Making the Transition from Public School to Homeschooling

If your child is struggling in public school, for whatever reason, and is getting more discouraged as the year progresses. Choosing to homeschool might be a valid option to consider. However, be prepared for a transition period after taking your child out of public school before jumping into homeschooling.

If your child is currently in public school, before you withdraw them, you need to determine your state's homeschooling laws. Make sure you meet all of the state's requirements before taking further action. After you've met each of the laws of your state, contact your child's school and formally withdraw your child. Failing to formally withdraw your child may lead to truancy issues in the future. Also, be prepared for them to ask questions.

The manner in which you withdraw your child will probably vary depending on where you live, possibly writing a letter to the superintendent of your child's school system. Explain to them that you have chosen to homeschool and are formally withdrawing your child. Provide proof that you are following your state's laws and are legally allowed to withdraw your child from school. If you can quote part of the law in your letter, it will show that you understand the law and your rights as a homeschooling family.

1. When you have your child at home, be prepared to take some time off of actual school work. This will give your child a chance to learn a new lifestyle. After all, your child has been used to the school's way of doing things. They are no longer imprisoned by the rules and regulations they've come to know.

2. Take some time to get to know one another again. You may think you know your child, but it's quite possible that you don't know them at all. There may be parts of your child's personality that you never knew existed. They might learn some new things about you, as well.

3. Don't be surprised if your child continues to do the things that they've become accustomed to doing. Some new homeschoolers will raise their hand if they have a question or when they need to use the restroom. It may take some time to do, but those habits will need to be broken.

4. Keep some of the better habits they've gained. If your child has been used to having spelling tests on a particular day of the week, continue to keep that schedule. If you allow them to stop doing everything they did in public school, you may have a situation that is worse than they left.

5. Take the time to enjoy the process with your child. Choosing to homeschool, while primarily for the student, should also be enjoyable for you as well. Cut loose and have fun. Don't take yourselves too seriously, and remember that you were a parent first. Most of all, remember why you chose to homeschool . . . to enjoy the freedom homeschooling affords.

Jane Saeman