Homeschooling in Dubai: Regalado family's journey of responsibility and routine

While other parents are wrangling with uniforms, school buses, and packed lunchboxes, Milanie Sanchez Regalado’s back-to-school season looks a little different. “We are a homeschooling family,” says the Technical Producer/Producer, Dubai Eye 103.8 and Reporter at ARN News Centre. “Our daily routine during summer break and school days doesn’t change that much.”

Her two children, 12-year-old Sanie Sandyludger and 8-year-old Sunshine Ambriel, don’t get three months of long summer holidays. Instead, they take a one-month break in July. Even then, the month isn’t exactly idle. “There’s also summer camp, so they’re still busy,” Milanie explains. On top of that, they continue with Kumon maths classes and daily reading materials sent by their teacher.

That doesn’t mean the return to school brings no change at all. This August, the family, who are Filipino and live in Dubai with Milanie’s husband, Sandy, began a new academic year with a slightly different timetable. “The difference is a little earlier schedule for both our kids as we’ve decided on extra class time for our firstborn, who is now in Grade 7,” she says.

The children are already used to responsibility, she stresses. Much of the routine relies on them knowing exactly what they need to do each day, logging in for classes, focusing on specific subjects, and completing worksheets and reading tasks once online sessions wrap up. “It’s more about developing personal responsibility in the kids,” Milanie explains. “They know what they need to do each day, and they get on with it.”

Milanie and Sandy make sure their children are mentally ready for the new year by talking through what lies ahead. “My husband and I talk to our kids about what they can expect for the next school year,” she says. Teacher communication is central, too. They keep in touch with the children’s tutors for requirements and upcoming activities, while the teachers themselves set aside a day to speak directly with the kids before the official start. “It really helps them feel prepared,” Milanie adds.

That blend of parental support and teacher engagement prevents the first day of school coming as a surprise for the family. “We’re also in constant communication with their teachers,” she says. “So nothing comes out of the blue.”

When asked if she has any magic hacks, Milanie doesn’t talk about fancy planners or complicated systems. Instead, her focus is on clarity, accountability, and teamwork. “Plan,” she says. “Take notes physically and digitally, wherever you are more comfortable, and tell your partner about any requirements or changes, so they are also aware of all things.”

That three-point method has become second nature for her family. Notes can live on paper or apps, but the important part is that they exist somewhere visible. Sharing information keeps her husband in the loop so the burden doesn’t sit with one parent. “It’s effective for us because it makes sure both of us know exactly what’s happening,” Milanie explains.

Homeschooling has given the Regalados a rhythm that differs from most families. There are no buses to catch or uniforms to iron, but there is still structure, accountability, and the occasional shuffle to fit in Kumon or extra lessons. What homeschooling has also given them is a sharper focus on personal responsibility, something Milanie sees as essential not just for her children’s education but for their growth.

“Whether it’s summer or school season, the kids know they need to show up for themselves,” she says. “And that, more than anything, makes the transition smoother.”

Her advice to other parents might not sound flashy, but it’s grounded in practicality. Plan ahead, write things down, and don’t try to shoulder everything alone. “Communicate with your partner,” Milanie insists. “That way, you’re both aware and working together. It makes a huge difference.”