So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling? Here’s Where to Start

When I first thought about homeschooling, I’ll be honest—I had no idea where to start. I pictured us sitting at the kitchen table from 9 to 3, with tidy lesson plans, sharpened pencils, and a perfectly structured day. But after a few weeks, I realized homeschooling didn’t have to look like traditional school at all. In fact, trying to copy that model left us cranky, overwhelmed, and questioning whether we had made the right choice.

If you’re brand new to the idea of homeschooling, take a deep breath. The overwhelm you’re feeling right now is completely normal. Most of us start with the same questions swirling in our minds: Am I even qualified to teach my child? How many hours a day should we be working? Will my kids be behind? What if I mess it all up?

Here’s the truth: homeschooling doesn’t require perfection. It requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to grow alongside your kids. And the good news? You don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin.

Step 1: Know Your “Why”

Before you worry about curriculum or schedules, pause and ask yourself: Why am I choosing to homeschool? Your “why” is your anchor. Maybe it’s about faith. Maybe it’s flexibility for your family’s lifestyle. Maybe it’s wanting your child to have more one-on-one attention or freedom to pursue their passions.

Whatever your reason, write it down. Because on the hard days—and yes, there will be hard days—your “why” is what will remind you why this journey matters.

Step 2: Check Your State’s Homeschool Laws

Every state has different rules for homeschooling, and one of the first steps is understanding what’s required where you live. Some states are very hands-off, while others may ask for testing, portfolios, or certain forms of accountability.

👉 A simple way to find this information: search “homeschool laws [your state]” or visit resources like HSLDA.org.

Knowing your legal requirements will give you peace of mind and help you decide how much structure or reporting you’ll need.

Step 3: Start Small with Core Subjects

One of the biggest mistakes new homeschoolers make is trying to do everything right away—math, reading, writing, science, history, art, music, foreign language… all at once. That’s a fast track to burnout.

Instead, begin with the basics: math and language arts. Once you’ve built a rhythm there, you can layer in other subjects. And remember—learning isn’t just in the textbooks. Cooking, gardening, building, and even errands can be full of lessons if you’re willing to see them.

Step 4: Rethink the School Day

Try this idea on for size: you don’t need six or seven hours of structured schoolwork at home. In a classroom, much of that time is spent on transitions, lining up, or managing a large group of students. At home, learning can be focused and efficient.

Some families finish their core work in two or three hours a day. Others spread it out in short bursts with breaks in between. What matters is finding a rhythm that fits your kids—not forcing your kids into a rigid schedule that drains everyone.

Step 5: Give Yourself Grace

Homeschooling is a journey of trial and error. You will switch curriculums. You will have messy days. You’ll feel unsure sometimes. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re learning right alongside your children.

Remember: homeschooling is not about creating a picture-perfect classroom in your home. It’s about building a lifestyle of learning, nurturing curiosity, and enjoying the unique gift of time with your kids.

Final Encouragement on How to Start Homeschooling

If you’re wondering how to start homeschooling, unsure if you can do this, I want to encourage you: you can. You don’t need a teaching degree, a perfect classroom, or a 12-year master plan. You just need a willing heart, a little flexibility, and the courage to start small.

And if you’d like step-by-step guidance, my Homeschooling: First Steps self-paced course was designed just for moms like you. We’ll walk through everything from homeschool laws, to choosing a method, to picking curriculum, to setting up rhythms and routines that work for your family. Each module comes with real-life stories, simple action steps, and a workbook to keep you organized and encouraged.

Click here to learn more about the course:

Homeschooling: First Steps Coaching

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