So I quit. My job. The traditional school path. The idea of what parenting was supposed to look like. And here is what happened next.
What Pushed Me to Leave the System
It was not one dramatic moment. It was lots of little ones. Tears at the school gate. Headaches every Sunday night. The light slowly fading from their eyes. And that constant whisper in my mind saying “this cannot be it”.
We tried to make school work. But it felt like squeezing them into shoes that did not fit. Eventually, I stopped trying to force it.
The First 30 Days
Panic. Pinterest. Printables. Trying to replicate school at home. I created colour coded schedules, only to abandon them by day five.
We had tears. Mostly mine. Then we had laughter. Lots of it. Slowly, we found a rhythm that felt less like school, and more like life.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
I questioned everything. Was I doing enough? Was I ruining their education? But then there were slow mornings, deep conversations, spontaneous learning adventures that reminded me why I did this in the first place.
The fear is still there sometimes. But so is the joy. And that joy is louder now.
What I Have Learned (So Far)
- My children are thriving in ways I never saw coming
- Education is not confined to a classroom
- I am a more present, more connected mum
- It does not have to be perfect to be powerful
- Following our own rhythm is freedom
What I Would Tell Any Mum Considering It
You are enough. You do not need a teaching degree or a Pinterest worthy plan. You need love, curiosity, and the courage to trust your instincts.
This path is not always easy. But it is deeply meaningful. And if your heart is nudging you in this direction, it is worth listening to.
You are not ruining them. You are choosing to see them. And that is the most powerful education of all.
FAQs
Do I need to be a qualified teacher to home educate in the UK?
No. In the UK, parents do not need any formal qualifications to home educate. You are legally allowed to educate your child at home as long as the education is suitable for their age and ability.
Is it legal to withdraw my child from school?
Yes. If your child is in a mainstream school, you must write a letter to the headteacher to formally deregister. They cannot refuse.
How do I know if home education is right for my child?
You know your child best. If school is causing distress, anxiety, or simply not working, it is okay to explore other options. Home education is flexible and adaptable to your child’s needs.
Can my child still take exams if they are home educated?
Yes. Home educated children in the UK can sit GCSEs and other qualifications as private candidates. You can choose when and where they take exams based on their readiness.
Sending courage and calm to every mum wondering if this path is for her.
– Mellow