Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or have years under your belt, there are seasons when questions or discouragement will inevitably arise, and you realize that you need support.  

No matter what challenge you’re facing in your homeschool, there are others who have dealt with the same things and have had the same questions—many of whom want to help you!  

The good news is that there are lots of support options at your fingertips, so let’s find the right option for you. 

Evaluate where you need support 

Before jumping into problem-solving mode, it can be helpful to take a moment and reflect on the following questions:  

  • What specifically is feeling the hardest in my homeschool journey right now? 
  • Is this an organizational issue, an academic issue, a social need, or something more serious? 
  • Have I already tried solutions on my own and talked to family and friends, or not? 
  • What level of outside support am I willing or able to explore? 

Different challenges call for different kinds of solutions, so it’s important to pinpoint the issues you’re facing.

HERE ARE A FEW REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES: 
  • We just moved to a new state and are struggling to find community. 
  • I’m a single parent and I'm not sure how to make homeschooling work. 
  • We've tried multiple curricula and nothing seems to be sticking. 
  • I'm noticing persistent learning or behavioral challenges with one of my kids. 
  • I’m trying to figure out how to manage a full time (or part time) job alongside teaching responsibilities, and I feel like we are falling behind. 
  • I’m teaching a kindergartner, a middle schooler, and a high schooler, and I feel like I can’t give enough attention to each of them. 
  • We recently transitioned from public school and I am struggling to figure out how to create new routines for my family. 
  • My child just started high school and I'm overwhelmed trying to count credits. 

These just scratch the surface of challenges people run into throughout their homeschool journey. Keep your specific support needs in mind as you read through these potential solutions. 

4 support options to try

Do-it-yourself solutions

Sometimes you can solve a challenge on your own with a little research and creativity! You may discover the perfect solution is a missing resource or piece of information that you just hadn’t found before.  

If you’re confident researching and implementing ideas on your own, a do-it-yourself approach can actually be empowering. 

While DIY solutions vary greatly depending on where you need support, a few examples: 

  • Finding a podcast or audiobook related to the topic you're dealing with 
  • Looking online for planning tools to help you schedule your day/week/year 
  • Using Khan Academy videos as a supplement for a tough subject  
  • Watching a step-by-step video on YouTube for some new tips & tricks 
  • Exploring HSLDA’s website for answers to some of your questions 

If a health or safety concern comes up, we recommend that you connect with a qualified professional who can guide you through your options. You do not have to figure everything out on your own.

Family and friends

When you’re looking for encouragement, assistance, or just a piece of advice, the people you already trust can be your first line of support. 

Getting help from family and friends is a great option for many situations. Here are a few examples: 

  • Asking a friend how they taught long division. 
  • Borrowing curriculum from a neighbor to try before you buy a brand new edition. 
  • Having a grandparent help with reading practice. 

Group support

Sometimes you need more than just a friend—you may need the support of a community. Joining a group can help normalize your homeschool experience and broaden your support system. 

Here are a few examples: 

Professional help

If you’ve exhausted other options or suspect a deeper issue, professional guidance can be transformative in navigating tough educational or behavioral challenges. 

Professional support can include: 

  • Educational consultants for getting personalized advice and guidance on most aspects of your homeschool. 
  • Tutors for teaching tricky subjects. 
  • Therapists or evaluators to assess learning concerns. 

***

Signs you might benefit from professional help: 

If your child shows persistent emotional or behavioral changes during academic tasks (such as increased frustration, withdrawal, anxiety, or acting out), it could be a sign of a deeper learning challenge.  

Many parents observe signs like these and begin second-guessing themselves as teachers or feel unsure about how to move forward. If that’s you, know that you’re not alone. If you’ve tried different strategies and your child still isn’t making progress, or if school is creating ongoing stress and frustration, it may be time to seek professional support. 

Learn more about the signs that you should look into professional help. 

Not sure where to find a homeschool-friendly professional or which kind to look into? Check out this article for some places to start. 

The end goal: A sustainable homeschool  

Obviously, there are no one-size-fits-all answers, and oftentimes, you’ll have to try a few different options before you find the one that helps.  

The most important thing to remember along the way is that needing help isn’t a sign of failure, it’s an intentional step toward creating a sustainable homeschool that works for your whole family.