So, you’ve decided to homeschool—or maybe you’re just feeling the nudge to explore it. Whether you’re diving in headfirst or testing the waters, one thing’s for sure: homeschooling isn’t just a schooling choice—it’s a lifestyle shift.
And while that can feel overwhelming, I want you to know something from the start:
You don’t need to do it all perfectly. You just need to begin.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to start homeschooling with more clarity and confidence—and a lot less confusion.
Before you choose curriculum or plan a schedule, take a breath and ask yourself: Why am I considering homeschooling?
Your “why” is your anchor on the hard days. Write it down. Come back to it often. It will guide your decisions more than any workbook ever could. It will be your sanity when you want to give up. Post it everywhere. On the bathroom mirror, on your desk.
In the U.S., homeschooling laws vary widely from state to state. Some require notice and testing; others offer more freedom.
Start here:
One of the most common mistakes I see new homeschool parents make is choosing a curriculum before they understand how their child learns best.
Not every child is a sit-and-do-worksheets type of learner (spoiler: most aren’t).
Some need visuals. Some need movement. Some need quiet space and self-direction. When you understand your child’s learning style, everything from daily lessons to curriculum choices becomes clearer.
Want help figuring it out? I created a FREE Learning Style Assessment + Guide that breaks it all down for you.
You'll learn how to identify your child’s learning style and see how that translates into different teaching approaches that actually work.
>> Grab it here: learningstyles.kimberjoycee.com
You don’t have to recreate public school at home (unless that works for your child). Homeschooling can look totally different—and still be effective.
Popular styles include:
I also have a full section in my HUB that breaks down each learning style and pairs it with curriculum recommendations — feel free to hop over and explore when you’re ready.
Inside the Discover Your Child’s Unique Learning Style Guide I’ve included a list of the most popular homeschool teaching styles, along with deeper real-life examples of how they look in action. Pick the one that feels like the best starting point for your family. Your style will evolve as your confidence grows.
Truth: You don’t need a color-coded schedule, a laminator, and a Pinterest-worthy homeschool room.
Start with:
Homeschooling doesn’t mean doing it alone. Look for:
Give yourself permission to start slow. Ease into one subject at a time. Build margin into your day. Expect to pivot. Your first year is about finding rhythm, not perfection.
Homeschooling is sacred work, mama. It’s also stretching, holy, and sometimes flat-out hard. But it’s also the place where connection and creativity come alive.
You don’t have to do it all today. You just have to take the first step.
P.S. If that first step is understanding how your child learns—