A Free Mini Guide for Parents

Take the first gentle step into homeschooling with calm, clarity, and connection.

Homeschooling doesn’t have to start with structure – it starts with space. If school has left your child anxious, burnt out, or resistant to learning, this mini guide will help you both exhale.

Deschooling Essentials is a free, printable resource that helps you begin your homeschooling journey with confidence – without diving into workbooks or timetables.

You’ll learn how to rest, reconnect, and recognise that learning is already happening every day.

👉 [Get Your Free Copy →]
(Instant download — no overwhelm, no pressure.)

A spiral-bound notebook titled “Deschooling Essentials: A Free Mini-Guide for Parents” lies on a white surface beside a pair of glasses and a green cup. The minimalist cover features an illustration of a closed journal. The image promotes a practical homeschooling resource for parents transitioning into deschooling.

What’s Inside the Free Guide

When you’re stepping away from traditional schooling, the first stage is about recovery – not routines.
This mini guide gives you the tools and reassurance to slow down and observe before you plan.

Here’s what’s inside:

  • A clear definition of deschooling – what it is and is not.
  • Reflection prompts for parents to process fear, guilt, or relief.
  • Observation tools to help you see the learning already happening at home.
  • Three gentle printables to support your first weeks of deschooling:
  • Deschooling Is / Is Not (Fridge Sheet)
  • Parent Guilt Bingo (Lite Version)
  • Today I Noticed – Daily Tracker

Each section includes short, guided exercises – no pressure, just practical steps toward calmer days.

Preview of free Deschooling Essentials for parents starting homeschooling.

🎁 [Download Deschooling Essentials (Free Guide) →]

Why Deschooling Matters

For many neurodivergent families, school isn’t just stressful – it’s exhausting. Autistic, ADHD, PDA, and anxious children often need time to recover before they can thrive in a home learning environment.

Deschooling gives you both space to:

  • Recover from school-related burnout and masking.
  • Rebuild trust in learning and your connection as a family.
  • Notice the joy, curiosity, and creativity that re-emerge once pressure fades.

Think of it as a reset button before homeschooling begins – a season of rest that makes everything else possible.

My boys starting homeschooling after school refusal - Deschooling Essentials Free Guide

🌿 Ready to make your first days calmer?
👉 [Get Deschooling Essentials Free →]

Who It’s For

This mini guide was designed for parents who want to homeschool differently – gently, without guilt or overwhelm.

It’s perfect if you:

  • Have a neurodivergent child (autistic, ADHD, PDA, anxious, or sensory-sensitive).
  • Are struggling with school refusal or ‘school can’t’ and need a calmer way forward.
  • Have recently withdrawn from school or are seriously considering it.
  • Feel unsure how to begin homeschooling or what deschooling even means.
  • Want to build confidence before committing to a full routine or curriculum.

You don’t need to have it all figured out – this guide helps you take that first step with reassurance and structure.

A Note From Sophie

Hi, I’m Sophie – a homeschooling mum of two autistic and ADHD boys, and creator of Totally Frank.
I made this mini guide because the early days of homeschooling can feel confusing and isolating.

I know what it’s like to question everything – Am I doing enough? Should we start lessons? What if I fail?

But I also know that real learning begins when you slow down and reconnect.

Deschooling Essentials is a small but powerful start – one that gives you permission to rest, notice, and rebuild confidence before anything else.

Illustration of two people sitting outdoors with a telescope, potted plants, and shooting stars above them beside text reading “Start with calm, not chaos. Download the Deschooling Essentials (Free Guide) today!” A teal button says “Get the Free Guide.” Promotes a peaceful and supportive start to homeschooling through deschooling.
Start with calm not chaos

👉 [Get Deschooling Essentials Free →]

FAQ

Q: What is deschooling?
A: Deschooling is the transition period between leaving traditional school and beginning homeschooling. It’s a time for rest, recovery, and reconnection.

Q: How long does deschooling take?
A: Every child is different, but a common guide is one month for each year in school.