If you discover that your child is struggling in a public school and is getting increasingly depressed as the year progresses then home schooling could well be something which you ought to look at. However, be prepared for a transition period after taking the child out of public school before diving into 'full-time' home schooling.
If your child is in public school at present then you will need to start by studying your state's home schooling laws. Be certain that you can comply with all of the state's requirements before you do anything else. Once you are satisfied that you can comply with all of the requirements of the state you should get in touch with your child's school and formally remove your child. If you do not formally remove your child then this could lead to truancy issues in the future. Also, be prepared for the school to question your action and possibly to attempt to talk you out of this course of action.
The procedure for the withdrawal of your child will depend on where you are living but it will frequently mean simply writing a letter to the superintendent of schools. You will have to inform the superintendent that you are opting to school your child at home. You may also be required to furnish proof that you are complying with the laws of the state and that you are legally permitted to remove your child from public school. If you are able to quote part of the state regulations in your letter then this will show that you are acquainted with the regulations and your rights as a home schooling family.
After you have dealt with the formalities you will then need to think about the following:
1. Your child is not a prisoner of the rules and regulations of the public school any longer and must be given a bit of time adjust to the change. As a result, you should not throw yourself into full time schooling but ought to allow your child a little bit of time to get used to the new lifestyle.
2. Allow yourselves a bit of time to get to know one another again. You may well believe that you know your child but it is entirely possible that you do not know him at all. You could well find that there are elements of your child's character which you did not know existed and he may also discover some new things about you too.
3. Do not be taken aback if your child does some things which he has become accustomed to doing at public school. Some new home school children will raise their hand if they want to ask a question or when they want permission to use the restroom. It might take a bit of time to do but those school habits will disappear eventually.
4. Hang on to some of the better habits which he has learned at school. For instance, if your child is used to having spelling tests on a set day then add this into your home schooling plan. If you permit him to stop doing everything he has become used to in public school then you might end up with more problems than you are solving.
5. Do not forget to enjoy the process of home schooling with your child. Electing to home school is of course principally for the benefit of the student but it should also be fun for you as well. Do not take things too seriously and cut yourself some slack and have fun. Possibly of prime importance remember why you elected to home school and take joy in the independence which home schooling affords.
![[Valid RSS feed]](/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
