Advice for de-schooling a child.

[JannerBird]

Hello all. I have been reading through the posts in this topic over the last few weeks. My DD (14) is extremely unhappy in her school due to bullying which has left her with such low self-esteem that she now struggles to make any friends.

Although I have never seen any scratches on her skin she has been keeping sharp object in and around her bed and has told the school nurse that she has been hurting herself. She is currently receiveing counselling which we have organised privately.

After considering Home Ed (I was keen, DH less so) she has decided to move schools and I have today filled in the necessary forms. Today will be the last day in her current school.

I have read about de-schooling and wanted to ask what it was and what we need to do. I realise that this will, for us, only be a two/three week process but just wanted to get some tips. Do I have to do anything or is it literally just a period of no pressure/school work etc.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

hi, im really sorry you daughter has been the victim of bullying, I hope that the change of schools will make a huge difference to her. What a pity she cant be home ed. Im guessing she will be starting the new school after easter? Families usually take a period of deschooling when they have taken children out of school and have began their journey in home education. Its to try to get the school type thinking out of the childs mind and also the parents. Sometimes it can be the parents that have a harder time deschooling! As she is going back to school, then she wont be deschooling. Enjoy your easter holidays together and try to build up her self esteem again. I really hope she settles in quickly and make new friends.

In your shoes, I would just try and have the most relaxing, chilled out Easter Holiday I could.

It takes a long time to properly get school out of your system - I've heard a month for each year at school and it certainly took my then 8 year old a good 4 months for all the rubbish to come out and her to really relax and get over it.

However, there's no reason why you can't relax, take a breather, and be as positive as you can about the road ahead. A period of no pressure or work sounds like the way to go. It's good she has a break in between schools and I'm sure this will do her a world of good. All the best for her new school. :)