Things I Would Tell a New Homeschooler

1. Breathe. Seriously, Just Breathe.

Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to figure everything out today, this week, or even this year. Take a deep breath, exhale, and remind yourself why you chose this path in the first place. When I first started, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of resources and advice out there. The pressure to “get it right” felt heavy, but I soon realized that homeschooling isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning, growing, and making memories together. Your “why” is what will keep you going on the hard days—whether it's spending more time with your kids, having more flexibility in your schedule, or wanting a more personalized approach to learning.

Hold onto that why. On days when your kids are fighting over who gets to sit where or you’ve had a rough day with math, your “why” will be your anchor.

2. Your Homeschool Rhythm Will Change—And That’s Okay

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that homeschooling has seasons. What works now might not work six months from now. You and your kids will grow, and your homeschool will evolve. When I started homeschooling, I had this idea of what it “should” look like—perfectly structured, with every subject laid out in neat little boxes. But life had other plans. My kids, their interests, and our family rhythms shifted. Sometimes the plan had to change. Sometimes we just needed a break. The goal isn’t a perfect homeschool—it’s a homeschool that works for your family.

Be okay with change. Be willing to pivot when something isn’t working. Don’t be afraid to toss out a curriculum or try a new approach. It’s all part of the journey. And guess what? The kids will learn regardless.

3. The Library Is Your Best Friend

If you take one piece of advice from me, let it be this: Use your library.

When I started, I thought I had to spend tons of money on curriculum and resources. But the truth is, homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. Your local library is full of books, audiobooks, educational programs, and even homeschool-friendly events. It’s an incredible (and free!) resource—use it. I love that my kids can explore their interests in a way that’s flexible and not bound to a set curriculum. The library offers a world of possibilities—whether it’s diving into a specific subject like animals or simply enjoying some classic picture books during read-aloud time.

I also discovered that the library can be a great way to get kids involved in activities they enjoy—some libraries host free events, book clubs, or even storytelling hours that can double as a field trip for your homeschool.

4. Don’t Waste Money on Curriculum Your Kids Won’t Use

One of my biggest mistakes? Buying a curriculum because I loved it. I was so excited, thinking it was the perfect fit. But guess what? My kids hated it.

Lesson learned: Curriculum is a tool, not a magic solution. If it’s not working for your child, it’s okay to change it up. Sometimes, simple resources (or even no curriculum at all) work best. I’ve found that hands-on, project-based learning often works better than a traditional workbook for my kids. Sometimes, it’s simply about exploring the world around us, going on nature walks, or trying something out of the box.

Don’t get sucked into the idea that you have to spend tons of money on fancy programs and workbooks. It’s not about the materials you have, it’s about how you use them.

5. Homeschooling Does NOT Need to Look Like Traditional School

Raise your hand if you thought homeschooling meant setting up a mini-classroom, complete with a schedule that mirrors a traditional school day. 🙋🏾‍♀️ Yep, me too.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Homeschooling doesn’t need to take six hours a day. Kids don’t need to sit at a desk all day to learn. Education happens everywhere—in the kitchen, on a nature walk, during a read-aloud snuggled on the couch. Learning is a lifestyle. Embrace the freedom to do things differently.

I’ve found that my kids are much more engaged when they’re learning through hands-on experiences, whether it’s a fun science experiment, a math activity using real-world objects, or creating art projects that tie into the history lesson. Homeschooling gives you the flexibility to make learning fit your family’s unique rhythm.

6. Socialization Is NOT a Problem

I used to believe the myth that homeschoolers were weird and isolated. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are so many ways for homeschooled kids to make friends: co-ops, extracurricular activities, sports, playdates, church, library programs, and more. My kids are constantly socializing—and the best part? They get to interact with people of all ages, not just kids their exact age.

One of my favorite things about homeschooling is the way my kids get to build relationships with people across age groups and backgrounds. From younger kids to older homeschoolers, they all bring something unique to the table. Socializing is actually one of the things I love most about homeschooling.

7. Connect with Other Homeschoolers

One of the things that kept me going in the early days was finding a community. Whether in-person or online, connecting with other homeschoolers helped me realize I wasn’t alone. Starting a homeschool journey can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Find a local homeschool group, join homeschool Facebook communities, or follow homeschool influencers who inspire you (hi, I’m one of them! 😉). Whether you need advice, a bit of encouragement, or just someone to vent to, these communities are a lifeline. I’ve connected with so many incredible people through social media, and having a support system is key to staying motivated and encouraged.

8. You’re Going to Learn Just as Much as Your Kids

One of the biggest surprises about homeschooling? How much I’ve learned alongside my kids. From science facts I never knew to history I didn’t learn in school, homeschooling has been just as educational for me as it has been for my kids. I often joke that I’m getting a second education right alongside them!

Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. It’s not about being the perfect teacher—it’s about learning together. If anything, I’ve become a more curious, more involved parent by embracing the learning process myself.

9. If You’re Overwhelmed, Take a Break

Feeling like everything is too much? Step back. Take a day off. Take a week off. Take two.

Homeschooling isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about learning. And learning doesn’t only happen in structured lessons. Take time to explore, be spontaneous, and enjoy life outside of schoolwork. Use that time to:

✅ Go outside and explore nature
✅ Play games together
✅ Read books just for fun
✅ Watch documentaries
✅ Have deep, unstructured conversations

Sometimes, a break is exactly what you need to come back refreshed and with a new perspective. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to remember why you started homeschooling in the first place—because you wanted to spend quality time with your kids and give them an education that’s unique to them.

10. You Can Do This.

Yes, really. You can.

You’ll have hard days. You’ll doubt yourself. You might wonder if it’s all worth it. But you are the absolute best person to guide your child’s education. No one loves your kids like you do. No one knows them like you do. That is your greatest strength as a homeschool parent.

So, take a deep breath. Find joy in the journey. Celebrate the small wins. And remember—you are not alone. If I can do it, so can you.

Homeschooling is an adventure, and while it might not always be smooth sailing, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Trust yourself, trust the process, and trust that you’ve got this.