Making the leap from public school to homeschool can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re not just changing curriculum—you’re changing your family’s rhythm, expectations, and even your mindset. Whether you’re doing this because of learning struggles, school stress, or a desire for more family-centered education, there is a way to make the transition smooth and peaceful.
Choose Your Why
While I have never sent any of my children to public school, I have many friends who have made the transition. It’s so important to “choose your why”. This will be your focus on the tough days. Even us moms who have homeschooled from the beginning wonder if we’re making the best choice most days. That is when you remember your why.
Start With Deschooling
Before you dive into lesson plans and curriculum shopping, take a deep breath—and take a break.
Deschooling is the period of time where both you and your child unlearn the habits and mindset of traditional schooling. It’s not skipping education—it’s resetting how you think about learning.
Public school teaches kids to wait for instructions, complete assignments for grades, and follow a rigid schedule. Homeschooling, on the other hand, allows for curiosity, flexibility, and personalized pacing. Deschooling helps children (and parents!) adjust to this new rhythm.
How Long Should You Deschool?
A common rule of thumb is one month of deschooling for every year your child attended traditional school, but you can adjust that to your child’s needs. Some kids decompress in a few weeks; others take longer.
What To Do During Deschooling
- Rest and reconnect. Focus on family time—cook together, explore parks, play games, or visit museums.
- Read freely. Let your child pick books that interest them. No assignments—just enjoyment.
- Talk and listen. Ask your child how they felt about school and what they’d love to learn at home.
- Follow their curiosity. If your child asks about space, bake a cake, or builds with LEGOs—this is learning!
Deschooling reminds you that learning happens all the time, not just at a desk.
Choose Curriculum Slowly and Intentionally
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by options. Start simple.
You don’t need to replicate public school at home. Many new homeschoolers begin with open-and-go curriculums or literature-based programs that are easy to follow.
When in doubt, start with the basics—math, reading, and writing—and add subjects as you find your rhythm.
Tips for Choosing Curriculum
- Watch YouTube reviews or join homeschool Facebook groups to see what real families think.
- Consider your child’s learning style—do they prefer hands-on projects, videos, or reading?
- Check out homeschooling conventions- they will offer so much support, encouragment, and display thousands of curricula options.
Create a Gentle Routine (Not a Rigid Schedule)
Public school runs on bells and deadlines. Homeschool doesn’t have to.
A gentle routine provides structure without stress. For example:
- Morning time (reading, Bible, discussion)
- Core subjects
- Outdoor time or creative projects
- Independent reading or family learning
Keep lessons short, especially in the beginning. Younger kids may only need 1–2 focused hours of academics per day, and even middle schoolers learn best with breaks built in.
Address Common Fears and Concerns
“What if I’m not qualified to teach?”
You already teach your child every day—how to talk, tie shoes, and navigate life. Homeschooling builds on that same natural skill. You don’t have to know everything—you just need to be willing to learn alongside your child.
“What about socialization?”
Homeschoolers have more social opportunities than ever—co-ops, sports teams, church groups, field trips, and community classes. Quality socialization happens through meaningful interaction, not just being in a classroom.
“What if we fall behind?”
Homeschooling runs at your child’s pace. Many kids actually catch up or leap ahead once the pressure and stress of traditional school are removed.
Connect With Other Homeschool Families
Community makes all the difference. Look for:
- Local homeschool co-ops
- Park days or library events
- Online groups for homeschool moms
You’ll find encouragement, practical advice, and lifelong friendships.
Give Yourself Grace
Transitioning from public school to homeschool is a big change. Some days will feel joyful; others may be hard. Remember—this is a journey, not a race.
Your home won’t look like a classroom, and that’s okay. Learning at home is meant to be flexible, natural, and family-centered.
When you hit a rough patch, take a step back and breathe. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. Don’t give up though. Keep yourselves and your kids accountable and push through. There are fun seasons and challenging seasons. This is how we grow.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you’ve decided to homeschool, it’s because you care deeply about your child’s education and well-being—and that’s the most important qualification of all.
Start with deschooling, move forward slowly, and trust the process.
Your homeschool doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it just needs to work for your family.