Oh boy, are you guys in for a treat! Homeschool fears run rampant these days, and I’d like to address them. Before I say too much more, take a glance at my free homeschool resource library. will be enough to bring peace to the minds of those interested in homeschooling.

Homeschool Fears

So without further ado, let’s talk homeschooling fears. I would venture to say that this is the leading factor in parents and families choosing not homeschool or procrastinating the decision. I’ve always lived under the assumption that we have a choice between fear and faith. Fear will lead us to procrastinating and pushing off decisions. Faith will lead to us proactive actions. Of course, one of the primary factors in making faith work, is to do our homework and understand why fear is not necessary, and why it is merely a roadblock.

Today I want to cover 8 common homeschooling fears and WHY these fears are nonsensical. Don’t get me wrong, some of these things can be problems, but homeschooling is definitely not the source of the problem, and other schooling options (although they don’t generate the fear) are just as capable of creating an environment that fosters these fears.

I am not qualified to teach my children, I do not have a teaching degree.

So the real first question is: What would you learn if you had an education degree? Most education degrees put a LOT of focus on multiculturalism, diversity, childhood development, and controlling large classrooms. Multiculturalism, diversity, and controlling large classrooms, for you as a mother, aren’t really necessary, and there are multiple free online resources for you to use, if you wish, that can teach you about childhood development. Otherwise, many classes cover what your students should be learning at what stage of school they’re in and how to integrate technology in the learning atmosphere.

You are qualified to teach your children because you are their parent and you love them. As long as you are willing to facilitate in your child’s education, outsource to reliable curriculum resources, and learn with them, you are qualified to teach your children. Simply remember that in America’s history, children were only admitted to school after they had learned their first 3 R’s: Reading, Writing, and ‘Rithmetic.

Keep in mind that you, as a parent, are responsible for your child learning to walk, talk, and be potty-trained. You’ve already been homeschooling your children. You know how. You just have to be humble enough to recognize where your weaknesses lie, so that you can seek for outside help.

Should this be one of your homeschool fears? Not according to research.

What about my children’s socialization? Will they be ruined?

A lot of people jumping into homeschooling worry that their children will start to become those odd, antisocial children that nobody can relate to. And I will say that in some ways this might be true.

In my experience, going back to high school after learning to interact with adults was REALLY difficult because my teachers did not know how to interact with me as an adult. They were used to dealing with students that were always below them. That is a huge learning curve for a student that is readjusting to that kind of environment; however, homeschooling only creates social rejects if you let it.

The fact of the matter is: children learn POSITIVE socialization at home. Children learn to interact with their siblings and parents. They have their parent there to teach them why we should be kind and considerate instead of a teacher enforcing a rule to be kind and considerate. Children are less likely to experience bullying and are more likely to be treated as a capable learner instead of another one of the crowd. Socialization is meant to prepare people for the real world and grade school has hard time even preparing people for college, let alone the real world.

An important note: make sure your children are participating in their communities by volunteering, joining homeschooling co-ops, and picking an extracurricular activity. This will expose your children to different people and encourage them to interact with others. As long as you get your kids out of the house, you’re heading in the right direction.

Should this be one of your homeschool fears? History tells us no.

I can’t stay patient with my children if they are always around.

News flash: neither can teachers. But who can be more devoted to a child than their own parents? School projects, homework, and chores can still be stressful even when your kids spend 8 hours a day at school, but when your child is in school, you are on their schedule. At home, your family can decide on rules, schedules, and responsibilities that work for YOU.

Another important note: Once you are homeschooling, your children’s education is about YOUR schedule. Of course you need to keep up and make sure your children are learning, but if you have a day where you have lost your patience take a couple days off! You are allowed. Find a homeschooling buddy and trade off the kids for a couple days to relax and regroup.

I’m worried I will miss teaching something in my curriculum.

Everyone misses something in school. Sometimes it is because the teacher skims over the material, sometimes a child needs more time spent to understand the material, sometimes a teacher teaches it wrong (I’ve been there), or sometimes your child is just too bored with the material to care.

No child can learn everything. In fact, no human can learn everything.

Important note: most important is that your child must learn to read. If they can read then they have an infinite amount of knowledge right at their fingertips.

My child will not get the attention they need.

News flash: they won’t get that in school either. Even the smallest classes in regular public school have over 20 children. Most of us don’t have 20 children running around the house. Your child will get all of the attention they need, and they have your attention most of the day instead of only during school hours or “office hours.” 

This does not negate the fact that sometimes we, as parents, will get too lost in outside influences. Sometimes we find ourselves reading through posts on social media, and actively ignoring our children in the process. Homeschooling will give you less “you” time. So as you prepare to homeschool that is something that you need to consider; however, if you already have toddlers at home, you know what it’s like to have your attention constantly needed.

The best way to assure your children get the attention they need (and that you get the “you” time you need) is to make sure to set a schedule that is generous to everyone. 

My kids will be different.

So? Everyone’s kids are different. No two family’s kids are exactly the same. In fact, no two children in the same family are the same. I’d be more worried if your kids were regular. Different can be really good if you’re willing to put in the effort. This is one of the irrational homeschool fears.

As homeschoolers, we get more hours in a day to help shape our children. We can choose to shape them into contributing members of society or not. At school they can be pulled in many different directions from teachers, classmates, and others. At home there will be less confusion. Yes, your children will be different, because you will teach them how to behave, not the school system. 

I’m not smart enough to teach my children.

Do you know how to read? You’ll be fine.

Did you graduate high school? Even better.

Get a college degree? Awesome!

You’re smart enough and don’t let anyone tell you any different.

Important Point: Research shows that regardless of the education levels of the parents there is virtually no difference in the testing ability of homeschooled children. You don’t have anything to worry about.

My kids will never get out of their PJs.

I’m sorry to break it to you, that isn’t a homeschooling problem! It’s a parenting problem. Of all of the homeschool fears, this one makes me laugh.

If being up, dressed, and ready for the day before school starts at home is important to you then you have to make that happen. Likewise, if you don’t care if your kids are in their PJs all day, that is your prerogative. Kids can learn, no matter what they’re wearing.

Conclusion

There are lots of reasons to be afraid of homeschooling. But guess what? There are a lot of reasons to be afraid of going to the store, or going to a public school, or really anything else in life. As long as you come to the challenge prepared and ready to push yourself there is no reason you can’t succeed in the homeschooling environment! Common homeschool fears should never be a deterrent from taking the leap.

If you’re looking for useful homeschooling resources, check out our homeschool resource library.

What are fears you have recognized yourself feeling in relation to homeschooling?