Why It’s Normal to Doubt Your Decision to Home Educate

Your decision to home educate is one that you haven’t taken lightly—after all, the number one priority is your child’s happiness. And if your child is happy then learning becomes easier and something to look forward to. But whilst you always have the best intentions for your child’s education, doubt can creep in along the way. 

You might start to ask yourself questions like:

Am I doing enough?

Does my child socialise enough?

Is my child behind?

Are they missing out?

Whether you’re new to home educating or have been doing it for years, it’s normal to have these doubts and question whether you’ve made the right decision. Just know that you’re not alone. Here’s why it’s normal to doubt your decision to home educate—and how to overcome those doubts.

8 Doubts About Home Education: How to Overcome Them

Doubt #1: The Weight of Responsibility

When you choose to home educate, you also choose to take on many roles. You’re not just a parent anymore—you’re a teacher or facilitator, a planner and scheduler. And it’s all on your shoulders. 

So, it’s no wonder why so many parents feel overwhelmed with this overbearing responsibility. Doubts might arise from wondering if you’re giving your child the “best” education or if you’re adequately preparing them for their future. One thing you need to remember is that “best” looks different for every child. 

How to overcome it: 

Remember that all parents, whether they’re home educating or not, feel the pressure of wanting to give their children the best life possible. And whilst it’s not always possible to shake the weight of responsibility, it can be managed with a positive mindset.

So, what can you do? Well, take it one step at a time. Accept the responsibilities you have, but don’t overburden yourself. Remember, help is out there—whether it’s from friends or family or support from a home education group. 

You don’t have to be the perfect home educator in the same way that you don’t have to be a perfect parent. A good way to look at it is to remind yourself that traditional school settings aren’t perfect either—every educational path has its challenges.

Doubt #2: The Fear of Falling Behind

It’s a common doubt and probably one which every home educating parent has. What makes the fear of your child falling behind a strong concern is the fact that in a traditional school, every child’s progress is determined by a curriculum, exams and grades. 

When home educating, this usually isn’t the case as children start learning at their own pace. Education is more flexible and driven by interests, but it makes it a lot harder to determine whether your child is learning at the “right” speed or even learning enough. 

With schooling milestones being portrayed on social media, it’s easy to feel guilty or fear that your child isn’t at the same level as their peers. But what’s important to remember is that a child’s progress and the level they should be at is set by the expectations of a traditional school, which doesn’t take individuality into account.

How to overcome it: 

Remember, the idea of “being behind” can only happen if you compare your child to the standards of a traditional school. The decision to home educate as a family is because the traditional system wasn’t right for your child, so don’t stress about their expectations, focus on yours. Every child is different, which means their pace and how they learn will be different too. 

The choice to home educate means that you can follow and develop your child’s strengths and interests, rather than worry about their weaknesses. It’s not a race, after all. Your child will never be behind; they will be exactly where they’re meant to be.

Doubt #3: Comparing to Others

In nearly every aspect of life it’s easy to compare ourselves to others. There’s a tendency to want to prove ourselves, and as home educators we want to prove that we are doing the best for our children, meeting their needs, and providing them with a worthy education. 

Without realising, we might find ourselves comparing not only our abilities, but also our children’s abilities to others. Comparison is something that you want to avoid, if possible. It can lead to negative thoughts and make you feel unworthy or inadequate, when that isn’t the case at all.

How to overcome it:

Everyone’s journey is different, and comparing your own journey to someone else’s is futile. We’re not meant to be on the same path. We each have our own to follow. Trust that you’re doing the best you can and following the right path for your child. 

Try not to compare yourself to other homeschooling families on social media, but instead appreciate their journey and realise that it is different from yours but in a good way. As long as everyone is happy and your children enjoy what they’re learning, then you’re on the right track and do not need to worry about anyone else. 

Doubt #4: Socialisation Concerns

One of the most common concerns for home educators is socialisation. This is usually because a lot of non-home educators fuel this doubt, simply because they misunderstand home education. People may believe that home educated children lack socialisation skills because they aren’t in a traditional school setting where they are always exposed to other children.

You may wonder if your child is missing out on important social experiences that school typically provides, such as making friends, participating in group activities, or learning to navigate social dynamics. It’s natural to worry if home educating might lead to feelings of isolation or social awkwardness. We’ve all done it at some point. 

How to overcome it: 

Remember, quality socialisation doesn’t just happen in a classroom—it happens in everyday life. There are endless opportunities for your child to socialise, whether it be at a home education group, meeting up with friends, or doing everyday errands. 

Another thing to remember is that your child has the advantage of interacting with people of different ages and backgrounds, and not just their peers. Home educated children have the freedom to interact as much as they like, and it tends to happen in a much more organic way, making it more meaningful. 

Doubt #5: Receiving Judgement and Criticism

You may face judgement from family, friends, or even strangers who question your decision to home educate. This is something that we have no control over, but it doesn’t make it any more acceptable or easier to deal with.

These external voices can add to your own doubts, especially if they challenge your ability to “teach” or raise concerns about your child’s future. It’s easy to feel the pressure to defend your choice or second-guess yourself when others express doubt.

How to overcome it: 

Confidence in your decision comes with time. While it’s normal to feel affected by others’ opinions, it’s important to remind yourself why you chose to home educate in the first place. No one knows your child better than you do, and you are their number one advocate. Seek out support from like-minded families or online communities where you can find encouragement and understanding from those who share your perspective.

Doubt #6: Personal Doubt and Self-Criticism

Home education can sometimes bring out self-doubt, particularly when you hit a rough patch. Not every day will be smooth-sailing and these are often the days where it’s easy to find fault with ourselves and doubt our abilities as home educators.

You might ask yourself questions like, “Am I qualified to do this?” or “Am I doing enough?” When this happens, it’s easy to compare yourself to other home educators who seem to have it all together, or even to your past vision of what home education would look like versus the reality you’re facing.

How to overcome it: 

Every home education journey is unique, and comparing your own journey to someone else’s will only make you worry too much about the differences. In reality, the differences are what make your journey special. 

Just as children learn at their own pace, home educating parents grow and adapt over time. You don’t need to have all the answers right away. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back, reevaluate your goals, and give yourself grace. Some days will be challenging, and that’s okay—learning is a lifelong process for both you and your child.

Doubt #7: Financial and Time Constraints

Another reason why you might doubt your decision to home educate is due to facing the realities of home education, which can include both money and time. The choice to home educate often, but not always, requires one parent to reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely, which can create financial strain. 

Then there’s the time commitment involved in home educating. It can suddenly feel like you’ve got a lot on your plate as you try to balance educating your child with household responsibilities and self-care. 

How to overcome it: 

It’s more than okay to worry about time and money when home educating, but there are ways of dealing with this doubt. Consider building a routine or schedule that allows you to balance home education with other responsibilities. If finances are a concern, look for free or low-cost educational resources, curriculum-sharing groups, or co-ops that can ease the burden. Most importantly, take time for self-care—burnout is real, and you can’t pour from an empty cup.

This post might be of use to you if you’re looking to home educate on a budget!

Doubt #8: The Fear of the Future

Many home educators worry about the long-term effects of their decision. Questions about college, careers, and life skills soon pop into minds as children get older. It’s natural to wonder if home education will prepare your child for the “real world” or if they’ll be at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

You may also feel unqualified to provide your children with quality resources or the right information, especially when it comes to applying for university or finding work in a particular sector. Some parents may fear failing their child if overthinking becomes too much.

How to overcome it: 

Despite what you may think, you are more than capable of preparing your child for their future. After all, the key to a bright future is happiness and focusing on goals and interests. There are also endless resources online to help with further education and applying for jobs. Remember, being home educated doesn’t stop your child from pursuing either of these. 

You can focus on helping your child develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical life skills that will serve them well in any future endeavour. Rest assured that home education doesn’t limit your child in any way. If anything, it provides a lot more opportunity. 

Embrace the Journey, Not Perfection

Doubting your decision to home educate doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong choice—it simply means you care deeply about your child’s well-being and future. Home education is an ever-evolving journey filled with highs and lows. While doubt can sometimes cast a shadow, it’s also an opportunity for growth and reflection. By acknowledging your fears, seeking support, and trusting your instincts, you can overcome the doubts and make the most of home educating. 

Ultimately, there is no one “right” way to educate a child. Whether you home educate for a few years or through to the end of high school, the important thing to remember is that whilst doubts can set in at any time, continue doing what you think is right for your child, get their opinions, and be open-minded. But, more importantly, embrace the journey and realise that, like life, education doesn’t have to be perfect either!