I Pulled My Kids Out of School. Now What?
So you’ve just pulled your kids from school, and now you’re staring at the overwhelming question: “How do I actually do this?” First, take a deep breath. There’s no wrong way to homeschool, and you don’t have to recreate a classroom in your home. In fact, you shouldn’t! You just left that one size fits all scenario because it wasn’t working. Homeschooling is as flexible and unique as your family.
When I first started, I had the same worries—Would they learn enough? Would I ruin their future? What if I wasn’t good at teaching? But over the years, I learned that homeschooling isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about figuring things out together. In fact the number one takeaway I wanted my kids to learn from Homeschooling was If they wanted to learn anything at all, ever in this life, they were fully capable to do so!
Here’s what I wish I had known from the start:
- Deschooling is real and necessary. If your kids have been in traditional school, give them (and yourself) time to adjust. Learning happens all the time, even when it doesn’t look like school. Watch documentaries, play games, read books, have deep conversations.It might take a week or it might take a month. There is no set time or formula for this one, but don’t feel like you have to jump right in to classes the next school day. This time helps everyone reset and discover what learning looks like outside of a school setting.
- There’s no perfect curriculum. You don’t have to find the magical one-size-fits-all program. Some kids thrive with structured lessons; others need a hands-on approach. You can mix and match until you find what works. And if something isn’t working? Change it! Homeschooling allows for that flexibility. Ask around to other homeschool parents if they have curriculum you can look at, or what works for them and why. This gives you the opportunity to see some of it up close and get a feel for what might or might not work for your family. Also Youtube has a ton of walk through and flip through videos of various curriculum just type them in the search.
- Socialization looks different but is still there. The biggest myth about homeschooling is that kids will be isolated. In reality, homeschoolers are often more social because they interact with people of all ages in different settings all the time. Field Trips, co-ops, community events, classes, sports teams, meetups, and park days—there are endless ways to stay connected.
- Your days won’t (and shouldn’t) look like school. You don’t need to mimic a 7-hour school day. Learning can be done in a few focused hours, leaving plenty of time for interests, passions, and real-world experiences. Some families do morning lessons and afternoons free; others take a more relaxed, interest-led approach. There’s no wrong way.
- You can outsource when needed. You don’t have to teach every subject yourself! Online courses, tutors, co-ops, dual enrollment, and even local libraries offer resources for homeschoolers. Many kids take classes online, do internships, volunteer, start college late, or choose an entirely different path—and all of those are more than okay.
- Homeschooling is a mindset shift. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about raising capable, curious, and confident learners. Some homeschoolers go to college, some don’t. Some start businesses, others take apprenticeships. The beauty of homeschooling is that it allows kids to forge their own path while valuing their mental health and personal growth over rigid expectations.
The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Homeschooling is a journey, and it will evolve as your family grows. There will be trial and error, but there will also be incredible moments of discovery, connection, and joy.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, reach out! I love talking with new homeschoolers and helping families find their own rhythm. You’ve got this!
