One of the biggest questions I get is: “How does someone even begin the process of homeschooling?” And you know what, its a very valid question. The idea of deciding your child or children’s entire educational future can be quite daunting. ButI will be the first person to tell you, you don’t need to have it all figured out today. Homeschooling is a journey, and like any big step, it starts one decision at a time. And the decsision you make today, or this week, or this month, or even this year, may not be the same decision in the future. And that is A-OK!
However, after 13 years of homeschooling my kids (now in 10th, 8th, and 3rd grades), here are a few of the things I have discovered along the way.
1. Know Your “Why”
Before you buy a single book or curriculum, pause and ask: Why are we homeschooling? There are a variety of reasons to decide to homeschool and each one of them are valid. Here are a few idesas to get you started thinking it through:
- Is it flexibility?
- A safer environment?
- Freedom to go at your child’s pace?
Your why is what helps you get through those challenging days when you just don’t think you can take it any more.
2. Learn the Legal Basics
Every state (and country) has its own homeschool laws. Check your state’s requirements for:
- Filing paperwork
- Testing or evaluations
- Record-keeping
- Required instruction days, hours, and even subjects.
This may sound intimidating, but once you know the rules, you’ll feel so much more confident. And remember, it may sound confusing and daunting at first, but it does get easier with time.
(Tip: HSLDA.org is a great place to start for state laws.)
3. Start Simple with Curriculum
You don’t need to pick the “perfect” curriculum right away. In fact, no such thing exists! Curriculum is just the guide. Curriculum is not acreddited, institutions are, so don’t stress yourself with finding the best program that will support you and your child(ren) through the process. Everyone learns a little bit differently, so tailor things to fit your needs, not the other way around~
Start with:
- Core subjects (reading, writing, math)
- Add extras slowly (science, history, electives)
Remember, curriculum is a tool—not a master. Adjust as you go.
4. Create a Routine, Not a Replica
Homeschooling doesn’t have to look like public school at home. You don’t need desks in rows or six hours of lessons. Much of what happens in a traditional brick and mortar style school setting is busy work or moving from one subject or class to another. Homeschooling can take as much or as little time as what fits for your family. Like learning styles, no one family’s routine or schedule will be exactly like another.
For example: We homeschool from 9 AM-2 PM. Those are the set hours I have that also allows for time for my family. I have friends that homeschool that don’t have a dedicated start or end time for their day. Each kid starts their lessons when they are ready and the work until they get everything accomplished that they needed to for that particular day, sometimes it goes really quickly and sometimes it doesnt. You can do whatever works best for your family structure.
Start with a rhythm that fits your family:
- Morning reading + math
- Afternoon projects, nature walks, or creative work
- Lots of breaks and time for play!
5. Find Community
Homeschooling is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Being the one that spends day in and day out with all the kids teaching pre-algebra again for the gazillionth time can make a mom or dad feel like they want to scoop their eyeballs out with a spoon. Community isn’t just for the kids to be connected with other kids in their age range. It is also for moms and dads that crave a little bit of adult interaction. Being able to hear from another parent that you aren’t alone in your challenges with your children is one of the most refreshing things ever. It is important that parents connect as much as it is for the kids.
Look for:
- Local homeschool groups or co-ops
- Online forums or Facebook groups
- A friend who’s a step ahead on the journey
Community gives both kids and parents encouragement and connection.
6. Give Yourself Grace
There will be amazing days, and there will be hard days. That’s normal. That is just a part of life. And if anyone tells you differently, they are lying. A long time ago, when I was bemoaning my poor homeschooling/parenting job to a friend who had just shared a sweet story on Instagram, she stopped me mid-comparision and told me this: “Liz, that picture was one side of my livingroom. What you didn’t see was the pile of dishes in the sink, the dirty clothes all over the bathroom floor, and the legos strewn about all over. Please remember, we get to see other’s high-light reels-we never get to see what made it to the cutting room floor.” That stopped me in my tracks immediately. I live in the cutting room floor, and so do you. But there will be those highlight reel moments. Cherish them, but be gracious with yourself when they feel few and far between. Don’t expect perfection—expect growth. You’re learning right alongside your children, and that’s a beautiful thing.
👉 If you’re standing at the starting line of homeschooling, know this: you don’t need to have every detail figured out. Begin with your “why,” learn the basics, and take the first step. The rest will come with time, experience, and community.
Welcome to the adventure—you’ve got this!
Real Life Homeschool Hub 
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