Family, Life

Homeschool- One Year Later

Kari

Saturday marked one year of homeschooling my youngest daughter. I’m not sure how many years we’ll do this—we’re taking it one year at a time—but reaching this point feels meaningful.

We pulled her out of public school last October because her anxiety was making it impossible for her to progress. Over time, with therapy, support, and lots of conversations, we realized it wasn’t just anxiety—it was a mix of factors that made school overwhelming for her, physically and mentally.

Because we left mid-year, we had almost no resources or direction. Most homeschool co-ops and meetups were already set and not accepting new members. We tried online resources, Facebook forums, and the local library’s homeschool programs, but by winter, I really started to unravel. February was especially rough—I was anxious and depressed, and even therapy didn’t seem to help. Homeschooling, at first an instinct to protect and support her, sometimes felt like a prison sentence for both of us.

Things slowly improved as winter thawed and we spent more time outside the house, but we still hadn’t found our homeschool tribe. Many events felt isolating or mismatched, and I often felt like we weren’t connecting. We ended the school year early because planning each week had become exhausting, but summer brought relief. She reconnected with friends, we had more freedom in our days, and both of us felt more like ourselves again.

To prepare for the next year, we made a few changes. She started at a new riding barn with her best friend, getting one-on-one instruction that was more aligned with her needs. We also worked with a homeschool coach who reassured us that we were doing fine, gave practical advice, and reminded us that learning comes in many forms—math can happen through baking, and it’s okay to take a break when needed.

By August, I was still nervous about starting another school year, but then we connected with a homeschooling mom nearby whose daughter is my daughter’s age. Meeting her and her daughter changed everything. The girls hit it off immediately, and we joined her co-op just under the deadline. Ella now has a math tutor and attends a hip-hop class she loves, while keeping up with horse riding. She’s building her own circle of friends, blending homeschool and public school connections.

With her best friend at a recent horse show

She still has normal tween challenges, but she’s confident, resilient, and able to be herself in ways she couldn’t in public school. I’m learning alongside her—sometimes it’s messy and overwhelming, but it’s a journey we navigate together. I don’t know how long homeschooling will last, but for now, it’s working. She’s happy, well-adjusted, and thriving—and so am I.

Somehow, we framed her beloved “Duck” in the middle of us

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23 thoughts on “Homeschool- One Year Later”

  1. I found that first year of homeschooling was so unbelievably hard. Finding our groove, finding friends who got what we were going through and meshed well with our beliefs, shaking off my own ideas of schooling and learning… I thought we’d quit so many times. I thought I was failing my boys. Sometimes I still feel bits of all those things as we have transitions and growing pains but each year and each season I see more and more that what we’re doing is working. My boys have such confidence and are not afraid to be themselves, they are learning all the time and often teach me things too, sure we do school work but sometimes I think that learning is secondary to all that other life stuff we cover. Learning that is meaningful, fun, and much longer lasting than memorizing random facts just for a test. Best of luck to you on your second year! Sounds like it’s going to be a great one!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is so good to read this because I think the biggest pitfall of homeschooling is feeling alone. Thank the Lord for social media (one of the only times I will be grateful for it) because, without those Facebook groups, we’d still be lost at sea.
      I am also grateful to the bloggers whom I have met who homeschool, you included. I don’t know what I would do without your ideas and support. :)

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  2. Wow! I had no idea you were struggling as much as you were last year. And I read every single post. You are a badass warrior and I am seriously in awe of everything that you do for your family. I love this post, because I love this light that has emerged. I can imagine that the first year would be the hardest, and I’m so glad that the second year is going to be less hard. I am also so thankful that you are sharing this adventure. Getting it out of yourself, but also getting back from the community! You are a total rockstar.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I need to get better at asking for help. Even those closest to me had no idea how badly I was struggling. My husband felt completely helpless as he watched my descent into the abyss. But man, this year feels so much more hopeful. ❤️

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  3. I had no idea you were feeling that awful…wow, what a journey you’ve been on! I would imagine that the first year is the hardest. Now you’re both starting to find your groove…I think things will go smoother this year, on the whole. I think you’re absolutely amazing…I give you so much credit for homeschooling your daughter.

    xoxo

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  4. I can’t imagine homeschooling my children, so I give you so much credit.

    I was reading the comments and it sounds like most are surprised how hard it’s been. I also have trouble reaching out to others when I’m struggling. I think that might be a human nature thing too.

    I am so glad you and Ella are doing better. ❤️

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  5. Kari, I left a comment here yesterday (I thought). Did you get it? Struggling with having to use WordPress or Facebook…want to just leave a dang comment as me not connected to some platform. Am I doing it wrong?

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I only know a couple of people who have been homeschooled. It worked for a while but they ended up going back to school. I say do what works best for your child.

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  7. Grr. I typed something and then hit a button on my phone and poof. Like everyone else I had no idea how rough things were last year for you. I cannot imagine homeschooling and fear that my gang would become well versed in four letter words. Um – they already are and I do not even have homeschooling frustration to blame. Oops.

    Do you know how much Ella looks like you? She could be your Mini!

    So very happy and relieved for you that you have found better friends and resources for this year. You definitely rock!

    Looking forward to getting together again. Maybe next time we can get Curly and Ella togetger too.

    Liked by 3 people

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