If you had told me years ago that I’d homeschool my kids, I probably would’ve laughed. I grew up in public school—it was all I knew. My husband, on the other hand, attended private schools, thanks to parents who could afford the best tutors and education. Yet even with all those resources, he struggled. As a brilliant kid with severe ADHD, the traditional system didn’t fit him.
When we became parents, we wanted the best for our kids too. We worked hard, often on a limited budget, to give them what we thought were the "best" schools—public, charter, private. We even got involved in their schools to make sure they got everything they needed. But life has a funny way of redirecting you, and for us, that redirection was homeschooling.
I remember the fear. Would I fail my kids? Was I equipped for this? Looking back, I can confidently say it was the best decision we ever made. Today, we have two married kids - a daughter about to finish her doctorate in child psychology and a son who graduated with a degree in architecture...Plus one high school senior excelling in welding through dual enrollment. More importantly, they’ve found their passions, developed strong character, and grown into kind, capable people.
If you’re considering homeschooling but feel scared, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’ve also had countless conversations with parents who feel the same way. Here are some of the most common fears—and why they don’t have to hold you back.
1. “What if I’m failing my child?” by homeschooling
The fact that so many homeschooling parents wrestle with this shows how deeply the public school system has conditioned us. We’ve been taught that success looks a certain way, and that anything outside the norm is failure. But homeschooling isn’t meant to replicate school at home—it’s about creating an experience as unique as your child.
You have the incredible opportunity to design a learning environment that honors their strengths, passions, and rhythms. Let go of the pressure to match what public schools do. The magic of homeschooling is that it doesn’t have to look anything like traditional school.
2. Trust Your Instincts
I can’t count the number of parents I’ve talked to who end up in tears—not because of anything profound I’ve said, but because I simply told them they could do this. You don’t have to wait for the “right” moment. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to take the first step.
Your instincts as a parent are powerful. Trust them. If something feels off in your child’s current education, that’s a sign worth listening to. Homeschooling doesn’t mean you need all the answers—it means you’re willing to figure things out alongside your child.
3. Deschooling Takes Time
Leaving the traditional school mindset behind is a process—for both you and your child. It’s easy to panic when things don’t feel “normal.” Maybe your days feel unstructured. Maybe your child’s interests don’t look academic. Maybe you’re questioning if you’re doing enough.
These fears are normal, but they’re often tied to old, limiting beliefs about learning. When you start to feel overwhelmed, pause. Watch your child. Notice their natural curiosity, creativity, and capabilities. Remember that learning doesn’t have to look like desks, tests, or worksheets. It can look like play, exploration, and shared experiences.
4. Play is Powerful
One of the greatest lies we’ve accepted is that play stops being important after preschool. The truth is, play is essential at every age—for toddlers, teenagers, and even adults. It’s through play that we learn, connect, and grow.
So let your child play. Let them explore, tinker, imagine, and create. These moments aren’t wasted—they’re the foundation of lifelong learning. And while we’re at it, give yourself permission to play too. Bake cookies, go on adventures, read for fun, and rediscover the joy of learning alongside your child.
5. Your Child is Exactly Where They’re Supposed to Be
The traditional school system thrives on labels: ahead, behind, average. But none of these labels truly honor the individuality of a child.
Every child is unique, with their own timeline for learning and growing. Your job as a homeschooling parent isn’t to force them into a mold—it’s to nurture who they already are. When you stop worrying about where they “should” be and focus on where they are, you’ll discover just how capable and extraordinary your child is.
6. Real Life is the Best Classroom
So many of the skills we value as adults—problem-solving, communication, creativity, resilience—aren’t taught through textbooks. They’re learned through real-life experiences.
I used to worry about math. We’ve all heard how “behind” American students are. But here’s the thing: most of us don’t use advanced math in daily life. What’s more valuable is teaching your child to budget, calculate tips, or create an invoice.
Learning isn’t about cramming facts—it’s about developing the tools to navigate the world with confidence and curiosity. And homeschooling lets you do that in ways that traditional schools often can’t.
You Can Do This
If you’re on the fence about homeschooling, let me leave you with this: you are capable. Your child is capable. This journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection, discovery, and growth.
Homeschooling isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. It’s worth it to see your child find their passions, pursue their dreams, and grow into the amazing person they were always meant to be.
Take a deep breath, trust the process, and know that you’re not alone.
You’ve got this.
If you’re considering homeschooling or have already started your journey, know that you don’t have to go it alone. There are so many ways to find support—whether it’s through homeschool groups, pods, a la carte learning options, tutoring, hybrid centers, microschools, or even accessing public school sports and music programs.
Follow our blog for tips, encouragement, and little-known gems that can help you navigate the non-traditional schooling route. Together, we can create an education that’s as unique and extraordinary as your child.
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