What to Do If You Don’t Like Homeschooling (But Already Started!)

So, you dove in. You bought the curriculum. You sharpened the pencils. You rearranged the dining room. Maybe you even created a cozy little corner with a calendar, maps, and bins for each child. You did all the things.

And now… you’re sitting there wondering, “What have I done?”

First of all, take a deep breath. No, really—breathe. Let it out slowly. You are not alone. So many parents who choose to homeschool go through this exact same phase. That uncertain, sticky place where the honeymoon is over and reality has come knocking with a pile of laundry, math tears, and the sneaky suspicion that you might not be cut out for this.

Let’s talk about it. Gently. Kindly. Honestly.

You’re Not Failing

Here’s the truth: not enjoying homeschooling doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent or a bad teacher. It doesn’t mean your kids are doomed or that you’ve made an irreversible mistake. It just means… you’re human. Homeschooling is a big commitment, and it’s okay if it doesn’t feel like the right fit right now—or ever.

Sometimes, we say “yes” to homeschooling for all the right reasons—flexibility, personalized learning, more family time, special needs, safety, or even just curiosity—and still find ourselves floundering. That doesn’t mean your reasons were wrong. It just means you’re learning, too.

Step One: Check in With Yourself

Before you overhaul everything or throw in the towel, get curious. What exactly don’t you like?

• Is it the curriculum? (Too rigid? Too confusing? Too boring?)
• Is it the schedule? (Too much? Too little? Not fitting your natural rhythm?)
• Is it the pressure? (Feeling responsible for everything?)
• Is it the loneliness? (Missing adult connection or time to yourself?)

Try journaling your feelings or talking them out with a trusted friend. Sometimes what we think is the issue isn’t the root at all. Getting clarity can help you make better decisions moving forward.

Step Two: Release the Pressure to Get it Perfect

A lot of the frustration in homeschooling comes from trying to do it like a “real” school. But here’s the thing: you’re not running a mini public school out of your living room. You’re building something totally unique—something that serves your family.

So, go ahead and:

• Scrap the curriculum that’s making everyone cry.
• Do a week of “unschooling” to reset and observe what your kids are naturally drawn to.
• Switch to a 4-day week or shorter learning blocks.
• Declare a mental health day and go for a hike.

Homeschooling can be creative, flexible, and even fun—but only if you give yourself permission to bend the rules (or toss them out entirely).

Step Three: Phone a Friend

Whether you know homeschoolers in your community or need to hop into a Facebook group or co-op meetup, find your people. Even if you’re more of an introvert, having someone to swap stories, share resources, or just vent to can be game-changing.

You might discover that many other families are doing it differently—and thriving. You might even hear someone say, “Oh yeah, I hated it my first year too.” Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone is enough to keep going with a little more grace.

Step Four: Reassess Without Shame

Now, let’s talk about the big one: what if you decide homeschooling truly isn’t for you?

That’s okay. Really.

There is no shame in deciding that this isn’t the right path for your family right now. Maybe a hybrid program or charter school would give you the support you need. Maybe public or private school is a better fit for your child’s learning style. Maybe you just need to take a break and revisit homeschooling later.

You’re not giving up—you’re making a conscious choice based on what your family needs. That’s parenting. That’s love.

And If You Do Decide to Keep Going…

Beautiful. Brave. You’re still in this. Maybe a little tired and overwhelmed, but still showing up.

Here are a few gentle reminders:

• You don’t need to be your child’s everything. Let documentaries, apps, audiobooks, tutors, and nature help you out.
• It’s okay to have bad days. Or weeks. Or months. Homeschooling is a long game.
• What your child remembers most won’t be the perfect lesson plans—it’ll be the warmth, the time together, and the freedom to learn at their own pace.

So whether you pivot completely or just tweak the edges of what you’re doing, you’re making the best choice for your family. And that, my friend, is exactly what good homeschooling looks like.

You’ve got this. One day, one choice, one gentle step at a time.