Reality vs Expectation: The Home Ed Guide You Didn't Know You Needed Paperback – 4 Sept. 2023

I really really enjoyed reading this book! Elen has such a great writing style, it's informative, but accessible and humorous so even the dry legal bits are enjoyable to read!I loved the context setting and history of Home Education which was all new to me. This along with the Outcomes section and quotes by Home Educated children, at the end made me feel very proud to be part of this community.I feel like it really is a Home Ed 101, but with a really warm, compassionate and encouraging vibe too, which is so needed, both as a new or experienced Home Edder. (I think there is something in here for everyone no matter what stage they are at)Elen's experiences with her own children, are beautifully honest and real, and so validating.It is a very accurate portrayal of the journey of parent and child into and along Home Ed and I could very accurately plot myself on the journey at almost 6 months in, and that was so reassuring also.The breaks for quizzes and questions are great, and allow a pause and reflection, some are really hard hitting in a good way eg "Do you believe children naturally avoid learning?" "Do I respect their choices?" Really pokes the school indoctrination of most parents in the heart, and is necessary.Just overall a brilliantly educational read, but with such a strong thread of humour and compassion throughout that it feels like a big squeezy hug as you're reading it.I genuinely couldn't put it down until I'd finished it!

Absolutely fantastic! Highly recommended. Very informative, interesting and written from the heart.

This book is brilliant for any UK Home Educating families. Sections on the law, your rights, various different Home Ed styles, written from a HE parent viewpoint and full of humour as well as facts. Highly recommend.

This book is really well written,informative but reassuring and a great reminder that we know our children bestThank you

Brilliant book Educational and quirky at the same time. Loved the little quizzes eye opening when you sit down and actually do them. I sat there nodding and agreeing with various parts of the book. A definite buy for home edders I was having a wobble but soon I spired me again

This book is a great addition to a Home Educating household. It felt like a hug of reassurance and so much information that will help all sorts of scenarios.

I really enjoyed this book, you can feel the love and passion that has gone into writing it, too. Excellent for the wobbly days!

This book is a great starting point for people new to home education as well as being thought provoking for more experienced home edders. It covers everything you need to know about the practicalities as well as lots of really useful stuff on how home ed actually feels for parents.