April 14, 2025 • 11 mins
Are you feeling weighed down by unrealistic expectations in your homeschool? You’re not alone, friend. After homeschooling my seven children—and now coaching other homeschool moms—I’ve learned that some of the most common homeschool “rules” just don’t work for most families. In this video, I’m sharing 10 things I no longer recommend to homeschool moms… and what to do instead to bring peace, freedom, and joy back into your homeschool.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(01:49):
Friend.
If you're a homeschool mom, chances are you've received a lot of advice, some good and some not so good.
When I first started out, I believed so many things about homeschooling that I later realized weren't actually helping me. 4 00:02:05,281.999 --> 00:02:14,572 And now after years of experience and working with other homeschool moms, I've learned that some of the most common homeschool rules just don't work for most families.
(02:15):
So today I want to share 10 things I no longer recommend to homeschool moms.
Things that I thought once were necessary, but now I know there's a better way.
And don't worry, I won't just tell you what not to do, I'll also share what to do instead.
So you can have a homeschool that feels lighter, freer, and actually works for your family.
(02:36):
So let's dive in. 10 00:02:37,901.999 --> 00:02:41,941.999 let's start with the first five things I no longer recommend to homeschool moms. 11 00:02:41,961.999 --> 00:02:43,881.999 If you're doing these, don't worry. 12 00:02:44,481.999 --> 00:02:45,381.999 There is a better way. 13 00:02:46,381.999 --> 00:02:49,561.999 The first one would be to stick to a public school schedule at home. 14 00:02:50,191.999 --> 00:02:54,421.999 When I start homeschooling, I thought that I had to follow the traditional school. 15 00:02:54,421.999 --> 00:03:02,241.999 Day 8:00 AM start a 45 minute lessons, strict time blocks, but homeschool is not school at home. 16 00:03:02,921.999 --> 00:03:07,871.999 What I would suggest you do instead is find a homeschool rhythm instead of a rigid schedule. 17 00:03:08,611.999 --> 00:03:11,791.999 Learning can happen in the morning, afternoon, or even in the evenings. 18 00:03:11,791.999 --> 00:03:13,306.999 Whatever works best for your families. 19 00:03:14,306.999 --> 00:03:18,926.998 The second thing I would not do would be trying to teach every subject every day. 20 00:03:19,746.999 --> 00:03:23,846.999 A lot of new homeschool moms think they have to do everything. 21 00:03:24,331.999 --> 00:03:30,91.999 Math, reading, science, history, handwriting, geography, art, music, every single day. 22 00:03:30,91.999 --> 00:03:31,411.999 And I'm exhausted just saying that. 23 00:03:32,121.999 --> 00:03:33,731.999 But that's just not realistic. 24 00:03:34,431.999 --> 00:03:36,801.998 What you can do instead is use a loop schedule. 25 00:03:37,271.998 --> 00:03:41,951.998 Rotate your subjects that are not core throughout the week. 26 00:03:42,541.999 --> 00:03:50,531.999 Focus on the daily core subjects like math, reading, and writing, and sprinkle the extras in on different days. 27 00:03:51,531.999 --> 00:03:56,341.999 The third thing I would not do would be to buy too much curriculum too soon. 28 00:03:57,21.999 --> 00:04:05,211.999 I used to think that the key to great homeschool was the perfect curriculum, so I bought too much and fell into this trap again and again. 29 00:04:05,791.998 --> 00:04:16,461.998 eventually I had to stay away from homeschool conferences because I would always think, oh, those are great ideas, I'd love to implement them with my kids, and I'd buy the curriculum and it would sit on the shelf and never get used. 30 00:04:17,441.998 --> 00:04:19,991.998 more books don't equal better learning. 31 00:04:20,911.998 --> 00:04:23,951.998 So what I would do instead would be to start small. 32 00:04:24,411.998 --> 00:04:25,441.998 Just the basics. 33 00:04:26,1.998 --> 00:04:32,581.997 Add more resources as you see what your child likes, enjoys, and what they will learn from. 34 00:04:33,581.997 --> 00:04:38,811.997 Remember that there is no perfect curriculum, and the best one is one that you actually use. 35 00:04:39,811.997 --> 00:04:44,751.996 The fourth thing I would not do would be overload my kids with worksheets. 36 00:04:45,361.997 --> 00:04:50,481.996 It's easy to think that kids need worksheets for every lesson to prove their learning. 37 00:04:51,251.996 --> 00:05:01,801.996 Worksheets are good, but most kids learn through activities, discussions, and real world experiences. 38 00:05:02,431.996 --> 00:05:07,941.995 What would I do instead nowadays? I would use living books, hands on projects, and narration. 39 00:05:07,942.095 --> 00:05:10,901.896 There is a place for worksheets. 40 00:05:10,981.996 --> 00:05:15,411.996 I do believe that some families and some people do better with worksheets. 41 00:05:16,376.996 --> 00:05:21,256.996 But try to find out what works best for your family, what works for your children, and how they learn the best. 42 00:05:22,256.996 --> 00:05:26,356.996 And remember that understanding is more important than paperwork. 43 00:07:31,706.995 --> 00:07:38,896.995 I used to think that as a homeschool mom, I had to be the teacher, the planner, the cook, the housekeeper, and everything else in between. 44 00:07:39,896.995 --> 00:07:42,766.994 But, that is a fast track to burn out. 45 00:07:43,766.994 --> 00:07:44,836.994 Here's what to do instead. 46 00:07:45,716.994 --> 00:07:47,116.994 Let your kids take ownership. 47 00:07:47,916.994 --> 00:07:50,246.994 Teach them independent learning skills. 48 00:07:50,936.993 --> 00:07:57,176.994 Use co ops, online classes, and community resources to help you with the teaching load. 49 00:07:58,176.994 --> 00:08:01,536.994 What I would not do would be to worry about falling behind. 50 00:08:02,156.994 --> 00:08:10,276.993 I used to worry so much about keeping up with other grade schools, public schools, but the kids learn at their own pace. 51 00:08:11,121.994 --> 00:08:13,661.994 They do not learn at the pace that you think they ought to learn. 52 00:08:14,1.994 --> 00:08:16,781.994 Their brain develops, they do things at their own pace. 53 00:08:17,781.994 --> 00:08:22,441.994 I would focus, if I were to do it again, on progress and not perfection. 54 00:08:23,21.993 --> 00:08:25,221.993 Your child is exactly where they need to be. 55 00:08:25,981.993 --> 00:08:26,831.993 Trust that. 56 00:08:27,241.993 --> 00:08:32,41.994 A strong foundation matters more than keeping up with an artificial timeline. 57 00:08:33,41.994 --> 00:08:39,901.994 Number seven of things I would not do in homeschooling again would be to push through a lesson just to finish it. 58 00:08:40,901.994 --> 00:08:47,621.994 I've seen so many moms out there force a lesson even when your kids are clearly frustrated, exhausted, or checked out. 59 00:08:48,621.994 --> 00:08:54,391.994 What I would do instead was if something was not clicking, I would take a break and come back to it later. 60 00:08:55,391.994 --> 00:09:02,111.994 Be okay with pausing a lesson, using a different approach, or even switching curriculum if it's necessary. 61 00:09:03,111.994 --> 00:09:10,21.994 The eighth thing I would not do if I were to homeschool again would be over committing to too many activities. 62 00:09:10,761.995 --> 00:09:13,351.995 A full calendar does not mean a successful homeschool. 63 00:09:14,351.995 --> 00:09:19,821.995 I used to think we needed everything, co ops, field trips, sports, music lessons, and playdates all the time. 64 00:09:20,821.995 --> 00:09:25,851.995 Find one to two meaningful activities instead of spreading yourself very thin. 65 00:09:26,471.995 --> 00:09:33,131.995 Make sure there's plenty of downtime at home where the kids can be free to explore and do things on their own. 66 00:09:34,131.995 --> 00:09:39,741.995 My ninth thing that I would not do would be to think that every subject needs a curriculum. 67 00:09:40,741.995 --> 00:09:44,131.994 Some of the best learning happens outside of the textbooks. 68 00:09:45,71.994 --> 00:09:50,461.994 I would use real life experiences to teach subjects, like science, history, and life skills. 69 00:09:51,1.994 --> 00:09:52,711.994 learning happens everywhere. 70 00:09:53,31.993 --> 00:09:59,681.993 Cooking, nature walks, reading aloud, and conversations are amazing ways for your kids to learn many things. 71 00:10:00,681.993 --> 00:10:06,761.993 The 10th thing I would not do if I were to homeschool again, I would not try to do it alone. 72 00:10:07,701.993 --> 00:10:09,991.993 Trying to do everything alone will wear you down. 73 00:10:10,881.993 --> 00:10:14,991.992 We need community, we need encouragement, and we need people who understand. 74 00:10:15,991.992 --> 00:10:18,851.993 What I would do instead would be to find a homeschool mentor. 75 00:10:19,246.993 --> 00:10:25,346.993 A local homeschool group or online support, and I'll tell you, it's all over the place. 76 00:10:25,366.993 --> 00:10:26,676.993 You can find some things. 77 00:10:27,176.992 --> 00:10:30,336.993 if you have any trouble, reach out to me and I'll help you find it. 78 00:10:30,606.993 --> 00:10:36,726.992 Friend, if you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck in your homeschool, I want you to know you don't have to do it all. 79 00:10:37,176.993 --> 00:10:40,176.993 You have permission to let go of the things that aren't working. 80 00:10:40,936.993 --> 00:10:43,476.993 Homeschooling does not have to be complicated. 81 00:10:43,746.992 --> 00:10:46,276.992 It doesn't have to look like everyone else's homeschool. 82 00:10:46,616.992 --> 00:10:47,656.992 It can be simple. 83 00:10:47,896.992 --> 00:10:49,946.992 It can be joyful and filled with freedom. 84 00:10:50,796.992 --> 00:10:57,716.992 I want to challenge you to what's one thing you're going to stop doing in your homeschool? let me know in the comments. 85 00:10:57,746.992 --> 00:11:07,36.992 If you subscribe and like my videos, I can create more content for homeschool moms that would encourage them and encourage you. 86 00:11:07,986.991 --> 00:11:12,546.9905 you've got this, and even on the hard days, God's grace is enough.
Friend.
If you're a homeschool mom, chances are you've received a lot of advice, some good and some not so good.
When I first started out, I believed so many things about homeschooling that I later realized weren't actually helping me. 4 00:02:05,281.999 --> 00:02:14,572 And now after years of experience and working with other homeschool moms, I've learned that some of the most common homeschool rules just don't work for most families.
(02:15):
So today I want to share 10 things I no longer recommend to homeschool moms.
Things that I thought once were necessary, but now I know there's a better way.
And don't worry, I won't just tell you what not to do, I'll also share what to do instead.
So you can have a homeschool that feels lighter, freer, and actually works for your family.
(02:36):
So let's dive in. 10 00:02:37,901.999 --> 00:02:41,941.999 let's start with the first five things I no longer recommend to homeschool moms. 11 00:02:41,961.999 --> 00:02:43,881.999 If you're doing these, don't worry. 12 00:02:44,481.999 --> 00:02:45,381.999 There is a better way. 13 00:02:46,381.999 --> 00:02:49,561.999 The first one would be to stick to a public school schedule at home. 14 00:02:50,191.999 --> 00:02:54,421.999 When I start homeschooling, I thought that I had to follow the traditional school. 15 00:02:54,421.999 --> 00:03:02,241.999 Day 8:00 AM start a 45 minute lessons, strict time blocks, but homeschool is not school at home. 16 00:03:02,921.999 --> 00:03:07,871.999 What I would suggest you do instead is find a homeschool rhythm instead of a rigid schedule. 17 00:03:08,611.999 --> 00:03:11,791.999 Learning can happen in the morning, afternoon, or even in the evenings. 18 00:03:11,791.999 --> 00:03:13,306.999 Whatever works best for your families. 19 00:03:14,306.999 --> 00:03:18,926.998 The second thing I would not do would be trying to teach every subject every day. 20 00:03:19,746.999 --> 00:03:23,846.999 A lot of new homeschool moms think they have to do everything. 21 00:03:24,331.999 --> 00:03:30,91.999 Math, reading, science, history, handwriting, geography, art, music, every single day. 22 00:03:30,91.999 --> 00:03:31,411.999 And I'm exhausted just saying that. 23 00:03:32,121.999 --> 00:03:33,731.999 But that's just not realistic. 24 00:03:34,431.999 --> 00:03:36,801.998 What you can do instead is use a loop schedule. 25 00:03:37,271.998 --> 00:03:41,951.998 Rotate your subjects that are not core throughout the week. 26 00:03:42,541.999 --> 00:03:50,531.999 Focus on the daily core subjects like math, reading, and writing, and sprinkle the extras in on different days. 27 00:03:51,531.999 --> 00:03:56,341.999 The third thing I would not do would be to buy too much curriculum too soon. 28 00:03:57,21.999 --> 00:04:05,211.999 I used to think that the key to great homeschool was the perfect curriculum, so I bought too much and fell into this trap again and again. 29 00:04:05,791.998 --> 00:04:16,461.998 eventually I had to stay away from homeschool conferences because I would always think, oh, those are great ideas, I'd love to implement them with my kids, and I'd buy the curriculum and it would sit on the shelf and never get used. 30 00:04:17,441.998 --> 00:04:19,991.998 more books don't equal better learning. 31 00:04:20,911.998 --> 00:04:23,951.998 So what I would do instead would be to start small. 32 00:04:24,411.998 --> 00:04:25,441.998 Just the basics. 33 00:04:26,1.998 --> 00:04:32,581.997 Add more resources as you see what your child likes, enjoys, and what they will learn from. 34 00:04:33,581.997 --> 00:04:38,811.997 Remember that there is no perfect curriculum, and the best one is one that you actually use. 35 00:04:39,811.997 --> 00:04:44,751.996 The fourth thing I would not do would be overload my kids with worksheets. 36 00:04:45,361.997 --> 00:04:50,481.996 It's easy to think that kids need worksheets for every lesson to prove their learning. 37 00:04:51,251.996 --> 00:05:01,801.996 Worksheets are good, but most kids learn through activities, discussions, and real world experiences. 38 00:05:02,431.996 --> 00:05:07,941.995 What would I do instead nowadays? I would use living books, hands on projects, and narration. 39 00:05:07,942.095 --> 00:05:10,901.896 There is a place for worksheets. 40 00:05:10,981.996 --> 00:05:15,411.996 I do believe that some families and some people do better with worksheets. 41 00:05:16,376.996 --> 00:05:21,256.996 But try to find out what works best for your family, what works for your children, and how they learn the best. 42 00:05:22,256.996 --> 00:05:26,356.996 And remember that understanding is more important than paperwork. 43 00:07:31,706.995 --> 00:07:38,896.995 I used to think that as a homeschool mom, I had to be the teacher, the planner, the cook, the housekeeper, and everything else in between. 44 00:07:39,896.995 --> 00:07:42,766.994 But, that is a fast track to burn out. 45 00:07:43,766.994 --> 00:07:44,836.994 Here's what to do instead. 46 00:07:45,716.994 --> 00:07:47,116.994 Let your kids take ownership. 47 00:07:47,916.994 --> 00:07:50,246.994 Teach them independent learning skills. 48 00:07:50,936.993 --> 00:07:57,176.994 Use co ops, online classes, and community resources to help you with the teaching load. 49 00:07:58,176.994 --> 00:08:01,536.994 What I would not do would be to worry about falling behind. 50 00:08:02,156.994 --> 00:08:10,276.993 I used to worry so much about keeping up with other grade schools, public schools, but the kids learn at their own pace. 51 00:08:11,121.994 --> 00:08:13,661.994 They do not learn at the pace that you think they ought to learn. 52 00:08:14,1.994 --> 00:08:16,781.994 Their brain develops, they do things at their own pace. 53 00:08:17,781.994 --> 00:08:22,441.994 I would focus, if I were to do it again, on progress and not perfection. 54 00:08:23,21.993 --> 00:08:25,221.993 Your child is exactly where they need to be. 55 00:08:25,981.993 --> 00:08:26,831.993 Trust that. 56 00:08:27,241.993 --> 00:08:32,41.994 A strong foundation matters more than keeping up with an artificial timeline. 57 00:08:33,41.994 --> 00:08:39,901.994 Number seven of things I would not do in homeschooling again would be to push through a lesson just to finish it. 58 00:08:40,901.994 --> 00:08:47,621.994 I've seen so many moms out there force a lesson even when your kids are clearly frustrated, exhausted, or checked out. 59 00:08:48,621.994 --> 00:08:54,391.994 What I would do instead was if something was not clicking, I would take a break and come back to it later. 60 00:08:55,391.994 --> 00:09:02,111.994 Be okay with pausing a lesson, using a different approach, or even switching curriculum if it's necessary. 61 00:09:03,111.994 --> 00:09:10,21.994 The eighth thing I would not do if I were to homeschool again would be over committing to too many activities. 62 00:09:10,761.995 --> 00:09:13,351.995 A full calendar does not mean a successful homeschool. 63 00:09:14,351.995 --> 00:09:19,821.995 I used to think we needed everything, co ops, field trips, sports, music lessons, and playdates all the time. 64 00:09:20,821.995 --> 00:09:25,851.995 Find one to two meaningful activities instead of spreading yourself very thin. 65 00:09:26,471.995 --> 00:09:33,131.995 Make sure there's plenty of downtime at home where the kids can be free to explore and do things on their own. 66 00:09:34,131.995 --> 00:09:39,741.995 My ninth thing that I would not do would be to think that every subject needs a curriculum. 67 00:09:40,741.995 --> 00:09:44,131.994 Some of the best learning happens outside of the textbooks. 68 00:09:45,71.994 --> 00:09:50,461.994 I would use real life experiences to teach subjects, like science, history, and life skills. 69 00:09:51,1.994 --> 00:09:52,711.994 learning happens everywhere. 70 00:09:53,31.993 --> 00:09:59,681.993 Cooking, nature walks, reading aloud, and conversations are amazing ways for your kids to learn many things. 71 00:10:00,681.993 --> 00:10:06,761.993 The 10th thing I would not do if I were to homeschool again, I would not try to do it alone. 72 00:10:07,701.993 --> 00:10:09,991.993 Trying to do everything alone will wear you down. 73 00:10:10,881.993 --> 00:10:14,991.992 We need community, we need encouragement, and we need people who understand. 74 00:10:15,991.992 --> 00:10:18,851.993 What I would do instead would be to find a homeschool mentor. 75 00:10:19,246.993 --> 00:10:25,346.993 A local homeschool group or online support, and I'll tell you, it's all over the place. 76 00:10:25,366.993 --> 00:10:26,676.993 You can find some things. 77 00:10:27,176.992 --> 00:10:30,336.993 if you have any trouble, reach out to me and I'll help you find it. 78 00:10:30,606.993 --> 00:10:36,726.992 Friend, if you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck in your homeschool, I want you to know you don't have to do it all. 79 00:10:37,176.993 --> 00:10:40,176.993 You have permission to let go of the things that aren't working. 80 00:10:40,936.993 --> 00:10:43,476.993 Homeschooling does not have to be complicated. 81 00:10:43,746.992 --> 00:10:46,276.992 It doesn't have to look like everyone else's homeschool. 82 00:10:46,616.992 --> 00:10:47,656.992 It can be simple. 83 00:10:47,896.992 --> 00:10:49,946.992 It can be joyful and filled with freedom. 84 00:10:50,796.992 --> 00:10:57,716.992 I want to challenge you to what's one thing you're going to stop doing in your homeschool? let me know in the comments. 85 00:10:57,746.992 --> 00:11:07,36.992 If you subscribe and like my videos, I can create more content for homeschool moms that would encourage them and encourage you. 86 00:11:07,986.991 --> 00:11:12,546.9905 you've got this, and even on the hard days, God's grace is enough.
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