Some people are making the decision to homeschool even before their children reach the age when they are required to enroll in a local school system. For these people it is often just a matter of selecting or developing a curriculum for their child and complying with their state's laws regarding homeschooling. But, what should be done with children who have already been in the more traditional learning environment?

The answer is de-schooling. What is de-schooling? In simplest terms, de-schooling is the rest period between formal, institutional education and the more natural learning rhythms of some homeschool styles. The most widely recommended ratio quoted for de-schooling is one month for every year that the child was in either a public or a private school. Some children make the transition with ease. In my case, I used a cross-country, family car trip and swimming lessons as a bridge between the two. And while I still heard her say, "That is not how we did it in school," during the first few months of this journey our transition was relatively smooth.

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Other children have been so stressed out by their more traditional educational experience that they need to take a complete break and enjoy some real freedom. One of the principle benefits of de-schooling is that it allows everyone involved the time and space to adjust to a different method of education. Another benefit is that by taking some time off between the two forms of education, you and your child will be able to reconnect. I think that making a new connection with your child is vital to successful homeschooling.

During this break from formal education, the parent should take the time to read about different learning styles, to observe your child, and most importantly to talk with your child about what you have learned about homeschooling. Reassure your child that friends won't disappear, and that homeschooling is not just sitting at a dining room table for six hours, five days a week. Let your child know that you are there to help find resources on topics of the child's choosing.

Many parents do not de-school their older children for fear that once the accepted education routine is broken, their children will cease to be interested in anything other than TV or video games. The truth that I have found in my observations is that after a while children begin to become bored with these common distractions and once the outside pressure of a grade is removed, they start to explore learning for its own sake on topics that are of interest to them. And if you have chosen to homeschool your child, isn't that one of your goals?

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