Can't decide whether to home educate?

Should I homeschool my child? Is home education a good idea?

If you're seriously thinking about it, chances are you already sense it could be the right path for your family. And here’s something reassuring: in many ways, you’re already home educating.

Think about it—every day, you're helping your child learn through love, conversation, life skills, play, and curiosity. You answer questions, read together, go for walks, talk about the world, and listen. These moments are the heart of learning. The formal, academic bits? They can come later, at your child’s pace, when they’re ready. Education isn’t something that only happens in classrooms—it’s everywhere, all the time.

Yes, there will be challenges. Balancing work, family life, and finances can feel overwhelming. And you may have wobbles—I certainly did. Even with older children who’d been to school, I still had moments of doubt. That’s normal.

Home education is more than a short-term alternative. For many, it becomes a way of life—an approach to childhood, learning, and connection. But here’s the good news: it’s not an all-or-nothing decision. If your child is in school, you can de-register and try home education. If it doesn’t suit your family, you can return. No doors are closed. (Though truthfully, most families find they don’t want to go back.)

There’s no single right way to home educate. Every family does it differently—and it changes as your child grows. You don’t need to recreate school at home. Everyday life, interests, and play offer endless learning opportunities. You can explore different approaches—structured, child-led, project-based, unschooling—and see what fits.

Simple, practical steps

Join local home ed Facebook groups
Connect with other parents, ask questions, and find nearby events or meet-ups.
Attend social meet-ups
Meeting others face-to-face is encouraging in the early days—it helps build community and confidence.
Enjoy the perks
Visit museums, beaches, forests, and attractions during term time—no crowds, easy parking, off-peak prices, and a more relaxed pace.

One of the most powerful things about home education is its flexibility. You can build a rhythm that suits your family, support your child’s unique interests, and grow together on your own terms.