10 Things I No Longer Recommend to Homeschool Moms (And What to Do Instead)

When I began homeschooling many years ago, I had a heart full of passion, arms full of books, and a head full of advice. Some of it was helpful, but a lot of it left me—and my kids—exhausted and overwhelmed. I wanted to do it “right,” but somewhere along the way, I realized that doing it “right” didn’t always mean doing it well.

Now, as a life coach for homeschool moms and a mentor to many, I’ve seen how damaging some of these common pieces of advice can be. They sound good on the surface, but they often lead to burnout, frustration, and discouragement. So today, I want to gently walk you through 10 things I no longer recommend to homeschool moms—and what to do instead.

This list comes not from judgment, but from love. I’ve walked this road. I’ve made the mistakes. And now I want to help you homeschool with more peace, freedom, and joy.

1. Sticking to a Public School Schedule at Home

When I first started homeschooling, I thought we had to start at 8:00 a.m. sharp, take recess at 10:15, have lunch at noon, and fit in all our subjects in neat little 45-minute blocks. I thought structure equaled success.

But homeschool is not school at home.

What to do instead: Create a rhythm that works for your family. Some families start their day with breakfast and morning time at 9:00 or even 10:00. Others homeschool in the afternoons or evenings. You have the freedom to design a flow that honors your family’s energy levels, needs, and life circumstances.

2. Trying to Teach Every Subject Every Day

I used to cram every subject into every single day—math, reading, writing, science, history, art, music, geography, Bible. It felt noble, but it wasn’t sustainable. I was stressed, my kids were frazzled, and we never had time to go deep into anything.

What to do instead: Focus on your core subjects—like math and reading—daily, and rotate the rest. A loop schedule works beautifully. One day you might do history, the next science, then art, then geography. It gives your homeschool breathing room.

3. Buying Too Much Curriculum Too Soon

In the early years, I spent hundreds of dollars on curriculum—trying to find the “perfect” program. But here’s what I learned: more books don’t equal better learning.

What to do instead: Start with the basics and build from there. Use free resources, borrow from the library, and add curriculum only as needed. Wait and see how your child learns best before investing in expensive packages. Remember: the best curriculum is the one you actually use.

4. Overloading Your Kids With Worksheets

There was a time when I thought worksheets were proof that learning had happened. I gave my kids pages and pages of them, thinking they needed something to “show” for each subject.

But worksheets are not always the best way to learn.

What to do instead: Incorporate hands-on learning, real-life experiences, and meaningful conversations. Use living books, nature walks, science experiments, and narration. Focus on understanding, not just completion.

5. Feeling Like You Have to Do It All Yourself

I wore every hat—teacher, cook, cleaner, planner, chauffeur, counselor. And I believed that if I didn’t do it all, I was failing. But that’s a fast track to burnout.

What to do instead: Share the load. Teach your kids to work independently when possible. Use online classes, co-ops, podcasts, or community groups. Your children can learn from others too. You don’t have to be the only source of knowledge.

6. Worrying About “Falling Behind”

I used to panic if we didn’t finish the math book by May or if my child couldn’t spell like their public school peers. I feared they were “falling behind.” But who defines behind?

What to do instead: Focus on progress, not perfection. Homeschooling is not a race—it’s a journey. Your child is not on anyone else’s timeline. Meet them where they are and help them grow from there. Depth is more important than speed.

7. Pushing Through a Lesson Just to Finish It

There were days we pushed through lessons even when tears were flowing—mine and theirs. I believed finishing the chapter mattered more than our peace.

What to do instead: If a lesson isn’t working, take a break. Revisit it later with a fresh approach. Sometimes a walk, a snack, or a change in perspective is all you need. And sometimes, it’s okay to put it aside altogether and try something else.

8. Overcommitting to Too Many Activities

I thought a full calendar equaled a full life. We joined everything—co-ops, classes, sports, field trips, church groups. It didn’t take long before we were running on fumes.

What to do instead: Choose fewer, more meaningful activities. Give yourself permission to say no. Protect your home time. Kids need margin. Moms need margin. Leave space for rest, creativity, and connection.

9. Thinking Every Subject Needs a Curriculum

I believed every subject required a full textbook and teacher’s guide. But soon our shelves were bursting, and our days were bogged down.

What to do instead: Some of the best learning happens without curriculum. Cook together for math and life skills. Read living books for history. Explore nature for science. Have deep conversations over breakfast. Learning is life—and life is learning.

10. Homeschooling Alone Without Support

For too long, I tried to tough it out on my own. I thought needing help meant I wasn’t strong enough. But homeschooling in isolation is exhausting.

What to do instead: Find your people. Join a support group, co-op, or online community. Hire a coach or mentor. Surround yourself with others who understand the journey. We were made for connection.

Letting Go With Grace

Dear homeschool mom, if you’ve been holding tight to advice that’s weighing you down, it’s okay to let it go. You are allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to do things differently. You’re allowed to grow.

There is no “right” way to homeschool—there is only the way that brings peace to your home, nurtures your children, and aligns with your values.

Homeschooling can be simple. It can be joyful. It can be filled with grace.

So, what’s one thing you’ll stop doing today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your heart.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, you don’t have to walk alone. I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Here’s some links to other blogs I’ve written that may encourage you:

Homeschooling Made Easy: Tips For Homeschool Moms

How To Get Out of Your Homeschool Slump

When Your Homeschool Joy Seems Gone

Support & Free Resources Just for You:

• 📥 Homeschool Mom Burnout Cheat Sheet – A quick guide to help you reset and refocus

• 📖 7-Day Devotional for Homeschool Moms Who Desire Peace – Encouragement rooted in Scripture

• 💬 Free Discovery Coaching Call – Let’s chat about how coaching can support you

• 📚 Beyond Burnout for the Homeschool Mom – A practical, grace-filled workbook to restore your joy

Friend, God’s grace is enough for your homeschool. It’s enough for your family. And it’s enough for you.

You’ve got this.

With love,

Susie