As a mom of three, I understand the curiosity and concerns that come with considering homeschooling. It’s a big decision, but one that more families are making every year. The homeschooling growth rate has surged, with the Census Bureau reporting 11% of families homeschooling by 2020–2021—up from just 2.5 million in 2019, according to the NHERI.
This shift reflects growing concerns with the public education system, the limits of state education departments, and the rising costs of private schools. Research shows that homeschooled students often excel academically, scoring 15–30 percentile points higher on standardized tests. Beyond academics, many many home schooling families report stronger family bonds and more control over their children’s education.
If you’re feeling drawn to this path, know you’re not alone—I’ve been there, too. Let me help you with that! Here I shared some of my homeschooling journey so you can decide whether it might be the right choice for your family.
What Pushed Me to Homeschool?
Hi! I’m Michelle, a mom of three boys, and yes, I homeschool all of them. My oldest is in first grade, my middle is in Preschool/Kindergarten, and my youngest, though only in early Preschool, soaks up everything his brothers are learning.
My homeschooling journey started two years ago with my eldest. Before diving in, I had a lot of doubts about traditional schooling. My husband and I both went to public school—he thrived, but I didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I was a good student, but the rigid hours, lack of outdoor time, and one-size-fits-all approach didn’t work for me. Thinking about my boys in that environment brought up so many concerns: crowded classrooms, limited flexibility, and even safety.
Beyond that, I wanted more for my kids: more time together, a chance to teach our family values, and opportunities to nurture their strengths. I pictured them learning by doing—gardening, baking, exploring nature, and even helping with finances or our family business. That’s the kind of hands-on learning I wanted for them.
It wasn’t an easy decision, and I spent a lot of time thinking it through and convincing my husband. But once we started, we never looked back. Homeschooling is a big commitment, but for us, it’s been the best decision, and we ABSOLUTELY love it!
Pros Of Homeschooling
Homeschooling isn’t just about academics for me—it’s about giving my kids the best environment to grow, learn, and thrive. As moms, we all want what’s best for our kids, but sometimes, the traditional school setup doesn’t meet their unique needs. Here’s why I decided to homeschool, and why it’s been such a blessing for our family.
1. Personalized Learning That Works for My Kids
Every child is different, and I realized early on that the public school system couldn’t give my kids the individual attention they needed. My oldest thrives with hands-on projects and visuals, and I love giving him that 1-1 time he needs to succeed. My youngest, on the other hand, does great without visuals, and homeschooling has helped me understand how to meet both their needs.
At home, I can tailor their education to their unique strengths, and it’s made a huge difference. Studies show homeschooled students often outperform public school students on standardized tests, and I see why—when you give kids 1 on 1 attention and teach them in the way they learn best, they truly thrive.
2. A Safer Place to Learn and Grow
The world is so different now than when we were kids, and safety is a big concern for me. Homeschooling gives my kids a safe environment—free from bullying, peer pressure, and the stresses we hear about in the news. It’s not just about physical safety but emotional safety, too, letting them learn without unnecessary distractions.
That doesn’t mean they’re isolated! My kids have been involved in sports since they were 4, have great social skills, and lots of friends. We’re part of co-ops and have built friendships with other homeschooling families. As an introvert, I never imagined I’d make such a close friend in my 30s—a mama with four kids the same age as mine! The kids love playing together, and I love having someone to share all things homeschool and life with.
3. Teaching What Matters Most
One thing I love about homeschooling is that I can focus on the lessons that matter most to our family. For us, that includes faith, but also life skills like cooking, managing money, and handling tough emotions—things that often get overlooked in public schools.
The best part is how fun and flexible our learning is. Unlike the rigid school environment, we don’t mimic things like assigned seating, long hours at a desk, or rushed lunches. Instead, my kids can take breaks when they need, enjoy plenty of snacks, and we’re always moving around.
We usually spend about 1.5 to 2 hours a day on schoolwork (with my littlest interrupting here and there), and my kids are thriving. They’re respectful, they’re happy, and I see real academic success without the stress or negative peer pressure they might face elsewhere. Homeschooling just works for us!
4. More Time Together as a Family
Homeschooling has completely changed our family dynamic. Instead of rushing through mornings, homework, and bedtime, we get to spend more quality time together. We learn as a team, explore new things, and share so many special moments.
We have slow mornings, enjoying our breakfast before we start school at 10am. Kids want to play outside first then do school, lets do it! I don’t want to waste a beautiful day – we can do school later in the evening.
I’ve found that this has brought us closer as a family. My kids aren’t just learning academics—they’re growing up in a home filled with love and connection, which is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
5. Freedom to Do What Works Best for Us
One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is the freedom it gives us. We’re not tied to the rigid schedules of public or private schools.
If we want to take a break for a family trip or spend a day learning at the zoo, we can. I can take my kids out into the world to learn through experiences, not just books. This flexibility lets us enjoy learning in a way that works for us. We can learn on the go and it is the best part.
6. Protecting My Kids’ Childhood
Homeschooling lets me slow things down and protect my kids from growing up too fast. In public and private schools, there’s so much pressure on children to perform, fit in, and keep up with the pace of a standardized curriculum. Homeschooling allows my kids to learn at their own pace, free from the stress and comparison often found in traditional classrooms.
For example, if one of my boys needs more time to master a concept, we can take that time. If he’s ready to move ahead, we can do that too. This approach not only nurtures their natural curiosity but also supports their academic achievement in a way that feels exciting and empowering. They’re not just meeting benchmarks—they’re building confidence and discovering a love of learning that will carry them through life.
Cons of Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be an incredible journey, but as a mom of three who’s experienced it firsthand, I know it comes with challenges. While many homeschooling families find success, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks before diving in. Here are some real challenges homeschool parents face.
1. The Weight of Being Fully Responsible
Unlike sending kids to traditional schools where professional educators handle lessons, as a homeschooling mom, you’re in charge of everything related to your child’s education. From lesson plans to tracking progress, the responsibility can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance the needs of multiple homeschooled children.
If you are concerned about lesson plans, what subjects to teach, etc., I found that a good curriculum will help ease this responsibility. We are currently using The Good and The Beautiful and it is open and go. If you do not have time for the extras, this is great for you.
I absolutely love the creativity homeschooling gives me. I love finding extra lesson plans to go with their lessons that week – I go above and beyond however you do not have to.
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2. The Financial Strain
Homeschooling requires a financial investment that school districts and charter schools typically cover for traditional students. Between curriculum, supplies, and costs for field trips or special programs, the expenses can add up quickly but please do not let this stop you from homeschooling.
The Good and The Beautiful provides a free curriculum for Language Arts and Math. If you go to their website you can download these two subjects, for free, for any grade. Please remember that younger children do not need to focus on subjects like Science or Social Studies. You can easily find books online that are under $20 to cover these subjects without breaking the bank. Here is the social studies book we use (K & 1) and the science book(K & 1).
Check out this website www.HSLDA.org to find more information about homeschooling. It is a non-profit advocacy organization. You can also contact your local school district and ask them what the requirements are in your state as far as how many hours need to be met, what subjects need to be covered and so forth. Check out Facebook groups as well, these are so helpful!
3. Balancing Social Skills Development
One common concern about homeschooling is helping homeschoolers develop strong social skills. Unlike school students who see peers daily, we need to be intentional about creating opportunities for our kids to connect. It can take effort to arrange playdates, join co-op groups, or find the right sports or activities.
For us, sports have been a big part of staying connected. My oldest plays soccer in the spring and fall, and baseball in the summer. My middle son does Taekwondo year-round, baseball in the spring, and will start soccer in the fall. My youngest isn’t involved yet since he’s still little, but we’ll be busy soon enough! In winter, we’ve done swim and ninja classes to keep active indoors. Summer is nonstop with sports, beach trips, pool days, playgrounds, and visits with friends and family.
It sounds busy, but it’s so worth it. I love seeing my kids thrive, meeting new friends, and even finding ways to step out of my own comfort zone. We also enjoy library programs, and some local spots like trampoline parks or Chuck E. Cheese even offer special homeschool discounts. Socializing as a homeschool family takes effort, but it’s fun and rewarding for everyone!
4. Limited Access to Extracurricular Activities
Public and charter schools often provide free or low-cost opportunities for sports, theater, music, and other extracurricular activities. For homeschooling families, access to these programs can be limited. While some communities allow homeschoolers to participate, others don’t, leaving parents to create or pay for alternative options.
I can’t speak for other states, however, where we are located my children have the opportunity to join school sports and field trips. They have to get approval beforehand for the school year but if they decide that they want to be involved in High School sports, they have the right to do so as long as the Superintendent approves it.
5. Challenges with Advanced Academic Instruction
Teaching younger kids might feel doable, but as they get older, tackling tougher subjects like algebra, physics, or even a new language can feel overwhelming. There are plenty of tools out there—like online courses, apps, and even tutors—but these can add extra costs and sometimes complicate your routine. For many parents, this is one of the biggest challenges of homeschooling.
That’s why it’s so important to check with your district about required subjects and take advantage of today’s incredible resources. From educational YouTube videos to interactive apps, there’s so much to help you teach and keep your kids engaged. Personally, I’ve loved learning alongside my kids and watching them grow through this journey.
Let’s be real—homeschooling isn’t always easy, and I WON’T sugarcoat it. The concerns you’re thinking about are valid. But here’s the truth: the challenges you face can often turn into strengths for your family. Many homeschooled students thrive despite these hurdles, and I’ve seen firsthand how those “cons” became some of the best parts of homeschooling for us. Taking that leap was worth it.
6. Lack of Built-In Support Systems
Traditional schools come with built-in support like guidance counselors and parent-teacher organizations. For homeschooling families, you have to seek out your own support through co-ops, online groups, or homeschooling networks. At first, this might feel a little isolating, but trust me—it’s not!
These days, social media makes finding help so much easier. Facebook groups, Instagram, TikTok—there are so many communities out there full of moms just like you. With the huge rise in homeschooling families in recent years, you’re never alone. I promise!
So What Now? Important Questions to Ask Before Homeschooling
“Is homeschooling really right for me?” That’s a big question, mama, and it’s okay to feel unsure. I’ve been there too, wondering if I could handle it or if it was the best choice for my kids. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Homeschooling is about progress, not perfection.
Here’s what helped me: I asked myself a few honest questions:
- Do I have the time? Homeschooling doesn’t take all day—just 2–4 hours of teaching daily—but it does need consistency. Can your schedule handle that kind of flexibility?
- Can I budget for it? On average, homeschooling costs about $500 per child yearly, though some states reimburse up to $3,000. Are you ready to invest, or could you explore free resources and support options?
- Am I okay with online tools? The internet is full of amazing resources, but you’ll need to put in time to find what works best for your family.
- Do I have support? Even one supportive friend, family member, or group can make this journey so much easier.
If you’re still unsure, try a test run. Download free curriculum samples from TGTB or print out worksheets from online resources. Spend a couple of weeks working with your child. It’ll help you see if it fits your life without committing fully yet.
And remember, the first few months might be tough—believe me, they were for me and my oldest. We had to figure out his learning style and let go of the idea that learning has to be rushed. But once we found our rhythm, it was so worth it. Every child learns at their own pace, and that’s one of the best parts of homeschooling.
A Final Word from One Mama to Another
Homeschooling isn’t about having all the answers on day one—it’s about showing up for your kids and figuring it out together. Parents have educated their children in less-than-ideal circumstances and done beautifully.
You don’t need to be perfect, just present. Trust yourself—you’ve already come this far. If homeschooling feels like the right step, you can absolutely make it work. And guess what? I’m here cheering you on.