I get asked all the time, “How do I get started homeschooling?” And I get it. It’s a big decision. It can feel confusing, even overwhelming. The advice is usually the same: look up your homeschool laws, join a few Facebook groups, and go from there. And honestly, that’s not bad advice, but it barely scratches the surface.
If I were starting from scratch today, knowing what I know now, I’d do a few things differently. I wouldn’t waste time stressing about making the perfect schedule or finding the one right curriculum. I’d focus on what actually matters and what will really help you find your footing. No fluff. No pressure to get it all right the first time. I'd only focus on stuff that will make your first year feel doable.
So if you’re new here, welcome. If you're thinking about pulling your kid out of school or starting from day one at home, here’s what I’d actually do if I were a brand-new homeschool mom today. The stuff I wish someone would have told me. The tea.
Start by Researching Your State’s Homeschool Laws
The first thing I’d do is look up my state’s homeschool laws. Not because I’m scared of breaking a rule but because I need to know how strict or relaxed my homeschool experience is going to be. Some states just want a letter of intent or a basic attendance record. Others, like California or Florida, might require regular evaluations, portfolio submissions, or checking in with a homeschool counselor. That kind of stuff matters because it changes how you plan and how much tracking you’ll need to do. You can easily find this information by Googling “[your state] homeschool laws” and reading the official state education website.
While you’re digging into that, see if your state offers any homeschool funding. Some states actually give money to homeschool families, especially in places with more oversight. You might be eligible for a yearly stipend that can be used for curriculum, online classes, school supplies, or even tutoring. Of course, there are rules. You can’t usually use that money on just anything, but it can really help with the financial side of things. Again, this is another quick Google search. Type in something like “homeschool funding [your state]” and see what comes up.
Immerse Yourself Intentionally
Once I knew the legal and financial landscape, I’d focus on immersion. Not the kind where you spend hours scrolling social media and leave feeling like a failure. I mean intentional immersion. Surround yourself with other homeschool moms who are living it, asking questions, and figuring things out just like you. This can be online or in person, but the key is to be purposeful. Find voices and spaces that feel aligned with your values and vision. Observe, learn, ask, and take what helps. Ignore the rest.
If Your Child Was in School, Allow Time for Deschooling
If your child is coming out of public school, especially if they’re elementary age, be prepared for a period of deschooling. That just means you and your child are adjusting to life outside of traditional school structure. Your kid might resist certain activities, feel bored, or ask constantly what they’re supposed to be doing. You might feel like you're failing because your day doesn’t look like a classroom. This is all part of the process. It’s normal.
Deschooling is different from unschooling. Deschooling is a transition. Unschooling is a lifestyle where the child takes the lead in learning based on their interests. You can deschool for a few weeks or months without becoming an unschooling family. Deschooling is important because it gives you both time to detox from the habits and mindset of school so you’re not just recreating a classroom in your living room.
Go Slow with Curriculum and Try Different Options
After that, I’d slowly start exploring curriculum. I say slowly on purpose. Do not go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a full curriculum package right away. You might love it. Your kid might hate it. Or vice versa. Instead, try different things in small doses. You can find used curriculum on places like Facebook Marketplace or buy gently used pieces from other homeschool families. This gives you room to figure out what works without feeling stuck.
Watch for Hidden Costs in Digital Resources
Don’t sleep on digital resources, but be careful with them. There are so many affordable or even free options online, but a lot of them require heavy printing. Ink and paper add up quickly. If you’re going digital, make sure you’ve got a plan for managing the cost and space it takes to keep up with all the printed material. Sometimes physical workbooks or hands-on resources are more budget-friendly in the long run.
Expect to Shift and Adjust Along the Way
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that homeschool is trial and error. You’re going to change your mind. A lot. And that’s okay. What worked for your kid in September might feel off by December. They grow, they shift, and so do you. Be flexible. Be open. You don’t need to stick with one method or philosophy forever. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being responsive.
Find Your People and Build Community
Next, I’d find community. That doesn’t mean you need to join a co-op. Some co-ops are great. Others can feel like too much. You might not want or need that level of commitment. But what you do need is connection. Homeschooling can feel isolating, and it’s not something I recommend doing completely alone. Your kids need to see other kids. You need other moms to talk to, vent to, and learn from. Community can be casual park days, field trips, or just a group chat where you share resources. You don’t have to do it all, but don’t do it solo.
Just Start. Build as You Go.
Finally, I’d just start. At some point, you need to begin. Not when you have the perfect planner or the exact right bookshelf. Just start. Read to your kids. Talk to them. Do some math. Watch a documentary together. You can build from there. Your first year will not be flawless. That’s not the goal. The goal is connection, growth, and finding a rhythm that works for your family.
Start with the basics: reading, writing, and math. Everything else can be added in naturally. Science can happen in the kitchen or the backyard. History can come through read-alouds or YouTube rabbit holes. Follow your child’s interests. If they love dinosaurs, turn it into a full week of learning. If they’re obsessed with space, explore that. Homeschooling gives you permission to follow those threads without a rigid timeline.
Final Thoughts for the New Homeschool Mom
If you are googling how to start homeschooling or what steps to take as a new homeschool mom, this is it. You do not need to have all the answers. You need a direction and the willingness to try. Research your laws so you know what kind of structure your state requires. Check for funding so you are not leaving money on the table. Immerse yourself intentionally in community. Give yourself and your child time to deschool. Try a mix of curriculum. Watch out for hidden costs like printing. Accept that things will shift and change. And then begin.
You’ve got time to figure this out. You’re allowed to pivot. You are qualified to teach your child. The goal is not perfection. It’s presence. It’s adaptability. It’s growth. You can do this. And I’ll be right here cheering you on!
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