When my oldest was little, I could not shake the feeling that homeschooling was what we were supposed to do.
The thought of him going to school and being “stuck” there all day was more than I could take.
My husband had been gently trying to talk me into homeschooling for a while, and finally, when D turned five, we took the plunge.
At the time we had three kids — D was 5, E was 1, and S was a newborn. (And yes… we added two more within the next three years. Lord help us.)
I had everything planned that first fall. I was ready for an eight-hour school day.
We sat down.
And he was NOT having it.
He didn’t want to sit.
He wanted to play.
He didn’t want to stare at worksheets.
I felt like a horrible mom. I scolded him. I disciplined him. I cried. He cried.
But what I didn’t know then — and what I want you to know now — is this:
Homeschooling is NOT public or private school at home.
It is not sitting at a table for hours.
It is not teaching a child to read on the first day.
It is not recreating a classroom in your kitchen.
It is living life together while learning.
Over the years I started calling it “life schooling.”
Sure, we’ve used workbooks. We’ve done co-ops and educational videos. But those were tools — not the foundation.
So here are 10 things I’ve learned over the past decade.
1. Homeschooling Is Not School at Home
You get to decide:
- How long your school day is.
- When your child learns multiplication.
- Whether you read outside in the sunshine.
- What your rhythm looks like.
Freedom is one of the greatest gifts of homeschooling.
2. Relationship Matters More Than Rigor
I am not saying education isn’t important — don’t panic.
But if you and your child are crying over math?
Stop.
Take a walk.
Color together.
Have a dance party.
Math will still be there tomorrow.
Your relationship is more important than finishing the page.
3. Don’t Let Curriculum Rule You
Curriculum is a tool, not your master.
If you hate it — sell it.
If it works for one child but not another — adjust.
If it’s causing dread — pivot.
You are in charge.
4. Teach Together When You Can
When my kids were younger, I loved teaching subjects together.
Circle time.
Gather-around reading.
History read-alouds.
It builds connection and simplifies your day.
5. All Your Kids Are Different
What worked beautifully for one child may completely flop with another.
That’s not failure.
That’s parenting.
6. It’s Okay to Take Days Off
Need a mental health day?
Take it.
Need a cleaning day?
Call it Home Ec (I did 😉).
Homeschooling allows flexibility. Use it.
7. Be Intentional About Community
Not just for your kids — for you.
You need adult conversation.
You need encouragement.
You need someone to say, “Me too.”
Don’t isolate.
8. If Your Child Is “Behind,” Don’t Panic
Please don’t run out and buy a mountain of new curriculum.
Pause.
Take a breath.
Identify the actual gaps.
Make a simple plan.
Catching up is not as hard as it feels in the moment.
9. You Don’t Have to Spend a Fortune
There are incredible free and low-cost resources everywhere.
Libraries.
Used curriculum.
Online resources.
Homeschooling does not have to be expensive to be effective.
10. You Will Not Teach Them Everything
And that’s okay.
Your job is not to download every fact into their brain.
Your job is to teach them:
- How to think
- How to learn
- How to problem solve
- How to love God
That will carry them further than memorizing every detail.
Homeschooling has stretched me, humbled me, and grown me more than I ever expected.
If you feel like quitting, take a breath.
Grab a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Step outside.
Pray.
It will be okay.
You are not failing.
You are learning right alongside your children.
And that, friend, is a beautiful thing.
If this encouraged you, I’d love to stay connected.
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And as a thank-you, I’ll send you my free 30-Day Scripture Writing Journal to help you build a peaceful, consistent quiet time.
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