5 Things To Consider When You Move Your Children From Public School To Home Schooling

If you find that a child is having difficulty in the public school and is getting increasingly depressed as the weeks roll by then home schooling could be something that you should look into. If so, prepare yourself for a changeover period after taking the child out of public school before diving into 'full-time' home schooling.

If your child is in public school now then you will have to begin by acquainting yourself with your state's home schooling laws. Make sure that you are able to comply with all of the state's requirements before taking further action. As soon as you are happy that you can comply with all of the state laws you should contact your child's school and formally remove your child. If you fail to formally remove your child then this could lead to truancy issues at a later date. You should also be ready for them to ask questions and perhaps to resist your action.

The process for withdrawing your child will depend on where you are living but it will normally mean simply addressing a letter to the superintendent of schools. You will need to inform the superintendent that you are opting to school your child at home. You will also have to furnish evidence that you are complying with the laws of the state and that you are legally permitted to remove your child from the public school. If you are able to quote sections of the state law in your letter then this will help to show that you are familiar with the regulations and with your rights as a home schooling family.

Having taken care of the formalities you will then need to consider the following 5 points:

1. Your child is not imprisoned by the regulations of the public school any longer and must be allowed a bit of time to get used to the change. In view of this, you should not rush headlong into full time schooling but ought to allow your child a little bit of time to get used to this change in lifestyle.

2. Allow yourselves some time to get to know each other. You may feel that you know your child but you could be surprised to discover that you do not know him at all. You could find that there are areas of your child's character that you never knew existed and he may also learn several new things about you too.

3. Do not be surprised if your child continues to do a few things that he has become accustomed to doing at public school. Some new home school children will raise their hand when they have a question or if they want to use the bathroom. It may take some time but those school habits will eventually disappear.

4. Keep some of the better habits that he has acquired. If, for example, your child has been used to having spelling tests on a set day of the week then add this into your home schooling plan. If you permit him to stop doing all of the things he has become used to in public school then you may end up creating more problems than you solve.

5. Do not forget to enjoy the process with your child. Choosing to home school is of course chiefly for the student but it should also be a joy for you. Try not to take things too seriously and cut yourself some slack and enjoy yourself. Perhaps most important of all remember why you chose to home school your child and enjoy the freedom that home schooling offers you and your family.

If you find that your child is struggling in the public school and is becoming more depressed as the year progresses then home schooling may we be something that you ought to consider. If so, be prepared for a period of transition after taking the child out of public school before leaping into 'full-time' home schooling.

Parenting4dummies com provides information on everything from how to home school to practical home schooling

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