How to Deschool a Teenager Successfully: 11 Tips

Deschooling a teenager can be more challenging than deschooling someone of a younger age because of how long they’ve been in, and used to, the schooling system. This means that when teens are taken out of school it can be more of a shock and a struggle for them to adjust to new routines and more flexibility and freedom. So, how do you really deschool a teenager? With a bit of optimism, an open-mind and the willingness to adapt along the way, it can be much easier. We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you deschool your teenager and start home educating off on the right foot. 

What is Deschooling?

Deschooling is the transition period from school to Home Education. It’s the period of time right after deregistering from school which enables children and teens to adjust to more freedom and new routines. They’re able to forget about the rules and restrictions of school and focus on what they actually enjoy doing. It’s basically about unlearning everything about school!

Although Deschooling may seem a bit daunting and long-winded — with many of you probably wanting to get straight into home educating — it’s highly recommended that you take this time to help your teen adjust and figure out what is right for them. Home Education looks different for every family, which is why Deschooling is such an important path to take.

How Long Does It Take to Deschool?

The Deschooling period can vary from family to family. There’s no set amount of time that you should deschool for — it’s all about when your teen is ready and happy with their new choices. If you’d like a rough time-frame, it’s usually suggested that for every year of school it should take one month to deschool. So, for example, seven years of school would mean seven months of Deschooling. What we’ve got to remember is that every child and teen is different, so this ‘rule’ won’t be the same for everyone. Some may need more time and others may need less — there’s no pressure to get it done quickly. 

Why Should You Deschool Your Teenager

The longer you’ve been used to something, the harder it is to break away from. This is exactly what it’s like for teens and school. Because they’ve been used to the same routine and methods of learning, doing something completely different is going to throw them off. Some teens may find that their newfound freedom means they can sit around and do whatever they want, and they may start to lack motivation. It’s important to deschool to allow for a slow and easy transition into home educating. That way, it will be less overwhelming for yourself and your teen and they can rediscover what learning means to them.

11 Tips to Deschool a Teenager

1. Have a conversation about Deschooling

The first thing to do is talk to your teen about Deschooling. Prepare them for change and get their input on how they’d like to go about doing things. Make sure they know that Home Education doesn’t have to be anything like school. It’s their chance to rediscover learning and focus on what matters most to them.

2. Make a list of future plans and goals

A great way to get your teen thinking about their future is by writing out a list of their goals and future aspirations. This can get them motivated and drive them forward with a fresh mind and a desire to achieve. 

3. Give your teen more control

You may be reluctant to give your teen control in case they decide to do whatever, which might mean doing very little at all, but someone who is in control also has more confidence and feels that they can make their own decisions. In fact, if you think about it, teens are under a lot of control at school. So when they get a chance to make the choices that they want to make, the outcome is much more positive. 

4. Don’t rush them

Don’t rush your teen into learning or figuring things out as this can put too much pressure on them. Deschooling should happen at a natural pace and allow teens to actually enjoy themselves. As long as there are goals set and plans in place, time shouldn’t be a concern.

5. Have a break

Give your teen a break, whether it be leaving them to their own devices or taking them away on a trip. It’s important for them to unlearn everything about school and start afresh. They need time to make new discoveries and do fun activities so that they can also rediscover themselves. 

6. Encourage them to try new hobbies

Let your teen know that the world is their oyster and that they can try out anything! Encourage them to think outside the box and be creative with new hobbies. They’ll be surprised at the unique activities and opportunities that are out there. 

7. Do things together

Spend time with your teen and do things together, whether it be something as simple as going for a walk or doing an activity. They’ll really cherish the time spent with you and it will open their eyes to the possibilities of learning. 

8. Join a Home Ed group for teens

Joining a Home Education group specifically for teens can help them to know that they are not alone and that there are plenty of other teens out there doing the same. It gives them a chance to make friends and gives you other home educators to turn to for advice. 

9. Don’t force anything

Don’t force your teen to do anything that they don’t want to do. You’ll be met with a lot of resistance. We need to remember that Home Education is their journey and it’s our job to guide them through it and be there every step of the way. Let them navigate their options and make their own choices so that they can learn from them.

10. Focus on life skills

Life skills are so important for, you guessed it, life! So it’s unusual that they aren’t a big focus in school. During the Deschooling period, introduce your teen to some life skills that they might be interested in and be sure to do the ones that are important, like budgeting, finance and taxes! Get our list of life skills here!

11. Let your teen do what they enjoy

Most importantly, let your teen do what they enjoy. Deschooling is all about self-discovery and focusing on personal interests. If they enjoy what they do, then they’ll do well at it.

Deschooling Benefits for Teenagers

1. Easier transition to Home Education

Teens will adjust much better to Home Education as Deschooling will have allowed them to figure out their future goals and aims, what routine works for them, and how they learn best. 

2. They’re in control

There’s no doubt that teens like to be in control and when they’re in control they’re able to make their own decisions and figure out things for themselves — which is what life is all about! 

3. They get to follow their interests

There’s no curriculum to follow or specific subjects forced upon them anymore. Teens get to follow their own interests without anyone telling them otherwise.

4. Reduced stress

Teens don’t have to stress about exams if that’s a path they’re not looking to take, and they don’t have the stress of keeping up with their peers and doing subjects that they’re not interested in. 

5. Gain more life experience

Deschooling allows teens to get out into the real world and experience every-day situations. They gain more life experience through meeting new people, going to new places and facing different scenarios. 

Whether you’re considering deschooling your teenager or are already trying, we hope these tips have helped you! But if you have any questions, we’d love you to contact us!