Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool

Many families are withdrawing their children from public school to homeschool. If this is you, then you have a greater challenge than those of us whose children have never known anything else. To give homeschooling the best shot, consider these three realistic expectations.


#1 The older the child is, the more time it will take to acclimate him/her to homeschooling. Give your children time to adjust and during this time maximize the opportunities homeschooling offers - freedom to control your schedule, apprenticeships, field trips, etc. If you merely recreate school at home, minus all the fun, your children will likely be resentful. They need to see the benefits of homeschooling in a tangible way.


#2 You need involvement in a support group or co-op. Your children are going to miss their friends at school. They need a new network of friends. Start networking with your homeschool community right away - attend activities before you withdraw your children from public school.


#3 Be strong in the Lord! Joshua 1:9 commands us "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be though dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Having worked with and observed children in many situations, I am convinced that strong leadership always brings the best behavior.


Happy Homeschooling!