So, you’re thinking about homeschooling—but you feel completely lost. You don’t know where to start, what curriculum to pick, or even if you’re "qualified" to teach your child. Sound familiar?
If so, take a deep breath. You are not alone.
Homeschooling can feel like an enormous decision, but the good news is, you don’t have to figure everything out at once. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to start homeschooling with confidence—and without the stress.
(Psst… Want a complete step-by-step roadmap? Grab my homeschooling guide here: So You Want to Homeschool eBook.)
1. Find Your Why
Before you start researching curriculums or planning lessons, pause and ask yourself: Why do I want to homeschool?
Homeschooling is a huge commitment, and your "why" will keep you motivated on the hard days. Here are some common reasons parents choose homeschooling:
✅ More family time and flexibility
✅ The ability to incorporate faith-based learning
✅ Tailoring education to a child’s unique needs
✅ Concerns about public school environment
✅ Wanting to create a love for learning
Take a moment to write down your reasons. This will serve as a powerful reminder when self-doubt creeps in.
2. Understand Your State’s Homeschool Laws
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but each state has different requirements. Some require detailed record-keeping, while others barely regulate homeschooling at all.
Here’s what you need to check for your state:
📌 Do you need to notify the school district?
📌 Are there specific subject requirements?
📌 Do you need to keep attendance or submit assessments?
👉 A great place to start is the HSLDA website (www.hslda.org)—they have a breakdown of homeschooling laws by state.
Pro Tip: If your child is currently in public school, make sure you properly withdraw them to avoid truancy issues!
3. Choose Your Homeschooling Style
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to homeschooling. Some families prefer a structured curriculum, while others embrace a more relaxed, child-led approach. Here are some popular methods:
- Traditional Homeschooling – Uses textbooks and structured lesson plans like a school-at-home model.
- Charlotte Mason – Literature-rich learning with nature study and narration.
- Unschooling – Child-led learning based on curiosity and real-world experiences.
- Unit Studies – Learning through themes (e.g., a “space” unit covering science, reading, and history).
- Online Homeschooling – Digital lessons that provide instruction and grading for you.
If you’re not sure which fits your family, try a mix and adjust as you go! (My eBook goes deeper into each method—grab it here: So You Want to Homeschool.)
4. Pick a Curriculum (Without Getting Overwhelmed!)
The #1 mistake new homeschoolers make? Overbuying curriculum.
There are thousands of options, but the truth is: You don’t need the "perfect" curriculum to start.
Instead, consider:
💡 Your child’s learning style (visual, hands-on, workbook-based?)
💡 Your teaching style (Do you want scripted lessons, or do you like flexibility?)
💡 Your budget (Some curriculums are free, others cost $$$)
Here are a few highly recommended homeschool curriculums:
📚 Faith-Based: The Good and the Beautiful, Abeka, Sonlight
📚 Secular: Khan Academy (free), Time4Learning, Torchlight
📚 Hands-On Learning: Beautiful Feet Books, Montessori-inspired resources
Start small. Pick a core math and reading program, and build from there.
5. Set a Simple Homeschool Routine
Forget rigid 8-hour school days—homeschooling is more flexible!
🌞 Morning learners? Start lessons early and finish by noon.
🌙 Night owls? Do school in the afternoon.
🎨 Hands-on kids? Mix in art, play, and field trips.
A simple homeschool schedule might look like this:
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast & Bible Time
- 9:00 AM – Math
- 10:00 AM – Reading & Writing
- 11:00 AM – Science or History
- 12:00 PM – Lunch & Free Play
- Afternoon – Field trips, creative projects, outdoor play
And guess what? It’s okay to adjust as needed.
6. Find a Homeschool Support System
Homeschooling can feel lonely if you don’t have support—but you don’t have to do it alone.
🏡 Join a local homeschool co-op for field trips, classes, and social time.
💻 Find an online community on Facebook or Instagram.
⛪ Check your church—many offer homeschool groups!
Connecting with other homeschoolers makes the journey so much easier (and more fun!).
7. Give Yourself Grace (Because Homeschooling Isn’t Perfect!)
Let’s be real—some days will be amazing, and some days will be HARD.
😬 Your kids will whine.
📚 Lessons will flop.
💆♀️ You will question if you’re "doing enough."
But you are NOT failing.
Your child doesn’t need a perfect teacher—they need you. A loving, intentional parent who is willing to learn alongside them.
Take breaks. Give yourself grace. Celebrate the small wins. And keep going.
Ready to Start Homeschooling with Confidence?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’ve got great news—you don’t have to figure this all out alone. My book, So You Want to Homeschool, walks you through:
✅ How to legally start homeschooling
✅ Choosing a curriculum (without overspending!)
✅ Finding a schedule that actually works
✅ Managing bad days and homeschool burnout
✅ And so much more!
💡 Click here to grab your copy today → So You Want to Homeschool eBook
You can homeschool.
You don’t have to do it alone.
And I’m cheering you on every step of the way. 💛
Final Thoughts
I’d love to hear from you! What’s your biggest homeschooling fear or challenge? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram @SparkledSalt – Let’s chat!
📌 Save this post for later if you need a reminder that YOU CAN DO THIS!