Is Homeschooling Hard? What Parents Need to Know
Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular educational choice for families, and the decision to homeschool is deeply personal and comes with many benefits and challenges. Parents who are considering this option often wonder, "Is homeschooling hard?" The answer depends on a variety of factors, like:
- Your child's learning style
- Your teaching abilities
- The overall family dynamics
- Resources available to you
Below, we’ll look at the challenges and the upsides of homeschooling. We’ll also offer advice for parents feeling overwhelmed, tips to reduce stress, and guidance on how to know if homeschooling is the right fit for your family.
5 Reasons Why Homeschooling Is Worth It
Despite the challenges, many parents find homeschooling to be incredibly rewarding. Here are a few reasons why homeschooling is worth the effort:
1. You Can Customize Learning for Each of Your Children
One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to tailor the education to each child’s individual learning style. This personalized approach allows your kids to work at their own pace. This can build a deeper understanding of subjects they may struggle with in a traditional school setting.
2. You Can Spend More Time Together As a Family
Homeschooling provides more family time. You have the opportunity to bond with your children during the day. Together, you can enjoy educational activities and field trips. A Princeton study found that most homeschooling families say that the extra time spent together strengthens their relationships.
3. There’s More Time to Follow Your Child’s Passions
Homeschooling can allow your children to explore their interests more deeply. Without the constraints of a rigid school schedule, your kids have more freedom to pursue their passions. Your child can grow their passion for music, art, entrepreneurship, or even learning about free markets. It provides an environment where your children can develop a true love for learning that isn’t restricted to school subjects.
4. You Share and Enjoy The Lightbulb Moment
One of the joys of homeschooling is witnessing your child’s "lightbulb moment". This is when your child finally grasps a difficult concept or discovers a new interest. These moments can be incredibly satisfying for your child, and you get to witness it. Lightbulb moments often lead to newfound excitement for learning.
5. Your Child Can Have Real-Life Experiences
Homeschooling also provides real-life learning experiences that aren’t available in a traditional school setting. For example, field trips, volunteer work, physical activities, or working on a family business can become part of the curriculum. This hands-on learning approach helps your child gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
What to Do If You Feel Overwhelmed
It’s normal for homeschooling parents to feel overwhelmed at times. Here are some tips to help you regain balance and reduce your stress:
Get Organized, Stay Organized
Organization is important to homeschooling success. Ensure you do these things to keep your homeschool space neat and organized:
- Set up a designated school space in your home
- Create a daily schedule
- Keep track of assignments
- Safely store materials
Organizing can reduce chaos and make homeschooling more enjoyable for everyone.
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to set realistic goals for you and your kids. Homeschooling doesn't need to be perfect. Focus on progress, not perfection. Give yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan. It’s okay if you don’t cover every single topic in a day or if things don’t always go smoothly. That’s life! And showing your kids how to keep moving forward when things don’t go to plan helps them set realistic expectations for themselves.
Join a Homeschool Community
Finding a local or online homeschool community can provide you with much-needed support and encouragement. These communities are full of like-minded individuals who can offer advice, share resources, provide friendship, and give emotional support. Connecting with other homeschool families can make the experience less isolating for your kids, too.
Use Available Homeschooling Resources
There are many great resources available for homeschooling families. Curriculum guides, educational games, books, and online classes are available to you. Many companies offer great homeschooling products that can help bring important ideas to life.
Tuttle Twins also offers the Homeschool Hub, which includes state-specific information about funding programs to help cover the cost of homeschooling resources like Tuttle Twins.
How to Reduce Your Homeschool Stress
Homeschooling can be stressful, but there are ways you can reduce that stress and make the experience more enjoyable:
Breathe
Sometimes, all you need to do is take a deep breath. Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s important to stay calm and keep perspective, especially on tough days. Remember, your child is learning how to respond to the world from you. Set a good example of how to stay cool under pressure.
Start Small
If you’re just starting, don’t try to do everything at once. Start with a simple routine and build from there. Let your child guide you in how they want to be taught. As you get more comfortable with homeschooling, you can gradually add more subjects or activities.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is important for homeschooling. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it. Homeschooling gives you the freedom to adjust the curriculum, schedule, subject matter, and even how you teach to engage your kids. If your child doesn’t feel like doing English today, but is excited about America’s history, be flexible and open to this.
Give Grace
Remember that homeschooling is not about being perfect. You and your children are learning together. When you make mistakes, be kind to yourself and your kids and practice patience.
Have Fun
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Make sure to incorporate fun activities and games into your day. Fun is a great way to reinforce learning and make homeschooling enjoyable for everyone involved. Research published in the Frontiers of Psychology found that children learn best through interactive games and play. So let them have some fun.
Step Outside
Sometimes, the best way to clear your mind is to step outside. Take a walk, go to the park, or enjoy some fresh air. This can help you reset and relieve stress.
Read Together
Reading together is a wonderful bonding activity for homeschool families. It also promotes literacy and builds a love for learning. Find books that interest your kids and make reading a daily habit.
Laugh
Laughter is a great stress reliever. Homeschooling can be challenging, but it’s also full of fun moments. Don’t take things too seriously. Enjoy the small moments and share a laugh with your kids.
How to Know if Homeschooling is Right for Your Family
Homeschooling is not for everyone. If you’re considering this path, think about your family’s dynamics, your child’s learning style, and your own teaching abilities. It’s also helpful to speak with other homeschool families and educators to get a better understanding of what homeschooling entails.
If your family values independence, critical thinking, and the freedom to explore learning at your own pace
Homeschooling might be a great fit if your family:
- Values independence
- Critical thinking
- Encourages following of passions
- Freedom to explore learning at their own pace
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure, it’s okay to take it one step at a time and ask for support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling
What Is the Hardest Part of Homeschooling?
The hardest part of homeschooling can vary for different families, but common challenges include:
- Managing your time
- Staying organized
- Socializing your child
- Balancing homeschooling with other responsibilities
What Is the Biggest Misconception about Homeschooling?
One of the biggest misconceptions about homeschooling is the lack of socialization with peers. Many people believe that homeschooled children miss out on organized sports, school events, in-class interactions, and the social opportunities offered by traditional schools.
However, this is not the case. We may call it “homeschool”, but most homeschool families take their children on field trips to museums and historical sites. They join sports clubs, churches, cultural clubs, and social activities in their communities.
How Fast Can You Start Homeschooling?
You can start homeschooling at any time. Many families begin homeschooling at the start of the school year, but it’s possible to start mid-year as well. If you’re interested in homeschooling, check with your local school district to learn the rules and regulations.
What Is the Best Age to Start Homeschooling?
There is no "best" age to start homeschooling. Some families begin homeschooling as early as preschool, while others wait until their children are older. It depends on your family’s needs and your child’s readiness.
You can start homeschooling for preschool, send them to public school from 1st grade, then continue homeschooling later. Or you can homeschool them for their whole schooling careers. It's up to you.
What Is the Biggest Challenge of Homeschooling?
The biggest challenge of homeschooling is often the time and energy you’ll need. Homeschooling requires constant attention and planning. It can be demanding, but many parents find it to be incredibly rewarding.
Conclusion
Homeschooling isn't easy, but it's absolutely worth it. It offers flexibility, individualized learning, a focus on passions, and quality family time. The challenges may seem overwhelming at times. However, with the right resources and mindset, homeschooling can be a fulfilling and meaningful experience for both parents and children.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, ensure you have the support you need. Staying organized and remembering to enjoy the process are also important.
Our resources can help bring important principles of liberty and responsibility to life for your kids. Our books also make learning fun and engaging. Check out our Guidebook Combo Set, Economics Curriculum, and Family Starter Pack to get your child excited about learning.
Resources
- Alotaibi, M. (2024). Game-based learning in early childhood education: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 15(1).
- Stevens, M. (2001). Kingdom of children: Culture and controversy in the homeschooling movement. Princeton: Princeton University Press.