10 of the Best Top Tips For Homeschool Families

Speak to any seasoned homeschool mum and they will have some top tips for you. It is inevitable that we have learnt a few things along the way. It is also impossible to have the 'perfect' homeschool. Every homeschool is like an ever evolving landscape, it is constantly changing. The landscape may at times be beautiful and abundant with blossoming flowers and new life. It also might at times be like the dead of winter, bare trees and barren ground. Keep tending to its soil and it will continue to bear fruit.

Here are 10 of the best tips that I have learnt along the way:

Tip # 1: Deschool

Tip number one is to deschool your child. What is deschooling you ask? It is an essential first phase for many families transitioning from traditional schooling to homeschooling. As a homeschooling mom, I've seen firsthand how important this period can be. Deschooling allows both the child and the parents to adjust to a new way of learning and thinking about education. It's a time to break away from the structured routines and expectations of conventional schools and to embrace a more relaxed, child-led approach to learning. During this period, it's important to encourage the kids to explore their interests, engage in hands-on activities, and rediscover the joy of learning without the pressure of grades and standardized tests.

Go to libraries, museums and zoos. Watch movies, documentaries and read books together. This break helps to reset their attitudes towards learning and helps them to become more self-motivated and curious. It also helps to establish good relationships in the family and with you the parent. Be curious together. During a deschooling period it can be difficult to not pull out workbooks and textbooks. Read more about deschooling to gain confidence on the journey. There are many articles about deschooling, if you are still unsure how it works.

Tip # 2: Establish your 'why'

One of the best homeschooling tips I can offer to fellow parents is to establish your 'why' from the very beginning. This foundational reason for choosing homeschooling becomes your anchor when times get tough—and believe me, there will be tough times. For our family, the 'why' was about providing a personalized education that nurtures our children's unique interests and learning styles, while fostering strong family bonds and Christian values.

On days when the kids are resistant, lessons aren't going as planned, or doubts creep in, I remind myself of this core purpose. It's our 'why' that keeps us grounded, motivated, and reassured that we made the right choice. Whether it's to offer a safer learning environment, to instill a love of learning, or to provide a tailored education, having a clear 'why' helps you stay focused and resilient through the ups and downs of the homeschooling journey. I invite you to think about your 'why' and write it down so you can refer back to it when you need to. Diedre walks you though how to establish your 'why' if you want help to refine your homeschool mission statement.

Tip # 3: Remember your child comes first

One of the most important lessons I've learned is to always remember that my child comes first - before the textbook sitting in front of them. The beauty of homeschooling is that education can and should fit the child, not the other way around. Every child is unique, with their own interests, learning styles, and paces. Trying to force a rigid curriculum on them can lead to frustration and burnout for both of you. Instead, I focus on tailoring our educational approach to meet my child's individual needs. Whether that means diving deep into a passion project, taking breaks when needed, or exploring subjects in unconventional ways, it's all about creating a learning environment where my child can thrive.

This flexibility is what makes homeschooling so powerful and rewarding. It allows us to prioritize their happiness, curiosity, and well-being above all else, ensuring that education is a positive and enriching experience. That doesn't mean there won't be lessons they don't enjoy - sometimes they just need to persevere through tough lessons. But on the whole, to ensure you are getting the best out of your homeschool, learning should meet your child's needs.

Tip # 4: Become a student of your child

One of the most transformative realizations I've had as a homeschooling mom is the importance of becoming a student of my child. Instead of viewing myself solely as their teacher, I've embraced the role of a mentor. This top homeschooling tip means taking the time to understand their interests, strengths, and learning styles deeply. By observing and engaging with my child, I can tailor our educational journey to fit their unique needs. As a mentor, I guide and support them, fostering a love of learning rather than just imparting knowledge.

A inspirational homeschool mum, Sally Clarkson talks a lot about being a mentor for your child and I wholeheartedly agree. It becomes a scaffolding approach, providing the structure to guide them through. This approach creates a more collaborative and enriching educational experience, where my child feels valued and empowered. It's about walking alongside them, encouraging their curiosity, and helping them navigate their own path. Being a mentor rather than just a teacher has not only strengthened our bond but also made our homeschooling journey more joyful and effective.

Tip # 5: Homeschooling is more than just school at home

One of the biggest misconceptions about homeschooling is that it's simply replicating school at home. I can tell you that it's so much more than that. I learnt that the hard way. Because I came from a teaching background, the first few years of homeschooling was very much replicating what I would have done when I was teaching in a school. Homeschooling is more about creating a flexible, dynamic learning environment that adapts to your child's needs and interests. Homeschooling learning is not about rigid schedules, standardized tests, or sitting at a desk for hours on end. Instead, we incorporate learning into everyday life—whether that's through hands-on projects, real-world experiences, or spontaneous adventures.

We can take a nature walk to learn about biology, bake a cake to understand chemistry and math, or read together on the couch to explore literature. They can do lessons at a table, outside, on the couch or in their cubby house that they made that morning! This approach allows us to foster a love of learning in a way that feels natural and engaging. Homeschooling gives us the freedom to explore, create, and grow together, making education a truly personalized and enriching experience.

Tip # 6: Group subjects together

One of the strategies that has greatly benefited our homeschooling journey is grouping subjects together. As a busy homeschooling mom of 6, I've found that integrating multiple subjects into a single lesson or activity not only makes learning more efficient but also more meaningful. For example, a simple gardening project can encompass science (plant biology), math (measuring growth and calculating planting distances), and even art (drawing plants and creating garden layouts). History can be writing (creating a story written in Ancient Egypt), technology (making costumes) and geography (drawing maps).

By weaving subjects together, we can create a richer, more cohesive learning experience. This approach allows my children to see the connections between different areas of knowledge and understand how they apply to the real world. It also keeps our days varied and interesting, preventing the monotony that can sometimes come with traditional subject-by-subject learning. Grouping subjects together can shorten their homeschool day giving them more time to play in the afternoon - and giving you more time to drink that 3rd cup of coffee!

Tip # 7: Homeschooling does not need to be permanent

One of the most reassuring aspects of homeschooling is that it doesn't have to be a permanent decision. I take each year as it comes. This approach allows us to assess our family's needs and gives us the flexibility to make adjustments as necessary. Some years, homeschooling is the perfect fit, while other times, traditional school might better serve our child's needs or our family's circumstances.

One of our children asked to attend a few years of high school. We needed to accommodate his request as it was important to him, and he spent two years at nearby high schools. This year-by-year mindset reduces the pressure to commit to one path indefinitely and opens up the possibility of adapting as life changes. It’s so comforting to think that we can always reevaluate and choose the best option for our child each year.

Tip # 9: Find homeschooling families to share your journey with

One of the best pieces of advice I can give to new homeschooling parents is to find a community of other homeschooling families to connect with and share your journey. I’ve discovered that having a support network makes a world of difference. These connections have made some of the best memories my older children have of their homeschool days. They don't remember specifics about their maths lessons, but they remember soccer classes, drama productions, engineering competitions and just mucking about at the local parks with mates.

I still enjoy chatting with other mums as we wrangle toddlers and sip copious cups of tea. Whether through local co-ops, online forums, or homeschool sport groups, finding like-minded families can enrich your homeschooling experience. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey— there are plenty of others who understand and are ready to walk alongside you.

Tip # 10: Enjoy this special time with your children

One of the greatest joys of homeschooling is the special time I get to spend with my children. I've learned to embrace flexibility and truly enjoy these moments together. Homeschooling allows us to slow down and savor the little things, from nature walks to cozy read-aloud sessions. This time together is precious and fleeting, and I cherish the opportunity to be present for all the big and small milestones. This doesn't mean every day is easy.

Some days are crazy - we get cranky and irritable at times. Other days are so busy and messy that we need a bulldozer to get from one side of the play room to the other! I try to remind myself daily to savour every moment (and every mess), knowing that these are the days we'll look back on with fondness and gratitude.

Our children are children for such a small season of life. Let their laughter ring out, their imaginations soar, their feet stomp in puddles, their hands clap for joy. Too soon they will grow up and out of their youthful exuberance and zest and settle into the life and routine of adulthood.

-L.R. Knost

Try not to get overwhelmed by feeling like you need to achieve each of these goals. Remember, it's a journey and it's your journey. Find what works for you and your family.