My Homeschooling Journey: From “Never Me” to “This Is Us”
I was homeschooled by my mom in the 1980s, back when homeschooling definitely wasn’t the cool or common thing to do. There were no cute Instagram schedules, no endless curriculum reviews, and very few people who understood why a family would choose that path. It was simply what my mom felt was best for us—and she did it faithfully.
Because of that experience, you’d think homeschooling my own children was always part of the plan. Ironically… it wasn’t. Not even close.
When It All Began (Completely Unexpectedly)
When my twins were three, I started looking into preschools in our area. I was shocked by the cost. Truly shocked. After doing the math and staring at our little family-of-four budget, I remember thinking, I can teach pre-k.
So I did.
We learned letters, colors, numbers, and how to sit still (sometimes). It wasn’t fancy, but it was full of love, patience, and consistency. Before I knew it, preschool turned into readiness for elementary school.
One Year at a Time
When it came time for first grade, I started researching private schools. That was a very fast no. Then I looked at our local public schools… and had to double-check what I was reading. One of the worst-ranked schools academically?
Once again, I thought, I can teach first grade.
And I did.
That became the pattern.
Every year, I looked at our options.
Every year, those options just didn’t make sense for our family.
Every year, I said yes to another grade level.
I never set out with a grand homeschool plan. I simply took it one year at a time.
When It Became My Heart
By the time my fifth child was ready to start school, something had shifted. I couldn’t imagine sending him away for those early moments. I wanted to be there for:
- His first steps into reading
- His first attempts at writing numbers
- The lightbulb moments
- The laughter
- And yes… the tears (from both of us)
Homeschooling had become more than a solution—it had become part of who we are as a family.
Let’s Be Honest for a Minute
Don’t get me wrong. If there had ever been a place labeled “Tired of Homeschooling? Drop Your Kids Here”, I probably would’ve used it a few times. 😄
Homeschooling is beautiful, but it’s also exhausting. There are long days, hard seasons, and moments where you wonder if you’re doing enough. I have plenty of stories—some hilarious, some humbling.
The Question Everyone Asks: “But What About Socialization?”
Let me put this fear to rest.
Will your kids socialize?
Will they fit in?
Here’s my answer—both as someone who was homeschooled herself and as a mom who has watched her children grow up this way:
Yes.
Homeschooled kids don’t grow up isolated. They grow up interacting with people of all ages. They learn how to talk to adults, help younger kids, navigate real-life situations, and build genuine friendships. Socialization doesn’t only happen in classrooms—it happens in everyday life.
I’ve seen it in my own children. Confidence. Kindness. The ability to adapt. The ability to be themselves.
Closing Thoughts
Homeschooling was never something I planned. It unfolded slowly, year by year, child by child. What started as a financial decision became a deeply personal one.
It hasn’t been perfect. But it has been meaningful.
And for our family, it has been worth it.
If you’re standing at the beginning of this journey—or questioning whether you’re doing the right thing—know this: you don’t have to have it all figured out. Sometimes, all you need is the courage to say, I can teach this year.
And then… you do. 💛
