The first year of homeschooling can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to figure out — from curriculum choices to routines, socialization, and family dynamics. As a homeschool mom who’s been through it, I’ve learned a lot along the way. In this post, I’m answering the questions every new homeschooler asks — the same ones I had when I started, and the ones I hear again and again from other first-year homeschool moms.
In this post, I’m answering both the questions I had when I started and the questions that other first-year homeschool moms commonly ask me. You’re not alone in this journey!
One homeschool mom shared, “When I first began homeschooling, I was nervous and wasn’t sure I could do it. I was also excited for a new journey. I had all the feels!”
Another said,
“I feel like I could breathe and sleep at night now. I didn’t have to worry about my son being bullied by teachers and classmates anymore.”
The Big Questions Every New Homeschooler Asks
Whenever I talk with new homeschoolers, a few big concerns come up again and again. These are the questions every new homeschooler asks, no matter where they live or how they start:
- How can I convince my spouse that homeschooling is the best option?
- Will homeschooling prepare my kids academically?
- Will they be ready for college?
- Am I really qualified to teach every subject?
- What if my child has gaps in their education?
- How will they socialize?
- Will they have good social experiences and friendships?
- Can I really do this without being a certified teacher?
- What if they need to return to school — will they be behind?
- What if I get overwhelmed?
- I feel like an imposter teacher.
- Is what I’m doing good enough?
And here’s the thing: I know how heavy all of this can feel — juggling legal requirements, choosing curriculum, managing multiple kids, supporting neurodivergent learners, keeping your patience, wondering if you’re behind before you’ve even begun, and handling all the questions from family and friends.
That’s exactly why I created tools and support options for moms like you — to help you build confidence, clarity, and a plan.
More Questions Every New Homeschooler Asks (From My First Year)
When I first started homeschooling, I spent two years researching, reading everything I could, and trying to plan the “perfect” homeschool. Here’s my story.
Even then, I had questions and doubts. Here are some of the ones that come up most often:
Education & Learning
- How do I meet legal requirements for homeschooling in British Columbia?
- How do I choose a curriculum that fits my child’s learning style without spending a fortune?
- What if my kids have different learning styles?
- How do I educate multiple children at different ages without feeling like I’m failing someone?
- Can I really provide a solid education without being a teacher?
- Is what I’m doing good enough?
- How do I begin homeschooling my Kindergartener?
- How do I help my elementary school student transition smoothly from public or private school to homeschool?
- How do I keep my kids focused on schoolwork at home?
Socialization & Community
- How will my children socialize?
- What experiences will they miss in school?
- How do I provide social opportunities if I’m new to the area or community?
- What about parent culture and community in schools?
Emotional & Personal Concerns
- What if I get overwhelmed?
- How do I manage my patience, stress, and emotions?
- Will I have any personal time or respite?
- What if I don’t like homeschooling myself?
- How can I homeschool my older kids while also taking care of my younger children?
Logistics & Practical Questions
- How do I balance homeschooling with work, household responsibilities, and time for myself?
- How do I handle questions, opinions, or unsolicited advice from family, friends, or strangers?
- Will I have to pay for resources that school normally provides?
- How can I buy homeschool curriculum on a tight budget?
- How can I keep all my homeschool supplies organized?
- How much does homeschool really cost?
- How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You
- Should I teach every subject personally, or is there a benefit to using video or online curriculum?
- How should I plan my homeschool day when life is so busy?
All These Questions Matter But this Matters Most
These questions are completely normal. Every new homeschool parent experiences them. What’s important is:
- Be clear on your why.
- Be willing to learn and grow as you go.
- Remember that many families are walking this path alongside you.
- This is the Secret to Being a Happy Homeschool Mom…
Yes, there will be challenges. No, it won’t be perfect utopia—even though you might imagine idyllic homeschool days. But it will be freedom, flexibility, and the chance to create a learning environment that works for your family.
Want a step-by-step guide to make your first year of homeschooling easier?
Watch this video to learn about my Confident Homeschool 101 Guide and get the support, strategies, and confidence you need from day one.
Where to Get Help & Guidance
If you want personalized support to map a plan that fits your family’s unique rhythm, I invite you to book a free Aligned Homeschool Reset session—just find the booking link on my website, Capturing the Charmed Life.
Or, if you’re looking for a self-directed guide, sign up for my Confident Homeschool 101: Your First-Year Guide. This course takes everything I’ve learned over nearly two decades of homeschooling and makes it easy for you to start your first year with confidence, clarity, and a plan.
That’s the power of having guidance and a plan from someone who’s been there.
“I began coaching with Teresa to help me talk out my ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of my homeschooling choices. Having Teresa as a neutral, supportive guide made a huge difference—I’m now so much more confident in my decisions to homeschool my kids.”
Reese, Homeschool Mom of 2
Join me in the Confident Homeschool 101 Course— What You Get…
Here’s what you’ll learn inside the course:
- Navigate legal requirements and set yourself up correctly from the start.
- Choose curriculum and approaches that actually fit your child and family.
- Establish routines that work for multiple kids.
- Handle overwhelm, answer questions confidently, and prevent burnout.
- Grow your confidence as a homeschool educator while nurturing yourself.
Think of it as your action plan for your first year—all the answers, strategies, and guidance you need, without spending years figuring it out the hard way.
Option 1 — Confident Homeschool 101
And here’s the best part: it’s just $25 USD—about the cost of a hardcover book—and includes a downloadable journal workbook for tracking your progress.
If you’ve been nodding along, you’ve probably asked yourself some of these too.
These are the questions every new homeschooler asks — and the good news is, you don’t have to answer them alone. That’s why I created Confident Homeschool 101.
If you’d like a little more handholding, here are two premium coaching options:
Option 2 — Confident Homeschool 101 + Weekly Coaching
- 8 weeks of coaching in the comments every Friday
- Invitation to a FREE Aligned Homeschool Reset session
- Only $79 USD
Option 3 — Confident Homeschooling Essentials: Your Pathway to Success (Premium Package)
- Everything in the course
- Eight-week group coaching
- New Homeschooler Journaling Workbook & Time-Blocking Guide
- Community forum & ongoing support
- $597 USD
Whether you choose the course or the premium package, the goal is the same: helping you feel confident, capable, and fully supported in your homeschool journey.
Your first year of homeschooling is a journey, not a test.
Questions are normal, doubts are expected, and learning happens for both you and your child every day. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. That’s why I’m here.
With guidance, clear steps, and support, your first year can be joyful, freeing, and full of growth.
Book Your Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session
Feeling unsure about where to start or how to create a rhythm that fits your family? Book a free Aligned Homeschool Reset session and get personalized guidance to set up your homeschool with confidence.
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Teresa Wiedrick
I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life.
