The Dumbest Thing I Did When I Started Homeschooling (Spoiler: Don’t make the same mistake I did)

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve done on your homeschooling journey?

I’ll go first…

I thought I could figure it all out on my own.
Yep, former teacher here. I assumed the transition from public school to homeschool would be simple and seamless. After all, I had classroom experience and a love for teaching. I knew how to lesson plan, differentiate, and manage learning. It was just doing school at home, right?

Wrong.

So, so wrong.

My Kids Were Not Having It

It didn’t take more than a few weeks before my kids began protesting.
They were not here for my color-coded schedule and rigid school-at-home routines. And honestly, I couldn’t blame them. I was trying to replicate something at home that didn’t even work for me in the classroom anymore.

That’s when I realized I needed to do things differently.
I needed to unlearn.
I needed support.
And most of all, I needed community.

Why Community Changed Everything

Whether you’re a brand-new homeschooling family or years into it, finding your people makes a huge difference.

Not just for your sanity, but for your growth, your inspiration, and even your children’s social world. Community helps you:

• Feel less alone when you’re doubting yourself
• Find fresh ideas when you’re stuck
• Get encouragement from people who truly get it
• Give your kids meaningful friendships outside of the home

So if you’re doing this solo right now, here are a few ways to build your homeschool community, one connection at a time.

4 Easy Ways to Find Your Homeschool People

1. Find a Local Co-op or Group
Search for co-ops or support groups in your area-through Facebook, your library, church, or local homeschool websites. These groups often meet for classes, field trips, or enrichment activities, and are a great way to connect with like-minded families.

2. Plan or Join Regular Meet-Ups
Weekly park days, seasonal nature walks, or museum trips are a simple and low-pressure way to build friendships for both kids and parents. Start with just one other family and let it grow naturally.

3. Get Involved in Online Communities
If in-person options are limited or just not your thing, online groups can be a goldmine of support. Follow hashtags, join Facebook groups, or find small, intentional communities that align with your approach.

4. Stay Open-Minded
The beauty of homeschooling is that everyone does it differently. Don’t be afraid to connect with families who have a different approach or rhythm-it’s often those conversations that spark your best ideas and help you grow the most.

One Step at a Time

If you’re feeling alone or unsure right now, I want you to know:
You don’t have to homeschool alone.
Your people are out there, and finding them doesn’t have to be hard or overwhelming.

Start with one message.
One park day.
One “Hey, are you homeschooling too?”

Remember, community starts with just one connection. Don’t wait until you feel ready or confident, reach out now. You never know who might be waiting for you, too.