When people first hear about homeschooling, they often imagine a replica of school happening at home, with desks, a strict schedule, and assignments just like a traditional classroom. However, homeschooling offers a much broader approach that is tailored to each family’s values and needs. In this discussion, veteran homeschooling moms Maggie, June, and Christina share their insights on what homeschooling truly means to them, the flexibility it offers, and how it centers around relationships, values, and real-life learning.

This is just part of a longer conversation between these homeschooling moms. You can read all the interview articles on our blog, or view the video interviews in our How I Homeschool course, available for free on My Compass Classroom.

Defining Homeschooling: More Than School at Home

Creating an Atmosphere of Learning

When asked “What is homeschooling?” Christina and Maggie immediately emphasize that homeschooling is not just about academics but about creating an atmosphere of learning that pervades the entire home. “We’re all learning together—parents, children, siblings,” Christina explains. For her, homeschooling is an immersive experience where everyone in the family engages in learning as a natural part of daily life, rather than a rigid set of tasks to complete​.

Maggie adds that homeschooling is deeply relational, not only between parent and child but also among siblings. She views it as an opportunity to foster strong family bonds. This relationship-centered approach allows parents to infuse their values into every part of the education process. “It’s about relationships and a foundation for each child’s relationship with Jesus,” she says, emphasizing that homeschooling offers a unique chance to guide children in both academics and life values​.

Moving Beyond Traditional Stereotypes

June notes that many people still hold outdated stereotypes about homeschooling. She recalls how, when she told family members she was going to homeschool, they immediately compared it to isolated examples they remembered from years ago. “They pictured it as the mom in a jumper with maladjusted children who never left the house,” June says with a laugh. But today, homeschooling is far more flexible and socially integrated. For her family, homeschooling means freedom to learn without the constraints of traditional school stereotypes and schedules​.

Flexibility and Freedom: Customizing Education to Fit Each Family

Parents as Visionaries and Leaders

In homeschooling, parents don’t just teach—they lead, guide, and create the educational vision for their children. June describes how she and her husband see themselves as the “CEO or the principal” of their homeschool. “We are the janitors, too,” she jokes, pointing out the many roles parents play in a homeschooling environment. But beyond logistics, parents are also visionaries who build their child’s education around core values and a worldview that shapes the entire learning process. This approach lets families focus on what truly matters to them, whether it’s faith, creativity, or a particular set of values​.

Maggie also highlights that being in charge of the “hub” of learning means you can create spokes—different subjects and activities—that radiate from your core values. For instance, if family values center around faith, each subject can incorporate elements that reflect those values, from reading materials to discussions about science and nature. By selecting this “hub,” parents can align every aspect of learning with the principles that guide their family life.

Adjusting Methods to Find the Right Fit

Homeschooling is not about finding a one-size-fits-all model. Christina mentions that finding a rhythm that works for each family takes time and adjustment. She recalls her early homeschooling years, experimenting with different approaches to discover what resonated with her children. “It can take a while to find your rhythm, find the right method, what works for you in your home,” she explains. Homeschooling, she says, is flexible by design, allowing families to adapt as they go, switching approaches or methods when needed​.

June echoes this sentiment, explaining that homeschool parents have the freedom to try different curricula, teaching styles, and schedules until they discover what suits their family. “You make lots of changes and adjustments along the way,” she says. For those worried about committing to a single method, homeschooling provides reassurance: it’s okay to try new things and make adjustments to create an education that truly fits each child’s needs and the family’s lifestyle​.

Learning Beyond Academics: Building Character, Values, and Relationships

Discipling the Heart, Not Just the Mind

One unique aspect of homeschooling is the ability to disciple and mentor children as part of their daily education. Christina emphasizes that homeschooling allows parents to shepherd their child’s heart and character. “You love your child more than anyone else, except for the Lord Jesus, so you are shepherding that child’s heart,” she says. This focus goes beyond merely teaching math or reading; it includes guiding children’s values, helping them navigate challenges, and building a foundation of faith or personal principles that will stay with them for life​.

For Maggie, homeschooling is about much more than academic achievement. She believes that the ultimate goal is to cultivate a child’s character and sense of purpose. By homeschooling, parents have the time and flexibility to discuss important life topics, instill a strong moral compass, and teach children to make thoughtful, value-based decisions. This holistic approach nurtures not only academic growth but also the development of integrity, kindness, and resilience.

Strengthening Family Relationships

In a traditional school environment, children are away from their families for a large portion of the day, interacting primarily with teachers and peers. Homeschooling, however, brings family members closer, allowing siblings to grow up together and share daily experiences. Maggie shares how homeschooling has fostered strong bonds among her children, giving them a chance to play, learn, and support each other in ways that are hard to replicate in a conventional school setting.

June adds that homeschooling creates a family culture where everyone is learning, growing, and contributing to one another’s success. This closeness isn’t only beneficial for the children; parents also get to know their children’s strengths, interests, and challenges on a deeper level. For families who choose homeschooling, these close-knit relationships become a cherished part of the experience, one that builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Overcoming Common Misconceptions About Homeschooling

It’s Not About Checking Boxes

Many parents fear homeschooling will feel like an overwhelming checklist of academic requirements, but as Maggie explains, homeschooling is not just about “checking all the boxes.” It’s about creating a learning experience that’s meaningful, enjoyable, and tailored to the child’s unique needs. While traditional schooling might focus heavily on assignments, tests, and deadlines, homeschooling allows families to focus on depth of learning, not just completion. “It’s hard work, but it’s good work and enjoyable work,” Maggie says, describing how the effort involved in homeschooling feels purposeful and rewarding​.

Christina agrees, pointing out that homeschooling isn’t about recreating a school structure but about creating a home atmosphere where learning happens naturally. For parents considering homeschooling, this means letting go of the notion that education requires strict schedules and specific milestones. Instead, homeschooling encourages a focus on growth, exploration, and cultivating each child’s love for learning.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Another common fear is that homeschooling will be isolating or that parents will have to tackle every subject alone. However, homeschooling today is rich with resources, support networks, and community groups. “You’re not isolated,” June says, noting the wide range of homeschooling communities, co-ops, and online resources available to families. These networks provide not only educational support but also social and emotional support, creating a connected, collaborative experience for homeschooling families​.

Parents also have access to a wealth of teaching resources, from curriculum providers to online classes, that help make homeschooling more manageable. Christina reminds new homeschoolers that it’s perfectly fine to lean on these resources and that homeschooling doesn’t mean doing everything by yourself. “Talking to other moms who are doing it, reading books about it are great places to start,” she suggests, encouraging parents to explore the wide array of materials and support available​.

Conclusion: Homeschooling as a Path to Family-Centered Learning

Homeschooling isn’t just bringing schoolwork home; it’s a chance to create a life where learning is woven into the fabric of family life. For moms like June, Maggie, and Christina, homeschooling is an opportunity to cultivate relationships, explore values, and design an education that meets the needs of each unique child. By prioritizing connection, flexibility, and individual growth, homeschooling offers an educational experience that goes beyond academics—it builds character, strengthens family bonds, and prepares children to thrive in all areas of life.

For parents considering homeschooling, the journey may seem daunting, but as these moms have shown, it’s a journey filled with meaning, joy, and lasting impact. With each day, homeschoolers are building not only academic knowledge but also a foundation of love, resilience, and curiosity that will guide their children throughout life.

Enjoy the entire conversation between these homeschooling moms in our How I Homeschool course, available for free on My Compass Classroom.

Need some help and encouragement to take these steps in your own homeschool? Christina, one of the moms from the interview above, would love to come alongside you for help and encouragement. Book a one-on-one appointment with her or one of our other veteran moms—no long-term commitment is needed. Learn more about our coaching services.