Top 5 mistakes i made my first year homeschooling

Confession: I never set out to homeschool. It wasn’t until my oldest was around 2 or 3 that I started thinking… wait, do I actually want to do this? Apparently, I did. And honestly? I’ve grown to really love it (most days). But those early days? Oof. Rocky is putting it kindly.

Through trial and error, advice from seasoned homeschoolers, and a whole lot of gut-checking, we found our rhythm. Looking back, I noticed some common missteps—things I wish someone had told me when we were first starting out. If you’re just beginning or hitting a rough patch, here are five mistakes I made (so maybe you don’t have to).

Mistake #1: Trying to Make Homeschool “School at Home”

Your job isn’t to recreate a miniature public school in your dining room. You’re building a personalized learning environment—one that fits your child, your family, and your life.

If you want structure and routine, go for it! But you don’t need a bell schedule or chalkboard lectures. School can happen on the couch, in the backyard, or in pajamas. You get to make this what you need it to be. Lean into that freedom.

Mistake #2: Obsessing Over Grade Levels

It’s easy to panic when your kid isn’t exactly where public school says they “should” be. But here’s the truth: kids don’t learn in straight lines.

One of my kids was “behind” in one subject that just didn’t click—so we slowed down, built a strong foundation, and took our time. Meanwhile, in another subject, they flew ahead of their grade level. Homeschooling lets your child set the learning pace and lets you meet your child where they are, not where a chart says they should be.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Learning Styles

One of the biggest perks of homeschooling is customizing learning to your child. Not every kid thrives with the same approach.

Got a visual learner? Bring on the manipulatives, diagrams, and colorful charts. Have a verbal processor? Break out the read-alouds and storytelling. Tuning into how your child learns best builds confidence, deepens understanding, and makes learning way more enjoyable, for everyone.

Mistake #4: Overscheduling Everything

7:00–7:15: Morning baskets
7:15–7:45: Journaling
7:45–8:45: Math
10:45–12: Reading
Noon: Lunch
1:00–1:15: Panic?

Ask me how I know this isn’t sustainable.

Packing your day minute-to-minute will burn everyone out…fast. Leave room to breathe. Leave room for the meltdown. The Lego distraction. The life that happens. Set realistic goals with plenty of buffer time, and always have a plan B. You’ll thank yourself.

Mistake #5: Forgetting the Point

I love learning. I’m always watching a documentary,reading, listening to a podcast, Googling something random. That love of learning is one of the biggest gifts I want to pass on.

At the end of the day, it’s not about checking boxes or finishing every workbook page. It’s about raising curious, confident humans who know how to learn, and want to. The most important thing you’ll teach your child is a love of learning and how to learn.

Conclusion: Give Yourself (and Your Kids) Grace

Homeschooling isn't about perfection—it's about progress, connection, and flexibility. You’re going to make mistakes. That’s part of the deal. The beauty is, you also get to pivot, try again, and grow with your kids.

So if you’re starting out or feeling stuck, take a deep breath. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just focus on building a learning life that feels good, makes sense for your family, and leaves space for joy. You’ve got this. Really!

-Chloe <3