Common Homeschool Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Let’s be honest—homeschooling is amazing, but it’s also a lot. And because we care so much about getting it right, we tend to be harder on ourselves than we need to be.
The good news? Mistakes are part of the journey. If you’ve made a few of these, you’re not alone—I’ve made them too (more than once!).
Here are some of the most common homeschool mistakes we make—and what to do instead.
1. Forgetting to “Un-School” Ourselves
If you went to public school, your idea of learning probably includes desks, textbooks, bells, and rigid schedules. So when homeschooling doesn’t look like that, it can feel like we’re doing it wrong.
But here’s the truth:
Learning doesn’t only happen at a desk. It happens when our kids are excited, curious, and engaged—whether they’re outside digging in the dirt or helping measure ingredients for cookies.
Let’s toss out the idea that “real” learning has to look a certain way and ask:
What does education really mean?
It’s not just about academics. It’s about helping our kids grow—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and morally. It means teaching them how to learn, not just what to learn.
And yes—that means it’s totally okay if your homeschool doesn’t look like school at all.
2. Picking Curriculum Too Soon
I get it. You decide to homeschool and immediately start looking for curriculum. It’s exciting! And overwhelming. And… expensive.
But here’s the thing:
Curriculum is not one-size-fits-all.
Before buying anything, take time to notice how your child learns best. Are they hands-on? Visual? Do they need movement or quiet time to think?
And don’t forget: your teaching style might be very different from their learning style. (Ask me how I know! 😅)
Choosing a curriculum without knowing your child’s style can lead to:
- Frustration
- Resistance
- Burnout—for both of you
Save yourself the headache (and money!) and start with connection, not curriculum.
👉 Not sure what style to you are? Click here to read a brief run down of the different learning styles.
3. Pushing Through When It’s Clearly Not Working
We’ve all been there…
“I spent money on this, so we HAVE to finish it.”
But… do you really?
If something’s causing daily tears, frustration, or shut-downs, it’s okay to change it. Actually, it’s necessary.
You don’t need permission to pivot. In fact, I give you permission right now:
✅ Ditch what’s not working.
✅ Try something new.
✅ Do what brings peace to your homeschool.
And hey—cheaper options exist:
Look on Facebook Marketplace, homeschool swaps, or local co-op groups before buying something brand new.
Also? Try thinking outside the box.
If your day is going sideways, maybe it’s time to bust out a board game. Yes—games count as learning!
From math and spelling to problem-solving and teamwork, there’s so much to gain through play. Games can take the pressure off, spark curiosity, and reconnect you with your kids in a fun, low-stress way.
👉 Read here how we turned our homeschool into Game School and made learning so much more joyful!
4. Trying to Do It All Alone
This one’s hard, especially if you’re used to doing everything yourself. But let me say this loud and clear:
You don’t have to do it all.
There are so many resources out there to lighten the load:
- Online classes or learning platforms like Outschool
- Tutoring for tricky subjects
- Co-ops or homeschool groups. HSLDA’s homeschool group directory is a great place to find local co-ops and support groups. Trust me—community makes a huge difference.
- Community events and library programs
Needing help doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re smart enough to ask. 💪
5. Comparing Ourselves (and Our Kids) to Everyone Else
This one sneaks in quietly but hits hard.
You see another mom’s perfectly clean house and smiling kids doing school at the kitchen table while she sips coffee. You wonder:
“What am I doing wrong?”
Answer: Nothing.
Every family is different. Every child is different. Every season of homeschooling looks different.
And social media? It’s a highlight reel—not the full story.
So no, you don’t need to:
- Match your pace to someone else’s
- Teach your kids the same way
- Feel guilty for not doing “enough”
Your child might not be reciting multiplication facts yet—but maybe they’re building a birdhouse, baking muffins, budgeting meals for a family of six, or learning empathy through real-life experiences. That’s real education too.
6. Not Taking Regular Breaks
We often forget that homeschoolers need breaks too—especially since we’re home all the time.
But think about it:
Public schools take breaks. Why shouldn’t we?
Wearing all the hats—teacher, parent, cook, cleaner, planner—can wear you down fast. If you don’t rest, you’ll burn out. And when you’re burnt out, everything feels harder.
Try:
- A 4-day school week
- Two weeks on, one week off
- A random “mental health” day when needed
Whatever works for you, just remember: it’s okay to pause. Resting is part of learning too.
Final Words of Encouragement
Homeschooling isn’t about doing it perfectly—it’s about doing what’s right for your family.
You’re allowed to adjust, to grow, to change course when needed. You’re doing something amazing by showing up every day for your kids.
So give yourself grace. You’ve got this. 🌿
And if today felt a little messy, there’s always tomorrow.
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