With the trend of homeschooling rising every year over the past decade, de-schooling is popping up more and more.

De-schooling is the process of “pausing” after years of structured traditional school in a public or private school. It’s a process of recovery and transition from traditional classroom or private school setting to homeschooling.

Like most families switching from public school to homeschool, it’s a lifestyle change, an emotional, physical and intellectual change. Whether your child is kindergarten age or high school age, switching from traditional school to homeschooling will take an adjustment. It is worth it. Every child is different, so take it at a slow pace and enjoy being present with your child or children.

Why De-School?

• Burned out from traditional schooling and strict routines
• Too much stress on grades and not learning
• Anxiety and stress
• Busy life and need to slow down

The Value of De-schooling

Making the Intentional Adjustment:

1. Adjusting to lack of traditional school restraints and strains
2. Learning outside the classroom
3. Freedom and less time restraints
4. Changing your mindset about what “school” and “learning” mean
5. Learning your child or children’s individual interests and expectations.

Think of this intentional adjustment as a way of giving everyone time to breathe and rest after a major fundamental change in life. For adults we can often “adjust” more fluidly or “fake it until we make it.” But with children, it is much more drastic of a change and it’s important to embrace that. This de-schooling gives them time to adjust and get over the shock period of going from classroom setting to home setting.

Allowing the natural interests of your child to nourish and grow:

There is more than one way to learn and grow and experience “school” in life. You will appreciate the time taken to “find a rhythm” and find your child’s interests and natural daily patterns without the rush or restraints of a structured public school schedule. It can take a few weeks or many months. It doesn’t matter because the time you take now to breathe and observe, the more successful and prosperous your homeschool journey will be going forward.

The important aspect of this is to allow your children is to embrace learning again and by doing this, often times children need to step back and have no restraints.

Here are some great ideas to de-school and find interests:

1. Bible study in the morning
2. Breakfast together – make it together or have a big buffet
3. Take a walk each morning
4. Do a craft or small activity together
5. Read together
6. Sleep in
7. Wear pajamas and relax
8. Talk about their likes and dislikes (hobbies, schoolwork, schedules)
9. Take a field trip during the day (often you may get the museum all to yourself!)
10. For older students – start a project or hobby
11. Trips to the library to get movies and books (there are many library activities too)
12. Explore outside
13. Get STEM kits or activity kits

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to do some research in your downtime. Ask questions or make lists. Brainstorm or discover homeschooling groups.

A great resource for asking questions is HSLDA who has everything homeschool related at expert levels.

Find Community

Find a homeschool group or friend to talk with. Support is very important in homeschooling. Having those people that understand your day to day will be a resource you won’t regret.

We have found families that are at the same stage as us in homeschooling and families who have graduated homeschool children. Both provide help, assurance and resources. Whatever stage you are in, you can find people in your homeschool corner to help guide you and just listen.

Are they ready to homeschool now?

Signs they may be ready can vary family to family. Some families de-school for months while others have children who adjust in just days or weeks. No option is wrong. It’s about the holistic approach, the goals and your philosophy. Know your why. Every family and lifestyle is different. Especially when every family has different structures, expectations, philosophies, routines and strains.

More Resources for Further Reading:

Deschooling: Making the Switch From Traditional School to Homeschooling

What Exactly is Deschooling.. and Do I Need to Do It? – Raising Lifelong Learners

What is Deschooling and How Do I Do It? – The Wild Schooler