When I started homeschooling almost a decade ago, I thought I had a leg up because I was homeschooled as a child. Homeschool learning, however, is constantly evolving and can feel like a moving target. What if homeschooling wasn’t just about teaching your kids but about learning who they are? That’s the realization that changed everything for me.
In this post, you’ll learn what I discovered about homeschool learning after years of frustration, how a simple mindset shift transformed everything, and how you can find joy in your homeschooling journey, too.
The Beginning – Taking the Leap
When my husband and I first decided to homeschool, it came as a shock to both of us. As a young adult, I swore I’d NEVER “do that” to my children. Yet there we were, shopping for curriculum and wondering what had led us to this decision.
This shift in our idea of education was nothing short of Jesus speaking to both of us. My husband, skeptical at best, questioned whether I could handle the responsibility of educating our children (then 7 and 4). I was eager and ready to take on this task, but despite my own homeschooling experience, I had NO IDEA what I was getting into.
No matter your reason for starting, there are shared foundations:
- You love your children enough to dedicate your days to helping them learn and grow.
- You may feel “unqualified,” but you are determined.
- You’re willing to face challenges head-on because you believe the rewards outweigh the obstacles.
The Journey – Why Does This Feel So Hard?
Those first years were filled with triumphs, tears, progress, setbacks, fun, and hardships. Trial and error became my constant companions. I wasn’t the brightest student, so we went around the same mountain a few times. My biggest and hardest lesson: I was my own worst enemy.
I discovered that any troubles we were having were because I wouldn’t bend in my ideals or allow my children to learn in a way that suited them.
At first, I focused on checking boxes: completing book lessons, sticking to schedules, and choosing curriculum that appealed to me. I became a slave to the clock and calendar, convinced this was the best way for my children to learn. But instead of joy, this approach brought conflict and frustration.
I realized that, despite my good intentions, my focus was misplaced. My own preferences and the pressure to “do it right” overshadowed my children’s unique needs and learning styles.
The Shift – Learning Your Children
Even after years of homeschooling experience under my belt I still felt like I was missing something. You may have felt this way too and feel like you have tried everything you could to make your homeschool fulfilling for everyone.
Everything changed when I shifted my mindset from “teaching my kids” to “learning my kids.” This simple yet profound shift transformed our homeschool learning experience.
Here’s what I learned to prioritize:
- Facilitating and Observing: I no longer saw myself as the sole source of knowledge. Instead, I became a facilitator, observing my children and giving them the tools they needed to explore and grow.
- Flexibility Over Rigidity: I stopped letting the clock dictate our days. Lunch at noon? Only if it works. School starting in August? Says who? Learning became about rhythms, not rules.
- Connection Over Curriculum: By focusing on building a heart connection with my children, I created a foundation for trust and growth. When children feel safe, loved, and secure, they thrive.
This mindset shift in your homeschool learning CAN happen overnight. I will never forget how my 4th child was learning to read and it felt like he was a struggling and I silently considered possible diagnosis – was he dyslexic? Does he have ADD? Or ADHD?
It was when I realized that I was the obstacle, I removed myself and the arbitrary goals I had created and simply saw him. He began to thrive overnight. Quite literally. He began to read faster. He started reading and sounding out words with no coaxing, encouragement or frustration. We had connected and that is all he wanted or needed.
Practical Tips for Homeschool Learning Success
If you’re ready to shift your focus to learning your children, here are some actionable tips:
- Spend Time Observing: Pay attention to how your children learn best. Are they hands-on, visual, or auditory learners? Tailor activities to their strengths.
- Embrace Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your approach as your children grow and their needs change.
- Incorporate Life Skills: Remember, not all learning comes from books. Teach cooking, gardening, budgeting, or household tasks—valuable lessons that stick.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is progress. Acknowledge and celebrate the little victories.
- Prioritize Rest: Avoid burnout by pacing yourself. Rested parents and children are better equipped for success.
Education starts from the moment your child arrives into the world. You are an educator in that very same moment of becoming a parent. Learning is not limited to a time of day or a specific location. While I am certain that you already know this, sometimes I have to remind myself of these simple facts to keep grounded as I navigate my homeschool.
Learning at Home – Even If You Don’t Homeschool
Homeschool learning isn’t limited to homeschool families. Whether your children attend public school, private school, or are homeschooled, learning starts at home.
As parents, we have the privilege of being our children’s greatest teachers. We can:
- Foster curiosity and creativity through open-ended questions and exploration.
- Encourage critical thinking by discussing current events or moral dilemmas.
- Create a safe space for our children to share their thoughts, struggles, and dreams.
Learning happens everywhere—in conversations, through shared experiences, and in the quiet moments when you’re simply present.
The Joy of Learning at Home
Homeschool learning isn’t about perfection. It’s about discovering your children—their strengths, passions, and unique ways of seeing the world. By shifting your focus from what they learn to who they are, you’ll find joy and connection in your homeschool journey.
Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, remember this: You are equipped for this calling, not because you know everything, but because you know them.
Shifting just one mindset can shift everything. I have looked at other areas of our homeschool and been able to implement simple changes that have had big impact. Check out this post on using a framework instead of a schedule. This can bring freedom and flexibility to your home and homeschool.
Let me know in the comments—what’s been your biggest lesson in learning your children? I’d love to hear your story!
