Is This Really Homeschooling?

Homeschooling looks different for every family. Some rely on textbooks, others use computers or unit studies, and many mix and match whatever works for their children. With so many choices available, it’s no wonder new homeschooling moms sometimes pause and ask, “But is this really homeschooling?”

That question usually comes when we compare ourselves to the school system. The neighbor’s child comes home at the same time every day with graded papers, book reports, and quizzes neatly tucked in a folder. That’s what “real school” looks like, right?

Well… not exactly.

Homeschooling doesn’t have to mirror public school. In fact, one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the freedom to design an education that fits your child and your family. Your days may not look like anyone else’s—and that’s okay.

Homeschooling and Time: Short, Long, and Everything in Between

Every state has its own requirements for homeschooling, but outside of those guidelines, parents have tremendous flexibility.

Some days are short. You might finish math, reading, and writing before lunch. That doesn’t mean your child isn’t learning enough—it simply means you can teach efficiently without the “extras” of classroom management. Those afternoons often become times of deeper exploration, hobbies, or time outdoors.

Other days stretch out. Maybe the baby was fussy, the math lesson took longer than expected, or you found yourself diving deep into a history rabbit trail. At the end of the day you may feel like little was accomplished, but often your child absorbed far more than you realize.

The truth is, short days and long days balance each other. Over the course of a year, you’ll find that your children meet (and usually exceed) the hours required for learning.

Activities That Really Count as School

One of the most freeing parts of homeschooling is realizing that learning happens in so many places beyond the kitchen table.

• Field Trips: A trip to the zoo, a science museum, or even the local fire station can be a full day of school. Your children aren’t just “having fun”—they’re learning geography, history, science, and social skills in living color. (Need ideas for field trips? Check out the Field Trip Ideas Guide!)
• Community Service: Whether packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, visiting an elderly neighbor, or helping at church, your children are developing compassion, responsibility, and a heart for service. That’s education, too.
• Park Days: Don’t underestimate time at the park. Running, climbing, and playing tag is physical education. Negotiating with other kids during a game is social studies in action. And fresh air benefits everyone.

When you embrace these activities as learning, you begin to see homeschooling not as a set of rigid requirements but as a lifestyle of education.

When Learning Looks Like Play

Sometimes the most powerful lessons happen when your children are just being kids.

• Building Forts: A pile of blankets and chairs becomes an architectural project, a survival shelter, or even a medieval castle. The skills developed in imaginative play—problem solving, creativity, teamwork—stick with children long after the forts are taken down.
• Zoo Days: If you can, invest in a family membership. Bring notebooks, sketchpads, and snacks, then let the animals spark your lessons. Tie in geography by looking at habitats, science through classification, or art with drawing. End the day with reading on a blanket in the grass.
• Travel: A trip to Grandma’s house can open the door to family history, journaling, or geography. Stopping at historical markers, talking with older relatives, or observing different climates all count as learning experiences.
• Documentaries: A well-chosen film or documentary can cover history, science, or culture in an engaging way. Discuss it afterward, write a short response, or encourage your children to ask questions and find answers. That’s school too.

When your children are engaged, curious, and connecting dots between the world and what they’ve learned—you’re homeschooling.

What About the Hard Days?

Not every day feels successful. And that’s okay.

• Defiant Kids: Children have moods, just like adults. A fight with a friend, sibling drama, or simple lack of motivation can derail a lesson. Even those moments are opportunities to teach patience, problem-solving, and perseverance.
• Cranky Babies (and Moms): Teaching with a teething baby on your hip is exhausting. On those days, it’s okay to lighten the load. Let the older kids watch a documentary, play an educational game, or work on an independent project. Learning is still happening.
• Disapproving Relatives: Sometimes the hardest part of homeschooling is the pressure from family or friends who don’t understand your choice. Their comments may sting, but even here you’re teaching your children—about standing firm in convictions, valuing family, and walking in faith.

These “off days” don’t mean you failed. They are still part of homeschooling, because homeschooling is about life and learning together.

Why Flexibility Matters

Homeschooling isn’t about recreating public school at home. It’s about providing a rich education tailored to your children. Some days are structured, others more spontaneous. Some lessons happen with pencils and books, others while hiking a trail or baking bread.

This flexibility is what allows children to thrive. They learn to see the world as their classroom, not just four walls and a desk. And they learn that education isn’t limited to a certain time of day—it’s a lifelong process.

The Bottom Line: It’s Really Homeschooling

Homeschooling doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s version. Some days are short, some are long. Some are filled with field trips and adventures, others are quiet and routine. Some are joyful, others are hard. But in every one of those moments—your children are learning.

So the next time someone looks at you and asks, “But is that really homeschooling?” you can smile with confidence and answer:

“Yes. This is really homeschooling.”

Just Starting?

If you are new to homeschooling and need a little extra support for this adventure, you’ll love being on my email list. Sign up below for a weekly dose of encouragement along with a writing prompt you can use with your child(ren). Let’s raise writers and shape hearts—together!