What I Wish I Knew When I Started Homeschooling

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When I first started homeschooling, I had a mix of excitement, fear, and a backpack full of color-coded lesson plans.

I imagined peaceful mornings, eager learners, and Pinterest-worthy projects.

What I got instead was… real life.

There were tears (from both me and the kids), doubts about whether I was doing enough, and days when cereal counted as a science experiment (buoyancy, anyone?).

If you’re just beginning, know this: every homeschool parent has stood right where you are—heart full of good intentions and head swirling with worries like “Am I doing this right?” or “Will my child fall behind?”

Take a deep breath. You’re not failing—you’re beginning.

And beginnings are messy, beautiful, and brave.

One of the first things I realized was that homeschooling isn't just a shift for the kids—it’s a massive shift for us, too.

The first few months were nothing like I imagined.

We didn’t float into a peaceful rhythm with matching socks and eager learners...

• We fumbled.

• I second-guessed our curriculum.

• My kids weren’t sitting still.

• And I—well, I forgot how to breathe calmly.

• But slowly, we found our way.

One mom in our community once said:
“The mess is part of the magic. The struggle means you’re doing something brave.”

That stuck with me. Because it's true—adjusting takes time, for all of us.

Homeschooling isn’t just a method; it’s a mindset.

You're not just taking on a new role; you’re unlearning a system you grew up in.

The Learning Curve: It’s Real (and Worth It)

There’s something so freeing—and terrifying—about being able to do things your way.

I learned quickly that my beautifully crafted schedule didn’t account for sick days, emotional meltdowns, or spontaneous field trips to the backyard.

We once planned a full week of structured lessons, only to throw it out by Tuesday because my kid got obsessed with volcanoes.

So we spent three days building a baking soda-and-vinegar monster and learning about tectonic plates.

And guess what? She learned. We both did.

Give yourself space to fail, to make mistakes, to mess up. Picking a curriculum that turned out not to be great isn’t going to ruin your kid’s future.

Being flexible doesn’t mean being unorganized.

It means being responsive—to your child, to yourself, and to what real life brings.

Flexibility Is Key (Seriously)

One of the top questions new homeschoolers hear is: “But what about socialization?”

Usually asked with wide eyes and a concerned tone 😕

It’s a valid concern—but here’s the real talk: socialization doesn’t just happen inside four classroom walls. It happens all around us, in everyday life.

Homeschoolers make friends and build social skills at the library storytime, playgrounds, community center classes, and homeschool co-ops.

They bond over shared interests at chess clubs, Lego clubs, and sports practices. They chat with other kids during nature hikes, museum tours, and homeschool park days.

Some families join faith-based groups, others attend art or music lessons, volunteer together, or join Scouts or 4-H clubs.

My kid have talked with seniors at the farmers market, helped younger kids at library events, and built friendships over time—just like kids in traditional schools.

Are they socialized? Yes.

Are they perfect at it? Nope—and neither are most kids.

But they’re learning, growing, and connecting in real, meaningful ways every day.

The Truth About Socialization

One of the best things I did for my sanity (and my kid) was to find other homeschooling families.

I remember feeling nervous before our first park day meetup, but within minutes I was deep in conversation with another mom about math curriculum while our kids built a mud bakery together.

It was the first time I thought, Okay, maybe we’re really doing this.

Look for local groups on Facebook, attend homeschool conventions, or even connect virtually.

Just don’t try to do it alone.

Finding Your Community

There will be days you feel like you’re failing.

There will be moments where you cry in the pantry (been there), and others where you consider enrolling them in the nearest school by lunchtime (also been there).

But you’re not failing. You’re learning. And so are they.

Homeschooling isn’t about perfect days.

t’s about showing up, apologizing when needed, and choosing to try again tomorrow.

Self-Compassion and Growth

To the new homeschooling parent reading this: you’re doing something courageous.

You won’t get everything right, and that’s okay.

What matters most is that your child is loved, seen, and supported—and that starts with showing up, just like you are now.

The lessons I’ve learned?

• Go slow.

• Be flexible.

• Find your people.

• Don’t try to do it all.

• Love your kids—and yourself—through the process.

And remember, every seasoned homeschool parent once stood where you are now.

Nervous, hopeful, and a little overwhelmed.

What I’d love to know is: What do YOU wish someone had told you before you started homeschooling?

Or, if you’re just starting out—what’s your biggest question?

Conclusion: You’ve Got This (Really)

Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments. 💬 You’re not alone in this.

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