How does it actually work without school? The terms "homeschooling" and "unschooling" have long made their way into everyday language. But what exactly is behind them, and what does school-free practice look like in daily life? Lini Lindmayer writes from experience. As a mother of five children who do not attend kindergarten or school, she knows what is needed to make free learning enjoyable and to avoid boredom. She clearly explains why assessments and exams can diminish the joy of exploring and discovering, and what negative effects early childhood pressure to perform and compulsory schooling can have. Illustrated practical examples show how learning without external teachers can succeed sustainably and at the children's own pace. Challenges such as the fear of isolation or country-specific hurdles in Austria are also addressed.