If you’ve been quietly wondering whether homeschooling could work for your family—but feel like it’s too unconventional, too overwhelming, or just too far-fetched—I’m here to tell you: it’s more possible than you think.
This isn’t about sugarcoating the effort it takes to teach your child every day. But it is about reminding you that parents have always been teachers. Long before school buildings, bells, or desks, we were teaching our children how to read, write, count, survive, and contribute to the world around them. Homeschooling isn’t some new trend—it’s a return to something deeply human and incredibly personal.
Why I Took the Leap
I feel so fortunate to have several close friends who also homeschool. Their encouragement is what helped me turn the feeling in my heart—wanting my kids to stay home and learn with me—into a real, tangible choice. Before that, it felt almost unspeakable. No one in my family homeschooled. I didn’t grow up around it.
It felt like something “other people” did.
So it makes me wonder: how many parents out there have had that same quiet curiosity, but dismissed it before even giving it a real shot?
You’re More Capable Than You Think
Let me tell you something I believe with my whole heart:
There is nobody who can communicate with your child in a way that resonates more deeply than you can.
Yes, there are phenomenal teachers out there (I still talk about one of my high school math teachers to this day!). But even they had to work hard to understand how each student learned best.
As a parent, you already have that insight built in. You know your child. You’ve been their teacher from the very beginning.
Give Yourself Credit
Think about all the things you’ve already taught your child—how to talk, how to recognize letters or numbers, maybe even how to use the potty (which, let’s be honest, is no small feat when you’re working with a toddler!). These are incredibly complex skills, and you taught them. Homeschooling is simply a continuation of that learning journey, with you as their facilitator.
And I use that word intentionally: facilitator. You don’t have to be an expert in every subject. Your job is to guide, to seek out resources, to set the pace—and most importantly, to be present as they explore the world.
Find Your People
If you’re even a little bit curious about homeschooling, start by finding a group of like-minded homeschoolers. You might know someone personally, or you can join a local homeschool group on Facebook or through your community. The goal isn’t necessarily to copy what others are doing, but to demystify the idea. It’s powerful to see that many parents—just like you—are doing this successfully.
Start Small: You Don’t Have to Recreate School
Here are a few simple, practical first steps:
- Start with just 20–30 minutes of focused learning a day. (This is actually the daily recommended amount for preschool and early elementary-aged children)
- Pick one subject to explore together. It could be science experiments in the kitchen, reading a favorite book, or learning how to count through grocery shopping.
- Look into your local homeschooling laws. Many states make it surprisingly easy to get started. One step at a time.
- Choose a simple curriculum to try—or skip it for now. Don’t let the fear of picking the “perfect” curriculum stop you from beginning. Some families don’t use formal curriculum at all in the early years. (Our family doesn’t use a formal curriculum at all in these early years.)
You Can Do Both
I invite you to explore more of my blog if you’re considering homeschooling—especially if you’re balancing it alongside a full-time job. I share encouragement, ideas, and real-life experiences from someone who’s in the thick of it too. Homeschooling and working full time is absolutely possible. It may not look like anyone else’s schedule—and that’s the point. It’s about what works for your family.
You’ve already taught your child so much. You don’t need permission to keep going. You just need to start.
Have you been quietly considering homeschooling but haven’t said it out loud yet? What’s holding you back—or what’s pulling you toward it?