Hope & Help For Successful Deschooling As A Working Mom

One of the first things that many moms are told when they pull a child out of public school is to deschool. How can you be successful deschooling yourself and your kids? I’ve invited Amy from Rock Your Homeschool to come and share how to deschool as a working mom.

Are you thinking about pulling your kids out of public school and making the transition to homeschooling?

If so, you probably have a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings swirling about you. Overwhelm. Excitement. Fear.

And, if you’re a working mom, you might be wondering how in the world you’ll even be able to make it happen!

Working mom or not, the process of deschooling might be a foreign concept to you or like a pipe dream. Rest assured, you CAN do it!

Find out what deschooling means and how you can make a successful transition from public school to homeschooling with these tips and encouragement.

What Is Deschooling & Why Do It?

Let’s look at what deschooling is and why you may want to consider it.

In a nutshell, deschooling is a period of time when a family takes an intentional break from traditional learning.

The focus during this time period is relationship building and the shedding of the public school mentality.

Deschooling will look different for every family, depending on your current life situation and your experiences with the local public school system.

For example, our family desperately needed to deschool when we decided to be brave and begin homeschooling. Our two older boys had attended public school for a few years. Also, my husband and I are public school products, and my parents were both teachers.

Our oldest, in particular, needed a period of healing. He had quite a few negative experiences that continued to affect his daily functioning. We needed to help our son learn to love and trust the learning process again.

How Can Successful Deschooling Help Your Family Heal?

Consider these commonly given reasons for deschooling:

• Negative public school experiences
• Stuck in public school mentality
• Suddenly, unexpectedly homeschooling
• Not prepared for homeschooling

Deschooling can give you a chance to catch your breath and prepare for your homeschooling adventures. While your kids are learning to let go and trust themselves, you can reconnect and make wonderful discoveries about who they are and how they learn.

Like building and creating games with Lego 😉 

But, you may be thinking, “Well, all of that sounds great, but I’m a working mom! I don’t know if I’ll have the time to just let my kids go freely about it. I need to get my work done!”

What if I told you that deschooling could be done, and done well, as a working mom?

In fact, these tips and ideas can even help you establish good habits for your kids and yourself to make your homeschooling journey more enjoyable for all.

Hope & Help for Successful Deschooling as a Working Mom

You’re a smart woman. Instead of letting fears and concerns take over, you’re going to be proactive and set the stage for successful deschooling and homeschooling.

Gather these little gems of inspiration and determine how you can use them as you plan and prepare to deschool your kids.

5 Reasons You Need To Deschool To Help You Transition From Public School To Homeschooling

Deschooling is one of the first steps you need to take when you start homeschooling. Here are a few reasons you need to be successful in deschooling when you come from public schooling to homeschooling.

1. Build Good Habits

Deschooling is often equated with unschooling. (Find out why it’s not!) And, with that idea, that kids have to do nothing. Homeschool myth #553

Although your kids are not doing traditional lessons, they can still contribute! Use this time to establish good habits and responsibilities. Many homeschool families (including my own) can only make it happen by having kids do chores.

Initially, it will take some time to demonstrate and train your kids to do their chores, learn how to cook, and start baking. But, your kids will be learning valuable life lessons and, possibly, discovering a new interest and love of learning.

2. Set Boundaries

If you plan to continue to work (at home or outside of the home) while deschooling, you’ll need to set some boundaries. As much as you value your time with your kids, you work for a reason. And it’s okay to say no to your kids when you need to work.

Deschooling doesn’t have to be giving in to all of your kids’ whims. You can set boundaries on what’s allowed and what’s not permissible. You can also determine when you need to work and when you’re fully available for your kids.

Use positive communication to clearly set your expectations. Be as specific as possible, even using examples. “I” statements (based on assertiveness skills) with strong verbs and respect of your kids will go a long way in helping your set effective boundaries.

An easy way to help your kids and yourself with the issue of time and boundaries is using a timer.  This simple solution can save you from frustration as you help your kids learn to respect your work time.

3. It’s Okay To Plan

Another deschooling myth is that you have to just let your kids run wild and do whatever they want. Well, you can certainly do this option. But, it’s totally not necessary for successful deschooling to take place!

You can plan and prepare your deschooling process.

To help with boundaries, you may want to plan out your day.

For example, be present with your kids in the morning and set work hours for 1 pm to 3:30 pm.

Planning can also help you fight worries and fears. Many new homeschoolers worry about not doing enough. If that’s you, plan a few games or puzzles, maybe even a field trip.

For when you need to work, plan acceptable activities for your kids.

Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

• Create a frugal inventor’s box or use this list of ideas for 50+ easy crafts for kids.
• Make a list of educational videos or movies your kids may watch while you’re working.
• Check out some audiobooks from your local library, or use Around The World Stories for reading and fun.

4. Let Your Kids Process

Your kids will probably have a lot of thoughts and feelings about transitioning from public school to homeschool. As much as you want to be there for them when they’re ready to talk, you might have to work at that moment.

If you can’t be immediately available when your kids want to talk about public school or homeschool concerns, it’s okay! Provide your kids with opportunities to express themselves and then connect with them when you can.

Jen’s Note: I love cooking with my kids for this reason. It gives them an opportunity to talk while we work side by side. 

Have older kids? Give them some paper and pencils to write about what they’re going through.

Younger kids? Have a container of crayons or markers to use to draw pictures to express their thoughts and feelings.

When your work block is done, check in with your kids. Encourage them to show you their work and open it up for discussion.

5. Dealing With Guilt

Doubt in yourself and the deschooling process is inevitable! You’re trying something new, and change can be hard. You also may be feeling guilty about pulling your kids out of school and away from friends.

Schedule a fun activity for all family members to anticipate. This activity could be just your family or include friends.

Plan playdates or outings with your kids’ friends. An informal meet-up at the playground can be a great way to stay connected.

Also, arm yourself with deschooling resources and information.

Get support and encouragement from other homeschool moms who get it. Join Rock Your Homeschool! Facebook group for community, inspiration, and to ask questions. The “Working Homeschool Mom” Club Facebook group is a fabulous place to get specific support and ideas from other working moms.

You Can Be Successful Deschooling When Transitioning From Public School To Homeschooling

Don’t let the overwhelm of deschooling as a working mom prevent you from enjoying the process with your kids.

With a bit of planning and preparation, plus smart strategies, you CAN successfully deschool and make the transition from public school to homeschooling.

Are you considering deschooling? What concerns and questions do you have about the experience?

Amy

You can find Amy at  Rock Your Homeschool where she is homeschooling 5 boys and working at home. 

PS. If you need more information about working and homeschooling you will find resources here to get you started and on your way. 

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