101: When Family Doesn’t Support Homeschooling: How to Stay Grounded in Your Why

Has anyone ever said some version of this to you, “Why do you want to homeschool? Is that really a good idea?”

Because it’s one thing for a stranger to question your homeschool decision. But when it’s someone close to you - your mom, your sister, maybe your in-laws - well, that can hurt.

It may be a tough thing to think about, but it’s important to confront this topic head-on: What do you do when the people closest to you just don’t support your choice to homeschool?

Homeschooling is a huge decision. It takes research, reflection, prayer, weighing the pros and cons, and figuring out logistics.

So after all that, it can feel really discouraging when your own family and friends don’t fully support you. 

But here's the hard truth: not everyone is going to understand or support your decision...and that’s okay.

You don't have to get into deep debates with these folks. But it is important to think through sound, thoughtful answers you can use if and when you choose to share your reasons.

Remember: you don’t have to justify your family’s decision to anyone. Your peace comes from standing firm in your choice.

So if you ever need reminders or reassurance to keep in your back pocket, consider this your encouragement.

Common Objections to Homeschooling (and Thoughtful Ways to Respond)

Objection #1: “What about socialization? Won’t your kids be weird?”

This is the number-one objection homeschoolers hear. Usually, it comes from a good place because people just don’t want your kids to feel lonely.

But homeschoolers often have more opportunities to socialize across ages and in real-world settings: through sports teams, co-ops, youth groups, volunteering, and just hanging with neighborhood friends.

The truth is that your well-meaning family member is likely picturing a classroom full of kids, and then picturing your kids locked away at home with no one to talk to.

But we all know that’s not reality.

Our kids are constantly engaging with all kinds of people (of every age!) and they’re thriving.

And if you haven't experienced it yet, you'll soon find yourself in this reality: most homeschool kids have a busier social calendar than the adults around them!

Objection #2: “Are you qualified to teach? Won’t your kids fall behind academically?”

People often assume that if you don’t have a teaching degree, you can’t give your kids a strong education.

But homeschooling isn’t about teaching everything yourself. It’s about curating the right resources to support your kids’ growth: online classes, microschools, virtual tutors, co-ops. All of these can be part of your family's learning plan.

And once you find the right mix of resources, you’ll see why studies consistently show that homeschooled students perform as well as or better than their peers: homeschooling gives kids space to move at their own pace. If they need extra time, you can slow down. If they’re excelling, they don’t have to wait for the rest of the class...they can move ahead.

Many homeschoolers work at or above grade level because they’re not limited by the pace of a traditional classroom. They’re also more engaged because you have the freedom to connect their learning to their interests and strengths.

So instead of worrying about “falling behind,” the truth is many homeschoolers are actually ahead, both academically and in the critical thinking skills that matter most.

Objection #3: “How will they ever get into college or have a career?”

One of the biggest myths about homeschooling is that it closes doors for the future. In reality, homeschoolers often stand out to colleges and employers because they’re independent learners, self-starters, and critical thinkers.

And if you need proof, there are homeschool students every year who earn scholarships and attend top universities. I even highlighted three homeschool moms who have graduated their own kids and can walk you through exactly how that works: transcripts, applications, scholarships, and more. You can read their stories here: 90: Planning for Homeschool Graduation and College: 3 Experts Help Get You There.

Another huge advantage? Dual enrollment. Homeschool students can often take community-college or online college courses during high school. That means they can graduate with college credit already earned, sometimes even a full year’s worth. Imagine the scholarships and savings that creates for families!

So when people worry about college or careers, remind them that homeschooling can expand opportunities, not shrink them.

Objection #4: “Aren’t you limiting their opportunities or sheltering them from the real world?”

People sometimes assume homeschool kids live in a bubble.

But let’s be real: the “real world” doesn’t only happen inside a classroom. Homeschoolers experience the same kinds of challenges and teamwork as their peers, even if the setting is different from a traditional classroom. They manage projects, collaborate in co-ops, interact with authority figures like coaches or mentors, and solve problems daily.

Often, they’re exposed to more diverse experiences - internships, travel, and more - than kids who sit in the same room all day.

For example, my family is considering our first worldschooling experience soon, where my daughters will attend an international school for at least a semester. Living in another country and immersing themselves in a new culture is an incredible opportunity, one I didn’t get until college.

But homeschooling allows us to give them that “real-world” experience much sooner.

Objection #5: “Won’t they miss out on sports, clubs, and milestones like prom or graduation?”

This one always makes me smile because homeschoolers have access to so much.

Local sports leagues, robotics clubs, community theater, art classes...the opportunities are everywhere.

In some states, homeschool students can even participate in extracurriculars through their local public school district. And even if that’s not available where you live, there are opportunities to participate in  private school leagues, homeschool leagues, local recreation programs and club leauges.

And yes, there are absolutely homeschool proms, graduations, and dances, too! Getting plugged into your local homeschool community helps you stay in the loop on these events.

So trust me...your kids won’t be missing out.

Objection #6: “You’re already so busy. How will you find time to homeschool?”

Let me reassure you: homeschooling doesn’t mean recreating school at home. It’s about designing a rhythm that fits your life.

First off, I don’t teach everything myself. We use platforms like Outschool for live virtual classes (use my referral link for $$ off your first class!) and Time4Learning and Thoughtful Learning for on-demand lessons. These resources handle the instruction and assignments, while I get to do the fun part: bringing learning to life with my girls through experiences and hands-on activities.

For example, when my daughter learns fractions in her math class, we might bake cookies or make pizzas to practice using fractions in real life.

And because I’m a working mom, our homeschool schedule flexes with our family’s rhythm. Sometimes we start in the mornings; other times, the girls are in their virtual classes while I’m in meetings. And then once we finish our work, we might do a field trip or activity later in the afternoon.

The key is creating a weekly rhythm: a framework that works for your family’s energy, not against it. Check out 96: Schedules, Routines & Rhythms: Designing a Homeschool Flow That Fits Your Life if you want me to walk you through the details of my family's flow.

Objection #7: “If school’s working fine, why change it?”

This one usually comes from a place of confusion because your loved one is probably wondering: If your child seems to be doing okay in traditional school, then why rock the boat?

But homeschooling isn’t only about fixing a problem. Sometimes it’s about wanting more: more time together as a family, more freedom to honor your faith or your culture, more space for creative learning, or just a healthier pace of life.

I recently read a post on social media from a mom who said she was considering homeschool because it felt “more convenient.” Then she described her current mornings: rushing out the door, long commutes, endless after-school activities, and very little time to actually be together as a family.

And I thought: Sis, your burnt out. 

Because here's the truth: your quality of life matters. And if you’re constantly overextended, your family’s peace and connection suffer.

So yes, choosing to homeschool might not always be about academics. It might simply be about designing a life that feels more balanced, joyful, and sustainable.

And that's perfectly ok.

Because just "doing ok" in traditional school isn’t the same as thriving. And homeschooling lets families define thriving on their own terms.

Objections Are Normal. But Don't Lose Your Way

It’s common for people to raise an eyebrow when you decide to do something different, especially something they may not understand.

But don’t let the naysayers define your homeschool journey. Your why will always be stronger than someone else’s doubt.

Not everyone is going to get it, and that’s okay. You don’t owe anyone a debate, an explanation, or a justification. Your decision is valid, your peace is worth protecting, and your family’s freedom is worth celebrating. 

Ready to Get Started?
If this conversation has you fired up to start homeschooling - no matter what the naysayers think - but you still feel unsure about how to begin, don't worry...I’ve got you!
Join me inside my START Homeschooling Workshop for clear, practical steps to give you confidence from day one.

 It’s the perfect place to start if you want to homeschool your way. 👇🏾