How to Start Homeschooling When You Feel Completely Unprepared

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If you’re staring at a stack of books you haven’t opened, hunting for the Spanish curriculum you swore you ordered, or realizing you’re simply not ready, let me whisper some truth: you are not alone.

Homeschooling doesn’t begin with Pinterest-worthy schedules, shiny new planners, and every subject mapped out. It begins with connection. It begins with you and your children—sometimes with nothing more than a Bible, a good story, and a heart that says, “We’re in this together.”

Remember What Really Matters

Homeschooling isn’t about keeping up with the public school down the street or impressing your neighbors with how “together” you are. It’s about:

• Connecting with your children – presence over perfect schedules or curriculum.
• Exploring the joy of learning – curiosity over checklists.
• Sharing your faith – beginning your day with Scripture and sprinkling in stories that point to Jesus.
  

In her book Bible Promises for Moms, Heidi St. John says, “I’m so glad that God’s promises don’t change. They don’t depend on our strength or our performance. They’re an anchor for our souls and a sure foundation upon which we can start to build and shape the character of the next generation… He sees your struggle and says, ‘I’m right here by your side.’”

Remember: Connection before curriculum. Presence over perfection. God is with us.

Simple Ways to Begin (Even if You’re Not Ready)

Here are creative, grace-filled ways to ease into a new school year:

• Start small. Grow strong. One mom I know began the year with nothing more than gathering at the table at 8:30 for a 10-minute devotional. The next week, she added one subject. The following week, two. Little by little, a rhythm emerged.
  
• Ease in slowly. Another family’s first day looked like packing up last year’s books, reminiscing about what they loved, setting new goals, then celebrating with a favorite meal or library trip. The “real” academics started the next day.
  
• Delay with purpose. One family was sidelined by illness. Instead of forcing it, Mom said, “We’ll try again next Monday.” That’s the beauty of homeschooling—it bends to your family’s needs.
  
• Impromptu starts. Another mom admitted she sat at the table with a stack of unread books and “just winged it.” Guess what? It worked.
  
• One thing a day. Start with a devotion, a read-aloud, or a short science video. You can always build from there.
  

Remember: Progress in pieces, not perfection. Start small and build from there.

When You Feel the Pressure to Be “Ready”

Many of us struggle with the misconception that we need to be perfectly organized before we start. But as one seasoned mom reminded me, “I just had to pick a day and start.”

In her blog post Homeschooling Held Hostage, March 19, 2020, Heidi St. John says,

“Most of us took our children out of public school in search of something more, only to be hijacked by the world’s system—right there on the couches in our living rooms.”

When we try to mimic public school and allow our home lives to be hijacked by the world’s education system, that’s when you lose the joy. God designed freedom to serve and grow in Him, not frenzy, for our families.

Homeschooling isn’t about recreating a school at home. It’s about crafting a rhythm that fits your family’s life, personality, and season.

A Gentle First-Step Plan

Still unsure? Try this simple, four-step framework to get started:

1. Start with God’s Word – Read a Psalm, begin a devotional, or watch a short Bible Project video. Begin with His Word, and the rest falls into place.
   
2. Read Aloud Together – Choose a missionary biography or a classic novel. I love the YWAM Missionary books. Faith grows one story at a time.
   
3. Do One Academic Thing – A math page, a journaling prompt, or even a nature walk. One seed planted today grows big dreams later.
   
4. Reflect and Pray – End the day with gratitude: “What did you enjoy? What made you curious?”
   

That’s it. That’s enough.

Give Yourself Grace

Homeschooling thrives on presence. You don’t need every subject ready on day one. You need your heart open to God’s leading and your arms open to your children. In fact, ask God what He has for you and your children. In following Him, you’ll find the LIFE you’re looking for.

Final Pep-Talk

Remember, Homeschooling is not about checking boxes. It’s about building a family culture of faith, curiosity, and love. Whether you start with a Bible verse, a missionary story, or a library card, you’re giving your children something priceless: a life where learning and faith walk hand in hand. So breathe deep. Pick one thing. Begin.

Additional Resources

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!