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My Story: How I Started Homeschooling & Why You Can Too

Hello friends,

 

If you’re new to homeschooling or unschooling, you’re probably feeling exactly how I once felt — excited, nervous, and maybe a little overwhelmed.
And if you’re anything like I was, you may be asking questions like:

  • How do I get started homeschooling?

  • What are the legal requirements where I live?

  • Will my kids fall behind?

  • Can I really teach them without a degree?

  • Which curriculum should I choose — or do I even need one?

  • What about socialization, friendships, and activities?

  • Can we afford homeschooling?

  • What about negative opinions from others?

Take a breath, mama.
You are not alone.
Starting something new can feel overwhelming, but this path is full of beauty, freedom, and unforgettable moments. And the best part? You can do this.


Start With Your “Why”

Before picking a curriculum or planning a schedule, begin with the most important step:

Ask yourself: Why do I want to homeschool or unschool my kids?

We’ll talk about the difference between homeschooling and unschooling in another post — for now, let’s focus on your heart.

Think about what you want learning at home to look like:

  • Cozy mornings with workbooks at the table

  • Online learning mixed with real-life exploration

  • Baking cookies while learning fractions

  • Walks at the park, museum trips, and afternoons at the library

  • Creative days filled with sewing, art, building, or music

  • More time together, more faith-filled conversations, slower mornings

Here’s the truth:
There is no wrong way to homeschool.
Your family gets to define what learning looks like for you.


How My Journey Began

When I started, I had two kids in public school — in 2nd and 4th grade. I was completely new to homeschooling and full of worry:

  • What if I wasn’t smart enough?

  • What if they fell behind?

  • What if they missed their friends?

  • What would people say?

But I knew my why.

I wanted us to learn together.
I wanted to be present in their daily lives.
I wanted their childhood to be filled with faith, love, safety, and connection — not stress, rushing, or tears at 6 a.m.

And to be honest…
Every morning had become a battle.
The “Mom, I don’t want to go today…”
The exhaustion…
The sadness…

My kids just wanted to be kids.
And my heart knew it was time for a change.

So I took the leap.


The Early (Messy but Beautiful) Days

We sat down as a family and talked about what homeschooling meant.
They shared their worries and their excitement.
I shared mine.

Then I did what so many new homeschool moms do…

I tried EVERYTHING.

  • Full boxed curriculums

  • Online programs

  • Workbooks

  • Testing booklets

  • Teacher guides

  • Manipulatives

  • Hands-on kits

And after years of trial and error, I learned one of the most important lessons in homeschooling:

There is no one-size-fits-all learning method.

Every child learns differently.
Every child has a unique rhythm.
And part of the beauty of homeschooling is discovering it.


Fast Forward: 10+ Years Later & Five Kids Strong

Today, I’m homeschooling five children, from toddler age to teens — and here’s what I’ve discovered:

  • My oldest learns best through books and workbooks.

  • My second thrives with hands-on activities.

  • My third is a game-based learner and loves Boddle, Prodigy, and board games.

  • My fourth learns beautifully through arts and crafts.

  • My youngest (still too young for school) already shows a strategic, hands-on approach to learning.

Homeschooling has taught me this:

There is no wrong learning style — only the one that fits your child best.


Mama… You Already Know What’s Best

Whether you choose:

  • Traditional homeschooling

  • Unschooling

  • Game-schooling

  • World schooling

  • Car-schooling

  • Charlotte Mason

  • Montessori at home

  • Eclectic homeschooling

…or a beautiful blend of everything — remember this:

You already know your child better than anyone.
You know their strengths, their challenges, their personality, and their heart.

So trust yourself.
Trust your intuition.
Trust what God is whispering to you.

You don’t have to get it perfect.
You just have to get started.

You’ve got this, mama.
And you’re not alone.
I believe in you.
🩷