April 15, 2025

How to Start Homeschooling Without Losing Your Mind: A Gentle Approach for Moms Ready to Slow Down

If you're thinking of pulling your kids out of school—or maybe you already have—you might be wondering: Now what? Whether you're overwhelmed, excited, or somewhere in between, these homeschooling tips will help you start strong without burning out in the first month. In our latest podcast episode, #307 Things You MUST Do if You Want Your Kids to Have an Extraordinary Education, we share our most powerful homeschooling tips—including why starting slow may be the best thing you can do for your family.

Start by Slowing Down

One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is that you get to set the pace.

So many moms (especially the ambitious, driven ones) try to recreate a school-like system at home—with schedules down to the minute, worksheets for every subject, and daily checklists that leave everyone drained.

But you don’t need to do that.

In fact, it’s better if you don’t.

Instead, start with what’s called a deschooling or unschooling phase.

Think of it like detoxing from the chaos and conditioning of traditional school.

This time is for restoring rhythms, reconnecting as a family, and rediscovering the love of learning.

Sleep in.

Make breakfast together.

Read aloud.

Explore outside.

Play board games.

Bake bread.

Listen to audiobooks.

Let your kids recover—and yourself too.

Focus on What Matters Most

Homeschooling isn’t just about academics.

It’s about creating a lifestyle that promotes peace, purpose, and connection.

That means building habits of health, mindfulness, and emotional well-being into your days. Academic learning comes easier when kids are physically and mentally well.

Your primary focus should be on helping your children:

Develop good habits
Learn how to live well
Cultivate inner peace and joy
Feel fulfilled and connected
Discover a love for learning

And remember—you don’t have to know how to do this all yourself.

Learn alongside your kids.

Make it a journey you're on together.

Keep It Simple (and Joyful)

When you do start introducing academic work, keep it light and interest-led.

Worksheets can be great if your child loves them—but don’t force them.

Most boys hate worksheets.

If your kid would rather dig in the dirt, build Legos, or cook from a Little House on the Prairie cookbook, follow their lead.

Use tools like Grok or ChatGPT to generate ideas for age-appropriate, interest-based activities. Ask for a list of science experiments, nature walks, or hands-on projects that align with your kids' passions.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—you just need to be intentional about slowing down and letting curiosity guide your path.

Tech-Free Is a Must

Make sure it’s not just endless screen time.

That’s not unschooling—that’s just distraction.

Real learning, real connection, and real peace happen when screens are minimized and creativity is prioritized.

Your kids might resist at first, especially if they’ve been used to constant entertainment.

But stick with it.

Give them space.

Let boredom work its magic.

That’s where curiosity is born—and curiosity is the fuel for lifelong learning.

You’ll Get to the Academic Rigor—Eventually

A lot of moms worry their kids will fall behind.

But here’s the truth: When kids love learning, they naturally become self-motivated. You don’t need to force rigorous academics in the early years. That comes later—usually in the teen years—when they’re ready and asking for it.

If you can light the spark, the fire will follow.

My daughter, now 18, loves learning. She recently asked, “How do I become a scholar in this subject?”

That's not because she was forced—it’s because she was nurtured to love learning from the beginning.