You’ve got an exemption, you and your child have deschooled, you’ve been reading widely and answered multiple questions about socialisation to friends, family, and random strangers in the supermarket. Now what? Well … now you design a lifestyle tailored to the particular needs of your whānau/family.

It really is essential to find a group of like-minded homeschoolers, both for connections for the tamariki/children but also for yourself. On difficult days (which you will have, because that is part of life), you need people you can talk with freely who can properly empathise and are not going to say “well you should send them to school then.”

First you need to know what your home education approach/philosophy is, so you know a like-minded homeschooler when you meet one!

Once you have a good understanding of your values and education approach, the next challenge is how to find a group of like-minded homeschoolers. Link up with your local group and attend some playgroups, activities and events. Don’t expect an immediate connection (for you or your child) - friendships take time and persistence. Remember that, with homeschooling, usually the whole family do things together. If you find a family you like, make an arrangement to meet somewhere for a playdate/catch-up and take it from there.

It’s okay if your child has just one or two close friends, not everyone needs or thrives with a big friendship group. Many homeschoolers work together with a couple of other families, developing close bonds and doing activities together in their own homes. Others love the dynamics and energy of big groups and lots of noise. Think about what will work best for your particular circumstances and then set out to create it.

Remember that the first year is the hardest. Many of us have forgotten how to make new friends so it can be challenging to put ourselves out there and start conversations!

Most homeschoolers report that it gets a lot easier in their second year as they feel more confident and settled.

While you are working on establishing local connections, remember to also reach out for support online. Lots of homeschoolers will have walked the same path as you and may have some advice. There are many different types of online groups, so find one that resonates with you.

Develop a routine/rhythm to your day that works, prioritising well-being. If you have teens, a later start might suit best. If you have early risers with lots of energy, getting outdoors first thing may be what everyone needs. You can design your day/week any way you wish, there is no need to be at home during the daytime or to be ‘teaching’ during school hours. Embrace the flexibility that home educating provides. Allow plenty of time … months even … for a routine/rhythm to develop. Understand that the routine will change as your children grow and that there will be many periods of adjustment.

Home educating often involves a lot of compromise.

Not everyone will want to do exactly the same things all the time and your kids might have opposite personalities. Negotiate together so that everyone gets what they need, including yourself.

Depending on the needs of your family and location, there are all types of activities available. In the larger cities you can probably find classes/activities such as creative writing, public speaking, te reo Māori, Cantamath, Young Rutherfords, coding, robotics, metalwork, cooking, Dungeons & Dragons, Minecraft Club, dance, drama, improv, music, orchestra, choir, art, pottery, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, swimming, archery, athletics, tennis, horse riding, rock climbing, tramping, and Environment Club. There are also the usual after-school groups such as Scouts, Guides, St John, Cadets, etc. Think outside the box and design a programme that works for your family’s specific needs.

Avoid diving straight in and buying an expensive curriculum.

This is the number one mistake new homeschoolers make. It can be very difficult to initially see how home education can be conducted differently to a traditional ‘school-at-home’ model – but once you have more confidence and experience you may find you would choose quite different education resources or maybe that you don’t need a purchased curriculum at all. There is an abundance of resources available online, and many homeschoolers embrace ‘free-schooling’ by using no-cost materials from the internet, their local library, community groups, and educational programmes offered by their local Council. Homeschooling does not have to be expensive.

Good luck, enjoy the journey,
and remember to reach out if you need support.