5 Homeschooling Mistakes I’ve Made
When you decide to homeschool your child, there’s a lot of learning and unlearning involved. And that learning doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes, it takes years, and that’s okay—that’s how we grow. The most important thing is not to be too hard on yourself. Do the best you can, and don’t give up.
Mistake #1 – Yelling Too Much When Things Didn’t Go as Planned
When I first started homeschooling, I struggled with control. I didn’t like when things didn’t go the way I planned. I would spend nights planning unit studies, projects, and rigid schedules, only to get frustrated when things didn’t go smoothly. Looking back, I realize I should have taken time to “deschool.”
Deschooling is the process of unlearning the rigid structure and mindset from traditional schooling that doesn’t necessarily fit homeschooling. I also learned that, sometimes, connection is more important than control. Yelling and being overly strict only make my child resent homeschooling and strain our relationship. Instead of getting upset when things don’t go as planned, I now try to take a deep breath, adjust, and focus on what truly matters.
Mistake #2 – Worrying Too Much About Socialization
When I first started homeschooling, I was constantly worried about my kids getting enough social interaction. I jumped at every opportunity to join events, co-ops, and playgroups. In hindsight, I went overboard trying to make sure we were included and liked. I stretched myself thin and put too much energy into trying to fit in.
Over time, I became more confident in who we are as a family and what we value. I also realized that not every group is a good fit for us. Setting boundaries and being selective about social activities helped us find meaningful connections without feeling overwhelmed.
Mistake #3 – Giving Up Too Quickly When Things Got Hard
There were times when I started a new curriculum, project, or routine, and the moment it didn’t go as planned, I quit. I struggled with consistency, and I often felt discouraged if something didn’t work right away.
Over time, I realized that persistence pays off. Sometimes, pushing through a difficult phase, adjusting my approach, or even taking a short break can make all the difference. I’ve learned that homeschooling is a long game, and success comes with flexibility and consistency.
Mistake #4 – Not Organizing My Day and Giving Into Distractions
We don’t follow a strict schedule, but having routines and time blocks helps me stay on track. When I don’t plan my day, I end up getting distracted and not accomplishing much.
For example, I know that if I start cleaning in the morning, I’ll get caught up and lose track of time. Instead, I focus on what’s important first:
Before 12 PM – Cook lunch, prep dinner, spend time with my husband, play games with the kids, exercise, and get ready for the day.
12 PM – 3 PM – Dedicated homeschooling time.
Having a loose structure keeps me productive without feeling overwhelmed.
Mistake #5 – Trying to Copy Others on Social Media
At first, I was heavily influenced by homeschool accounts on social media. I wanted my setup, books, and curriculum to look like theirs, thinking that was the key to success. But what I didn’t realize was that most of these influencers are selling something, and they aren’t showing the full picture.
This led me to doubt myself, overspend on things I didn’t need, and try methods that weren’t right for my family. Eventually, I learned to trust my instincts and create a homeschooling approach that works for us, rather than chasing an unrealistic ideal.
Be Patient With Yourself
Homeschooling is a journey filled with ups and downs. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also learned a lot along the way. The key is to be patient with yourself, stay flexible, and focus on what truly works for your family. Every homeschooler’s journey is unique
