When I first started homeschooling, I remember the swirl of emotions—excitement, fear, doubt, joy, overwhelm. If you’re a new homeschool mom reading this, I want you to take a deep breath. You are not alone, and you absolutely can do this. I know because I’ve been where you are. And I’m here to tell you: you’ve got this.
Why You’re the Right Person for This Journey
You may be questioning yourself right now. “Am I qualified to teach my child?” “Will I mess this up?” I asked myself those same questions. But here’s what I’ve learned—no one knows your child better than you do. You are their biggest advocate, their safe place, their comfort, and their guide. Homeschooling isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection.
You don’t need a degree in education to be a great homeschool mom. What you need is a heart willing to learn, grow, and adapt—and if you’re here reading this, you already have that.
You Don’t Have to Recreate Public School at Home
One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was trying to replicate a traditional classroom setting in our home. We had desks, a rigid schedule, and I even tried ringing a bell. Let me save you the trouble: homeschool doesn’t have to look like school.
Homeschooling gives you the freedom to create a rhythm that works for your family. Maybe your child learns best in the morning—or maybe they’re more focused in the afternoon. You can do reading on the couch, math at the kitchen table, and science outside on a walk.
Flexibility is one of the greatest gifts of homeschooling. Lean into that. Create a space that fosters joy and curiosity, not stress and rigidity.
Start Simple and Build Slowly
You don’t need to have every subject, curriculum, or planner figured out on day one. When I started, I bought way too much and tried to do it all. It was overwhelming for me and confusing for my kids.
Instead, start with the basics—reading, writing, and math—and build from there. Observe how your child learns, what excites them, and where they struggle. Use those observations to shape your days.
And remember: learning happens in everyday life too. Cooking can be science and math. A walk can be a nature study. A family board game can teach critical thinking and teamwork.
It’s Okay to Have Hard Days
I won’t sugarcoat it—some days will be hard. There will be tears (from you or the kids), messy houses, skipped lessons, and moments where you question everything. That’s normal.
What matters most is that you don’t give up. Take breaks when needed. Reset. Ask for help. Vent to a trusted friend or online community of other homeschool moms who get it.
I’ve had days where we ditched the lesson plan and just watched a documentary, baked cookies, or went outside for a long walk. And guess what? My kids still learned something—and I protected my peace, too.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
There is a whole world of support waiting for you—homeschool co-ops, Facebook groups, YouTube channels, local meetups, blogs, podcasts, and more. Find your people. Ask questions. Share your wins and your struggles.
One of the best things I ever did was join a local homeschool group. It gave me community, accountability, and the reassurance that I wasn’t failing—even when it felt like it.
And if you’re here, reading this on my blog, welcome. You’re part of this community now. You don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Celebrate the Little Wins
The first time your child reads a word on their own? That’s huge. The first time they understand a math concept you’ve been working on for days? Celebrate it. Even the little moments—like having a peaceful morning or finishing a project together—are worth acknowledging.
Homeschooling is filled with tiny victories. Don’t overlook them. They are the fuel that keeps us going on the harder days.
You’re Planting Seeds That Will Grow Over Time
Sometimes, it may feel like nothing is sticking. You’ll repeat yourself a hundred times, and your child still won’t remember the difference between a noun and a verb. But trust me: you are planting seeds. Seeds of knowledge, confidence, curiosity, character, and love.
Not all growth is immediate or visible, but it’s happening. Over time, those seeds bloom in ways you never expected. Keep showing up. Keep loving your kids through it. Keep learning alongside them.
A Final Word from One Homeschool Mom to Another
Dear new homeschool mom, you don’t need to do this perfectly—you just need to do it with love and intention. Your days won’t always go as planned. Your curriculum won’t always fit. But you are doing something meaningful and brave.
You’re giving your children the gift of time, presence, and personalized learning. You’re showing them that education can be joyful and flexible and deeply connected to life itself.
So when you feel unsure (and you will), come back to this truth: You’ve got this.
Let’s Connect
Have questions or just want to share how your first week of homeschooling is going? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you. And if this post encouraged you, please share it with another new homeschool mom who might need it, too.
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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