, I think it will be more from genetics than socialization. I think for our personality type, homeschooled version of socialization is better.

He will definitely be outgrowing my knowledge soon. I've got maybe another couple years before I start to feel out of my realm in math for sure. We use curriculum, so that certainly helps. But yes, he will be seeking other resources besides a text book. He can take whatever virtual School classes he wants through the state which includes all common subjects and labs (and teacher help), in addition to other online classes that are out there. The internet has everything. The virtual School classes also offer group fieldtrips.

I am in the USA, where the school culture here is pretty much the same. Memes abound the beginning of August :) I get the feeling no matter what, I'd feel guilty about something in parenting. (I think women suffer in that regard more than men.) I don't really agree with the daycare/school philosophy of having kids and then dumping them off for someone else to raise throughout the day. I think if possible (and of course money often inhibits this possibility) one parent should be willing to give it her/his all. But, homeschooling certainly isn't for everyone. The road less traveled never seems to be an easy one. Certainly having the kids with me all the time is wearing periodically, but I see it as a parent's responsibility. Overall, I miss them when we are apart. And hey, every year they get more independent :)