I’ve had many coversations over the years with parents who are intrigued by homeschooilng. Many of them have also said some version of, “I think it’s great what you’re doing but I’m too scared to homeschool!” If this describes you at all, let’s go over some common fears and discuss why you shouldn’t let them hold you back!
Do you ever find yourself wondering what it would be like to homeschool?
Maybe along with ideas full of potential, you find anxiety and self-doubt creeping in.
Swirling thoughts, a racing heart, and sweaty palms.
This is totally NORMAL. Homeschooling can be scary.
Really scary.
But you know what?
So is parenting.
And you’re already doing that!
Now, I don’t want to downplay the effort and dedication that are required of homeschooling. Nor do I want to make light of what a big decision this is. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and a whole lotta faith.
But homeschooling also invites creativity, humor, flexibility, and closeness.
And these are all exciting and valid reasons to choose this lifestyle.
So let’s break down some common fears about homeschooling and address them head-on!
I’m Too Scared to Homeschool – 6 Common Fears
Fear #1: How do I know where to start?
You are going to start by sitting down at your computer, with some paper and a pen. I also highly recommend grabbing your favorite beverage.
Next, I want you to click on the following links which will connect you to posts, breaking down the steps to getting started in simple, actionable steps.
What is Your Why for Homeschooling?
While reading through this information, take any notes relevant to your specific situation. I’ve created a super simple and helpful “Getting Started with Homeschooling” guide to help you with this process. Be sure to sign up below!
You will also allow yourself to imagine what you want your homeschool to look and feel like.
Don’t forget this essential step of thinking and dreaming BIG.
Fear #2: I’m not patient enough to homeschool.
Ah yes, this is a VERY common fear.
A fear that keeps many a parent from homeschooling.
It’s so common, in fact, that I wrote an entire post about it.
I think it’s important to share with you that I don’t consider myself a very patient person.
Not at all.
But I’ve found ways to increase my patience over the years, and I’ve also learned to play to my strengths.
I have specific talents and skill sets that I bring to our family’s homeschooling. Just like friends of mine have their own talents and skills.
NONE OF US can have it all, do it all, and be everything we want to be.
Because we’re human.
But we CAN bring our own unique gifts to our homeschooling experience and lean into these areas of strength.
You also need to understand that you don’t need to teach your children everything!
No way!
In fact, I would advise against it.
Instead, look for opportunities to outsource those subjects you find frustrating, confusing, or overwhelming.
Teach to your strengths and areas of curiosity.
Fear #3: What will my family and friends think?
Wouldn’t it be AMAZING if we didn’t care AT ALL what anyone else thought about homeschooling!?!
But for most of us, this isn’t reality.
It can be daunting when we think about relatives confronting us about our decision to homeschool. We start to squirm when we consider friends who might judge us or negative remarks from friends and neighbors.
Anytime a person goes against the norm, there is plenty of reason to think there will be backlash.
But there are plenty of successful homeschooling stories out there and ways to respond to common questions you may receive about homeschooling.
At the very start of homeschooling, the opinions of family and friends can feel paralyzing. But with time and experience, your confidence will grow.
Fear #4: When will I get time to myself?
This can be a tricky one, I’m not gonna lie.
Homeschooling does require a HUGE time commitment and means that we are spending A LOT of time with our children. And while this is often a very good thing, it’s also really challenging to find time for ourselves.
It’s hard, but not impossible.
It requires a conscious effort to prioritize self-care, especially in order to avoid homeschooling burnout.
Communicating openly with your partner and/or close friends and family members about your self-care needs is critical to getting their support.
Outsourcing is another great tool as it will allow you to free up time and energy that you can then use for self-care.
With intention, support, and planning, you CAN get time to yourself.
Fear #5: What if I feel isolated?
Another valid concern.
Homeschooling can feel lonely sometimes.
It can feel challenging to find an authentic community.
And while there are plenty of homeschool co-ops, faith-based communities, local classes, and meet-ups, I actually think starting online is an excellent place to begin finding community.
With every year that goes by, there are more virtual homeschooling communities and support groups popping up.
Yay!
So will it take a little more time and effort to find your homeschooling community?
Yes, probably.
But will it happen?
Oh, absolutely!
So go on and get started!
Fear #6: What if homeschooling doesn’t work out?
Then it doesn’t work out.
And this doesn’t mean that you’ve failed at homeschooling!
I have seen all sorts of homeschooling scenarios over the years.
Friends who homeschooled for a few years when their children were little and then opted for traditional school once they got older.
Families who had their kids in local schools, then decided to pull them out and homeschool during the middle school years.
Other families have homeschooled for over a decade while others only homeschooled for part of a school year.
So if homeschooling doesn’t work out for your family, I promise you, it is OK!
As homeschooling parents, we’re all scared sometimes.
There are plenty of concerns, mistakes, and regrets that we feel and challenges that often feel insurmountable.
But all of this is balanced with joy, adventure, flexibility, creativity, relaxation, discovery, and lots of relationship-building time together.
What incredible gifts!
So PLEASE, if homeschooling is something you’d really like to purseu, don’t let your fears and insecurities hold you back!
Also, be sure to check out the following posts in this series on homeschooling-related insecurities:
I’m Not Patient Enough to Homeschool!
I’m Not Brave Enough to Homeschool!
I’m Not Creative Enough to Homeschool!
I’m Not Smart Enough to Homeschool!
I’m Too Exhausted to Homeschool!
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