12 Homeschooling Tips for Beginners

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Updated for 2026: This post now includes 12 homeschooling tips for beginners. Everything I wish I knew before starting homeschooling.

To celebrate almost 12 years of homeschooling, I want to share with you 12 things I wish I would have know before I staretd homeschooling. When I first began homeschooling, I thought I needed to do everything right.
I thought I needed the perfect schedule, the perfect curriculum, the perfect setup. 

And honestly… a lot of our days ended in frustration and tears—and not just from my kids.

I was trying so hard to recreate something I thought education was supposed to look like… instead of creating what it could look like for our family.

And over time, God really shifted my perspective.

So today, I’m sharing 12 things I wish I knew before I started homeschooling—things that would have saved me stress, comparison, and a whole lot of pressure.

And my hope is that this gives you peace, confidence, and a clearer vision for what homeschooling can look like in your home.

Homeschool mom teaching kids at home, 12 things I wish I knew before starting homeschooling Here are you 12 homeschooling tips for beginners,

Homeschooling tip for beginners #1 – You don’t need to recreate school at home

A lot of beginners try to copy a traditional classroom schedule—8 to 3, desks, strict subjects. That usually leads to burnout.

I am guilty of this one. We had school in our office with desks, and we were in there from 8–2 every day. Many days ended in tears—and not just from my kids. I even had a cute sign on the wall that said “SCHOOL.”

What I wish I knew is that you can get your schoolwork done much faster than you think.

Learning at home is much more efficient. There isn’t as much wasted time, and many families finish formal lessons in just 2–4 hours, especially for younger kids.

So let me ask you: why try to imitate a traditional classroom when you chose to leave it?

For me, it was because I didn’t know any different. But I’m here to tell you—your homeschool can look unique to your family. Through the guidance of the Spirit, you will be directed to create a family culture just for you. And when you do that, there’s no need to compare your homeschool to traditional school, because you’re doing what God wants you to do.

Homeschooling tip for beginners #2 – Curriculum matters less than you think

New homeschoolers often stress about picking the perfect curriculum. If one doesn’t work, we think we need to research more and find the perfect fit.

But the reality is—you can take one good book and create an incredible curriculum around it.

From one book, you can have meaningful discussions about geography, history, and character. You can pull quotes for copywork. With older kids, you can have deep discussions or have them write papers comparing the hero and the villain.

The list goes on and on.

The curriculum doesn’t matter as much as the mindset behind it. It is a tool, not a taskmaster.

No curriculum is perfect. You will likely switch things at some point. And your relationship with your child matters more than any program.

Homeschooling tip for beginners #3- It’s okay if it doesn’t look “impressive” at first

There can be pressure to prove homeschooling is working. When you go against the norm, it can feel like you have something to prove.

But many times, you are teaching things that can’t be easily measured.

In public school, progress is often measured and tracked. But in homeschool, you have the opportunity to focus on things that don’t show up on a test—the things of the heart: patience, determination, kindness, curiosity, critical thinking.

There will be times when you feel like you’re failing or your kids are falling behind. And by the world’s standards, it might look that way at first.

But from God’s perspective, you are doing a great work.

What often happens is when that strong foundation is built in their hearts, their minds expand and grow exponentially.

Progress may look slow or messy in the beginning—but big leaps often come later.

Homeschooling tip for beginners #4- Socialization is different—not worse

This is one of the biggest fears going in. I remember it being one of mine.

But let me tell you—it’s not even on my radar anymore.

I saw a quote from Wild and Free that said:
“Homeschooling won’t make your children weird. That’s your job.”

It makes me laugh every time. Because if your kids are “weird,” that probably means you are too.

But what is “weird”? If it means different from the world, I’ll take it.

The real question is: do you want your children socialized by the world’s standards or by God’s standards?

The reality is—there are SO many opportunities for homeschoolers to socialize:

My kids learn to interact with all ages. They make phone calls to doctors, dentists, family, and friends. They even learn how to create and sell things.

If I could go back, I would tell myself not to worry about socialization. Some families may need to be more intentional—but it is absolutely available.

Homeschooling tip for beginners #5 –  You don’t have to do it all alone

Many moms start out thinking they are responsible for everything.

Homeschooling can feel lonely—but the resources available today are incredible.

There are:

You can even swap teaching with another family—one teaches science one day, another teaches something else another day.

There are so many support systems that can work for you.

But be careful not to let them work against you. If something is causing overwhelm or pressure, it’s okay to say no in this season.

At the same time, just because something feels uncomfortable doesn’t mean you should walk away. Homeschooling will stretch you—and growth often comes through that discomfort.

Lean into a growth mindset. That’s where transformation begins.

Homeschool Mom Teaching Kids at Home: 12 Things I Wish I Knew

 #6 –  Your home doesn’t have to be perfectly organized

Instagram homeschool rooms can set unrealistic expectations.

The reality is—learning can happen anywhere:

When I first started, I confined us to a school room with desks and structure. Looking back, I wish I could tell myself that wasn’t necessary.

At the time, I needed that structure to understand what was next. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Simple works. Flexible works.

#7 – Your relationship with your child will be tested (and strengthened)

Spending that much time together brings both connection and friction.

There will be hard days.

But over time, your bond deepens in a powerful way.

I recently sent my oldest son on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina. When I look back at our homeschooling years—the hard days and the meaningful conversations—I see how those moments built his foundation.

In the traditional world, kids leave early and come home late with school and activities. But with homeschooling, I had time with my kids—especially in the mornings and early afternoons.

That time created connection.

It is a beautifully hard experience, and I am eternally grateful for it.

#8 –  Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages

You don’t have to stick to a rigid schedule or one curriculum.

There are so many resources that allow you to tailor your child’s education to them.

If something isn’t working, you can adjust.

But more than that—it’s about mindset. When your children understand the privilege and power of learning, their capabilities grow exponentially.

Like I talked about in number 2 don’t let the curriculum blind you from rabbit holes that lead to genuine curiosity. There is nowhere in the homeschool handbook that says you have to finish every single lesson, curriculum, or chapter that you start. If your child starts asking questions take that as a good sign that they are curious and follow them. Feed that curiosity! Make learning unique for that child. That is when the magic happens! 

In short, flexibility is one of the biggest advantages and just a few of those are 

#9 –  Comparison will steal your confidence

It is so easy to compare—especially in a world full of social media and picture-perfect homeschool rooms.

But comparison steals your joy.

When you find yourself comparing, pause and ask Heavenly Father:
“What do You want me to do? What should our homeschool look like?”

When your homeschool is rooted in that answer, comparison fades—because you know you are being led.

What works for one family may not work for yours.

#10 – You are more capable than you think

So many moms wonder if they are qualified.

You don’t need to know everything. You just need to be willing to learn alongside your child.

I used to feel like I had to teach every subject to every child separately. But I realized:

Math can be simple and focused. Reading together can cover history, language arts, and critical thinking all at once.

I remember learning from Oliver DeMille that if you are reading aloud to your children, they are already receiving a great education.

Also—don’t shut down curiosity.

I caught myself once rushing my son through a math concept when he wanted to explore it deeper. In that moment, I realized I was shutting down his curiosity because I was focused on time.

That was a powerful reminder.

Consistency matters too. Daily habits—especially reading—will shape your homeschool more than anything else.

#11 – Burnout is real—plan for it early

Trying to do too much too fast is one of the biggest mistakes.

Start simple. Build gradually. Take breaks without guilt.

One of the greatest blessings of homeschooling is that you control your schedule.

We sometimes follow the local school schedule for convenience, but we’ve also taken time off when it works for our family.

Every December, we travel to Mexico for three weeks. Other families can’t do that without major disruption—but we can.

Some families do 4-day weeks. Some take regular breaks.

Find what works for you.

You don’t need to match the public school system. Your time is used more efficiently. The last homeschooling tips for beginners, but not least is…

#12 – Homeschooling changes your lifestyle—not just schooling

Homeschooling isn’t just about education—it changes your entire lifestyle.

Your mornings look different, your days feel different and your priorities start to shift.

You’re not rushing out the door the same way. But you might go through a lot more food—because your kids are home all day!

We homeschool Monday through Thursday, and Fridays are for catch-up or field trips.

As kids get older, schedules shift—but the lifestyle remains.

This is more than school. It’s a way of living.

If I could tell you one thing, it would be this: Homeschooling is not about recreating school at home—it’s about creating a life of learning, connection, and purpose within your family.

This journey you are taking your family on is not easy, but OH SO WORTH IT! Don’t get discouraged easily! One piece of advice I received was, put on your yoga pants, put your hair in a bun, and enjoy it! There will be times you will laugh, and times where you will cry! That is ok! Do them both!

As a BONUS homeschooling tips for beginners: Be PREPARED to learn A LOT about yourself! 

One of my friends who has guided me in our journey told me this……….

*The first year you learn a lot about yourself!

*The second year you learn a lot about your child!

*The third year you learn how to teach!

At first I was a little skeptical when she told me this. I mean really, yes I was terrified, but I already knew a lot about myself!

I’ve been living with me, myself, and I for many years right?? 

What more could I possibly learn!

THIS COULDN’T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!! I have come to learn, that in the first year of homeschool, you learn SOOOOO much about who you are! I learned some things that I liked, and a lot of things I didn’t like! You are tested to your very core! You become your child’s educator, motivator, councilor, guide and everything else in between!  It is a beautifully hard thing!

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from all of this, it’s this:

You are not behind.
You are not messing it up.
And you are more capable than you think.

Homeschooling was never meant to look like a perfect system—it was meant to be a relationship.
A lifestyle.
A way of learning and growing together as a family.

There will be hard days. I’ve had many of them.
But there will also be moments—quiet, powerful, meaningful moments—that remind you exactly why you chose this.

So when the doubt comes—and it will—go back to God.
Ask Him what your homeschool should look like.
Let Him guide you.

Because when your homeschool is rooted in that, everything changes.

You don’t need to do it like anyone else.
You just need to be faithful in what you’ve been called to do.

And that… is enough.

If you liked these homeschooling tips for beginners or if you are feeling like you need more support and direction on your homeschooling journey I would love to walk with you! My LIFT homeschool coaching program is unlike anything out there. Check out if there is a FREE Workshop coming soon! I hold them often. I would love to have you there. 

Homeschool mom teaching kids at home, 12 things I wish I knew before starting homeschooling