What I wish I knew before we started homeschooling- A parent’s journey

When I started homeschooling, I pictured a perfect blend of cozy learning moments and academic triumphs. Reality? It’s more beautiful, and way more humbling than I expected. Here’s what I wish I’d known before diving into this wild, wonderful journey.    First, It’s Not a Classroom (And That’s Okay) thought homeschooling meant mini desks and a chalkboard vibe.

Turns out, our best days were sprawled on the couch or exploring nature. Letting my kids’ curiosity steer—whether through unschooling vibes or structured lessons—made learning click. Lesson: Embrace your home’s unique flow.

That said, social time takes planning, I worried my kids would miss out on friends. Turns out, play dates, outdoor games did more than what I bargained for, and my kids surprised me! My shy daughter now leads book club discussions. My son, who hated reading, devours science magazines. Seeing them bloom in ways I never predicted keeps me going. Lesson: Joy-Celebrate the small, unexpected wins.    

Most importantly, it’s a Marathon, not a race. Someday, we nailed every lesson. Others, we bickered and got nowhere. I’ve learned to focus on the big picture—raising curious, kind kids—not daily perfection.

Perspective: Trust the journey, even when it’s messy. Looking back, homeschooling has stretched me, but it’s also shown me the magic of learning alongside my kids. If you’re starting out, give yourself grace, find your community, and lean into what makes your family unique. You’re writing your own story—make it one worth telling.