8 Good Reasons Not to Homeschool & How to Overcome Them

I’m one of homeschooling’s biggest supporters! Yes, I’m that into it! 😁 So you might be a bit surprised that I’m even looking at reasons not to homeschool.

But I think it’s super important to look at homeschooling from all angles before jumping in. Just so that you may spot any possible obstacles before you get started.

Don’t worry! I will give you as many reasons to homeschool as reasons not to homeschool. So that by the end of the post, you’ll feel confident enough to at least give it a try!

1. You’ll Find Many Reasons Not to Homeschool with a Fixed Mindset

Having a fixed mindset is a sure fire way not to have a successful homeschool. As a working homeschool mom, you’re going to encounter many difficulties. It’s inevitable with everything that you need to fit into your day.

With a fixed mindset, these issues are quickly going to feel impossible to overcome. They may seem so daunting that you don’t even want to start! I get you! It can be scary to embark on this journey. But if you see these possible hiccups as a way to learn and grow, you’re going to do just fine!

A growth mindset means that you…

• are willing to try hard things
• can move on from difficulties
• learn from your mistakes
• give yourself a pat on the back for trying!

2. Don’t Homeschool if it’s Not Your Priority

If homeschooling isn’t your priority, you’ll find reasons not to homeschool. It’s going to be hard to find the time in your busy schedule to homeschool if it’s not that important to you.

Knowing what your values and goals are, is the best way to find time for the things that matter to you. It’s a good idea to figure your priorities out and to see if homeschooling is on there.

It will also help to know your why when times get tough. Homeschooling will probably not be plain sailing all the time. So you’re probably going to need to dig deep sometimes to keep going. Your why will help you.

I think it’s really helpful to…

• write your values and goals down somewhere and refer to them regularly
• check in with yourself to make sure you’re still on track
• spend time being mindful so that you can break through the noise and hear what’s in your heart.

3. Comparing Can Make You Hate Homeschooling

Comparing will also give you lots of reasons not to homeschool. It’s ok to be inspired by other homeschoolers, but trying to copy what they’re doing, will lead to disaster!

• It will raise your expectations, which is a surefire recipe for disappointment.
• You could try to emulate families that have totally different realities to you. Not possible!
• The added pressure to be something you’re not will make everyone miserable.
• You may not be able to find your unique homeschool style, because you’re too concerned with what others are doing.

The simple way to avoid comparing is to not do it. Easier said that done, I know! Staying off social media is a good start. And really looking at how your kids learn and crafting your homeschool around that, will also help.

Once you’re able to lean into the uniqueness that is your homeschool, you’ll start to reap the benefits. So don’t be afraid to do things that might seem strange or counterintuitive. It might take time to figure it out. But it will be worth it.

4. Without a Community There are Lots of Reasons not to Homeschool

Homeschooling can be a lonely path to take. There are so many elements involved, that it’s easy to feel like it’s just too much! And that’s why having no community can spell disaster.

Without a community…

• you will feel totally alone and isolated.
• things may become so overwhelming that you decide to quit.
• it’s possible that you’ll think you’re doing it all wrong.
• could have no idea where to even start!

Going it alone, is never a good idea. We all need some kind of support on our homeschooling journeys. This is especially true of we don’t have direct help from partners, family or friends.

If this is you, then you can find community in other places.

• Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are full of supportive homeschoolers.
• You may be lucky enough to have homeschoolers in your neighbourhood or town. Join them if they’re a good fit for you!

5. If Your Kids Aren’t into, It Don’t Homeschool

Homeschooling should be a joint effort between kids and parents. You are not going to have much luck if you force your children to do things they don’t want to do. This is how you create resistance!

I am an expert in reluctant learners! My children are neurodivergent so they tend towards reluctance as a default. And getting them to do things they don’t want to, is impossible!

It can be frustrating, exhausting and bad for your family connection. You obviously have the best intentions for your children, but if they’re not onboard, it’s going to be useless.

But if you’re willing to face this problem with an open mind and an open heart, you could convince your kids to be homeschooled.

• Involve them in their learning. If they can have a say, they’re going to be much more motivated.
• Prioritize your connection over academics. The relationship you have with your kids is more important than anything else.
• Be open to what they have to say. Treat them like autonomous humans rather than followers who have to obey you.
• Offer them opportunities to socialize, if that’s what they’re craving. They could take part in sports or join a co-op.
• Let them change their minds. We’re all allowed to make mistakes and change our minds. This is how we learn!

6. Wanting a Pristine House Will Give you Many Reasons Not To Homeschool

Having a Pinterest perfect house is often not possible when you homeschool. Your home will serve many different purposes at once. So it’s really hard to keep it clean at all times.

If this is a non-negotiable, then it’s going to be hard to create an environment that’s conducive to learning. Because learning can and should be messy and chaotic.

But obviously I have some suggestions for you!

• Involve your kids in chores. Homeschooling is the perfect way to teach them how to clean.
• Declutter your home. Once you get rid of excess stuff, it leaves room for the things that matter.
• If you have the budget, get someone to clean for you.
• Create a dedicated space for homeschooling, if you have the room… preferably one with a door!

7. You Will Have to Spend Loads of Time with Your Kids

Have you ever been asked by non-homeschooling parents how you do it? Have they ever said that they could never do it? I’ve heard these two sentences many times!

I do not in any way want to shame other parents. We all have our own motivations, values and goals. And homeschooling may not be part of them for everyone. We all need to parent our kids in the way we see fit.

But if the thought of spending so much time with your kids is also scary, then take heart. You’re not alone. I also used to be so happy when weekends and school holidays we over. But my motivation to homeschool is stronger.

If you want to homeschool but can’t see yourself spending 24/7 with your kids, there are some things you can do.

• Outsource your homeschooling. You could send your kids to a co-op or use online classrooms where other teachers can teach them.
• Do homeschool swaps with other families. In this way, you’ll get breaks from homeschooling.
• Allow your kids to do all the extramural activities and have loads of playdates. This will be great for socialization and will also give you a breather.
• Set boundaries around your time. If kids know that homeschool time is homeschool time and work time is work time, you’ll be able to have some breaks during the day.

8. If You Hate Making Food, Homeschooling Might Not Be for You

When you’re homeschooling, you’ll soon feel like you’re running a restaurant. When we started out, the kids basically ate 24 hours a day. I think they were so thrilled to be able to eat when they wanted to, that they just went crazy! It was a nightmare! 😱

There are loads of funny homeschool memes about second breakfast. But it’s really no joke! And if this something that’s going to drive you mad, then homeschooling is not going to be manageable without some planning.

Once again, there are ways to overcome this. You know me – a solution for every homeschool problem!

• Have consistent meal times. This is best for everyone in the family even if it could take some time to get started. It will mean less cooking for you and more structure for the kids.
• Give them lots of healthy snacks they can get on their own. My boys like fruit and rice cakes. As they’re healthy, I’m happy for them to eat as much as they like.
• Batch cook. This takes a bit more effort over weekends, but you’ll reap the rewards for the rest of the week.

It’s Easy to Find Reasons Not to Homeschool

It’s easy to find lots of reasons not to homeschool because it’s a tough path to take. It may not be for everyone. But at the end of the day, if you’re motivated to do it, you’ll find solutions to all your doubts. And with time, you’ll also build confidence. I’m not saying that eventually it will become easy. But you will have more tools to overcome the tough times.

That being said, if you’re struggling, please reach out to me. We can have a look at your doubts together and find a way forward to suits you and your family. As always I’m here to support you and cheer you on!

PS I was meant to find 10 reasons not to homeschool but I could only find 8. I think that says a lot! 😁

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