What I Learned My First Year Homeschooling: The Real Struggles, Breakthroughs, and Resources I Wish I Had
The Truth About My First Year Homeschooling
I’ll be honest, my first year of homeschooling was nothing like the dreamy Pinterest boards I had pinned. It was hard. There were days I doubted if I was cut out for this. Days I wondered if I was doing my son a disservice. And moments when the pushback from my child made me want to give up.
But here’s the truth no one talks about: homeschooling is a journey, for you and your child (or children.) And stepping back, taking breaks, and allowing it to be messy? That’s where the magic happens.
Looking back, I wish I had known what I know now. I wish I had these tools, this mindset, and the simple systems that could have saved me so much stress. That’s why I’m sharing this today. For the mom who’s in it right now, feeling overwhelmed, doubting herself, but believes in her heart she’s doing the right thing.
Let’s dive into the lessons I learned and the things that helped me survive our first year.
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Lesson #1: It’s Okay to Step Back
One of the biggest shifts for me was realizing that learning doesn’t always happen at a desk with worksheets. Sometimes the best thing I could do was pause and give us both a break. I’m not talking about a 10 minute break. I’m talking even for a day or two. The fastest way to get that homeschool burnout is by acting like we are in the classroom. My first year homeschooling I thought we had to have a set routine right out the gate, little did I know that’s what was leading to burnout for myself and my son.
Lesson #2: The Pushback Is Normal
When my child started resisting lessons, I thought I was failing. But I learned that pushback is part of the process, it’s how kids communicate their needs. I’m sure we can all agree that homeschooling a strong willed child is not for the weak. Learning to step back and listen changed everything. And I’m not talking about just learning and listening to my son. I dove deep into homeschool mindset shifts, homeschool mom struggles. I read blogs, I joined Facebook groups, I stayed up late at night while the rest of the house was asleep researching everything I could until I finally felt like I was getting somewhere. Here is a list that helped me:
- Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It – By Ginny Yurich MEd – A must-read book that completely shifted my homeschool mindset.
- Homeschool Planner – Helps you stay organized without feeling overwhelmed. I use this every day!
- Art Kit – My go-to for hands-on learning activities that keep little hands busy.
- Nature study books – Encourages outdoor learning and connection with nature.
- Learning Games – Our family loves these for stress-free, play-based learning days.
Lesson #3: The Power of Play-Based Learning
When I stopped forcing workbook lessons and started incorporating play-based learning for homeschool, that is when everything shifted. We used Hot Wheels, building blocks, walks to the park, sidewalk chalk, and cooking in the kitchen as school. It wasn’t always pretty, in fact it got messy, but it worked. This article from The Hechinger Report helped me learn about play-based learning. Here are some fun learning activities that got us through many homeschool days:
Lesson #4: Give Yourself Grace
If I could tell you one thing, it’s this: You are enough, you got this mama. Your child doesn’t need a Pinterest-perfect mom. They need you. The love, the presence, and the willingness to show up every day, even when it’s hard. Homeschool struggles are real. I’m not saying that everyday is easy, of course we still have hard days. It’s all a part of the journey. The thing about journeys is it’s not the same for everyone. I don’t believe there is a How to Homeschool Guide. Once you find what works for you, it gets easier. Then one day you may realize that what once worked isn’t going to always work but that is part of us learning and growing along with our kids.
My Go-To Homeschool Resources That Saved My Sanity
Here are a few of my favorite resources I wish I had known about sooner and tips for your first year homeschooling:
- Amazon Affiliate Picks:
Final Thoughts + A Little Encouragement
If you’re in the thick of it, please know this: it’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to feel unsure. And it’s okay to adjust as you go. Homeschooling is not about perfection, it’s about connection. Looking back on my first year homeschooling, I cried, I laughed, I felt all the feelings and the one thing I’m grateful for was not giving up. These are years we will never get back with our children. If I could give you one more piece of advice for when you feel like giving up it is this, remember your why. Remember WHY you started homeschooling in the first place, before you knew there would be struggles and hard days. My WHY is what always brought me back to not giving up.
I see you. You’re doing better than you think. If you found this article helpful, save it for later and send it to mom who is starting her first year homeschooling. Also be sure to check out my recent blog post How Journaling Helped Me Shift My Mindset as a Mom & 5 Tools That Made It Easier that could help you get in the mindset you need to succeed in your first year homeschooling.
