For parents considering pulling their kids out of school to homeschool you will want to look into something called “deschooling”.

What is deschooling?
When homeschooling, almost everything (if not everything) is going to be different for your child or children. They’re no longer in a packed room of kids with one (or maybe 2) authoritative figures. No longer on a strict schedule for learning, play, eating, and bathroom time.

You will want to set a period of time to adjust to this transition from school to homeschool. During this time you’ll encourage a bit of freedom. Free play, get to learn their circadian rhythm (their natural sleep and wake cycle), pick up on their led routines, and harness their desires to learn. Toddlers and children love to learn, this world is completely new to them. Encourage exploration but don’t force things on them.

During this transition period you and your children will learn a lot about each other and home life. Keep them involved in home care, offer them to help you with house work. Depending on how long your kids were in a school for it may bit a bit tough on them for a while. Nuture them during this tough time. Let them express their feelings and work together to find new solutions.

While letting your children explore the world and their interests, keep note. Use this time to explore curriculums and parenting methods like Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, etc. Take a look at free and paid resources I put together for you here.

Deschooling is getting you all used to “breaking the rules”. Freeing yourselves of the “norm” and being like “everyone else”. For example, learning doesn’t have to be Monday through Friday 8 hours a day plus hours of homework afterwards. You’ll be amazed by how little time it really takes to learn when you harness your child’s interests and incorporate play based learning (age appropriate of course). Not forcing your child to learn but allowing your child to learn.

Your child should be encouraged to learn anywhere and everywhere. Not just at a desk for hours on end. Thats not to say you can dedicate a space for learning but you’ll soon come to find that kids are going to learn wherever they feel comfortable. In the kitchen, on the living room floor, the hallway.

Take your kids to the store and walk around the office/school supplies sections, the craft sections, the book areas, and even the LEGO sections. Let them express to you what they’d love to use to learn. You could even do some online shopping with them if thats what you prefer. Let the kids help you help them build their perfect learning environment.

The time needed for deschooling is different for everyone. We all have different experiences with traditional schooling that we need to do a mind detox from. It can be hard to break from years of indoctrination. Thinking that the way you’re taught or teach is the only amd the best way. Use this time to connect with local homeschoolers. Get a taste of what they do and how they’re living life. Join a co-op and make friends. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that homeschooling will be the best decision you made for yourself and your children.

Don’t forget to reach out for help! You are not alone. Take the time you need to transition. Remember that this is a big change for your kids too. Get some gentle parenting books to help understand and properly deal with everyone’s emotions (I’m currently reading ‘The Whole Brain Child’ and listening to the audio book ‘Montessori Toddler Disciplines’).