When meeting a new acquaintance, people often ask what I do.
When I answer that I homeschool my kids, I am often met with curious looks. Instinctively, I want to defend and explain to myself, all the merits and benefits, and freedoms of homeschooling.
And I do. But there are disadvantages of homeschooling too.
So what would I say are the disadvantages of homeschooling?
Non-homeschool parents know it intuitively, as their jaws drop to discover I homeschool.
The look on their faces often tells me, she is NUTS.
They might think I’m nuts because…
- The kitchen floor never stays clean,
- I get to see a lot more kids arguing and complaining,
- I get to see my ugly side more often,
- I don’t get to be in my home alone, let alone in the bathroom…
- The bathroom always looks like a college dorm bathroom.
- I own too many books and they are everywhere.
- I spend my waking hours relearning math concepts.
- There is always a homeschool experiment on the kitchen table.
- There is a rats’ nest of erasers, pens, markers, scissors, Lego, or Barbie shoes tucked in the sofa (and hither and yon).
- No one ever knows where the scissors are (oh right, they are under the sofa cushions).
- Computer toner is always on the “to purchase” list.
- I have to learn to multitask my thoughts because I’m usually thinking my thoughts and listening to someone else’s.
Would the non-homeschooling mom be right? Yup, sometimes. Because there are disadvantages to homeschooling.
There are definitely those days that make homeschooling seem like a less-than-happy making life choice.
But we also know that we get to enjoy all the freedoms and the upside of homeschooling.

Big Emotions Journal for the Homeschool Mom
Introducing the Homeschool Mama’s Toolbox, a resource to help homeschooling mothers manage emotions and enhance mindfulness. It includes Dr. Amen’s three questions for self-reflection. Daily meditation practices and a Thought Care Checklist aid in handling challenging situations. Sharpen your mental tools and improve your homeschooling journey today!
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Love it!
I had to giggle as I read this one! Yup, hello ugly side! Hehe