Homeschooling is a beautiful decision that will not only shape your child’s education, but your whole family life. Whether you’re jumping in with tons of excitement, or stepping out in faith, it helps to have a little guidance before you begin.
Even if you’ve been homeschooling for years, these reminders are worth revisiting. It’s easy to get caught up in expectations or feel pressure to do more as your kids get older. Going back to the basics can help you realign your homeschool with your family’s unique needs. Each year brings new challenges, new personalities, and new opportunities to simplify, grow and trust the Lord in the process.
Here are a few things that every new homeschool family should know before starting the journey.
Your homeschool won’t look like public school (and that’s a good thing)
It’s completely normal to try and recreate a traditional school setting at home (I did it at the very beginning of our journey). But one of the greatest gifts of homeschooling is the flexibility. You don’t need a rigid schedule, a whiteboard or even hours and hours of seatwork. Your homeschool can look like learning on the couch with hot chocolate, nature walks, kitchen science experiments and lots of reading aloud as a family. Lean into that freedom and flexibility, you’ll enjoy it some much more!
You don’t have to know everything to teach your kids
Many parents tend to worry that they aren’t “qualified” to homeschool. But the truth is: no one knows your child better than you. There are tons of curriculum options, online classes, tutorials and communities to support you. You’re not doing this on your own. Don’t be afraid to learn right alongside your kids. It’s a powerful example to set and it makes learning a lot more fun.
Know your “why” and remember it
Before you start picking curriculum or planning your year, get clear on why you’re even choosing to homeschool. Is it for spiritual reasons? Flexibility? Academic freedom? Family connection? Knowing your why will help you make current and future homeschool decisions.
Curriculum isn’t everything
It’s way too easy to get overwhelmed by the sea of curriculum choices. This life change is supposed to bring you peace, not steal it. Don’t let decision fatigue take that from you. The truth is that no curriculum is perfect. Most families, including ours, tweak and change things over time. Start simple, figure outwhat works for your kids, and don’t be afraid to switch it up.
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Some days will be hard, that doesn’t mean you’re failing
Homeschooling is sanctifying work. You’ll have days when no one wants to do math, the baby is crying, and dinner is still frozen at 4pm. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re human. Take breaks, pray, and don’t measure your success by one hard day.
Community matters
You don’t have to do this alone. Find a local homeschool group, join an online community, or just connect with a few other moms who understand this lifestyle. Homeschooling can be isolating if you let it, but community brings encouragement, wisdom, and friendship for both you and your kids.
It’s okay to start slow
You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. In fact, many seasoned homeschoolers recommend a “soft start” to your year. Begin with just a couple of subjects and slowly add in more. As a homeschool mom of six years, I still start slow every year. Give yourself grace and learn what’s best for you.
Starting your homeschool journey is a step toward something rich and meaningful. There will be messes and missteps, but there will also be memories, growth, and unexpected blessings. Let God lead you, stay flexible, and remember your Why.
You got this, mama. One day you’ll look back and be so glad you said yes.
Let’s chat!