What Is the Biggest Disadvantage of Homeschooling? (And Why It’s Not What You Think)
Let’s Be Honest… if you are considering homeschooling—or you’re in the thick of it already—you’ve probably asked (or Googled): “What is the biggest disadvantage of homeschooling?”
And while the internet is full of people listing out the “cons,” I want to do something a little different.
Because the real answer isn’t about academics or socialization (And BTW homeschooled kids do just fine on both counts!).
No, the biggest challenge is something we don’t always talk about…
It’s actually the pressure to do it all.
And do it all perfectly.
This pressure isn’t imagined and it isn’t self-inflicted. It’s a mixture of internal and external forces, and if we break it down we can really get to the root of why this pressure exists, which can be very validating and reassuring all in one.
1. Cultural Expectations
Society has long promoted a VERY narrow definition of success: formal/traditional schooling, test scores, structured routines etc. And when you step outside that system, the unspoken pressure is to prove that your way is just as good—if not better. That pressure can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re surrounded by people who question your choice.
So what is the solution to this cultural expectation pressure? The key to overcoming the pressure here lies in redefining success on your own terms—focusing on your child’s growth, happiness, and family values rather than society’s narrow standards. Surround yourself with supportive voices, limit exposure to criticism, embrace imperfection, and remember that real success is the meaningful, joyful learning and relationships you’re building every day.
2. Comparison Culture (Thanks so much Social Media)
Homeschooling families are bombarded with perfectly curated Instagram feeds showing colour-coordinated bookshelves, perfectly recorded nature walks, and kids joyfully doing Maths. It’s easy to internalize the idea that you should be doing all that, too. And when real life doesn’t look like that? The pressure mounts. What do they say? Comparison is the thief of joy!
So what is the solution to this comparison culture pressure? The answer here is to remember that social media shows only the highlight reel, it’s not the full picture—real life homeschooling is messy, unpredictable, and unique to your family! It shouldn’t look like someone else’s instagram feed, ever! Focus on your own journey and progress instead of trying to match others’ staged moments, and give yourself grace to homeschool in a way that fits your rhythm and reality, not someone else’s filtered feed.
3. Fear of Failing Your Kids
This is often the most intense source of pressure, and I can tell you right now it’s my own personal biggest pressure. If things go wrong, there’s no one else to “blame.” It’s literally all on your shoulders. That fear of not doing “enough” can morph into the expectation that you must do everything—and do it perfectly. I have (in the past) tried to do everything! The key word is… tried.
So what is the solution to this internal fear of failing your kids? The solution is to release this extremely impossible expectation of doing everything perfectly by embracing that homeschooling is a journey, not a scripted performance. Focus on doing what’s enough and meaningful for your family, allow yourself grace for mistakes, and remember that your love and effort matter far more than perfection or trying to carry every burden alone. Remind yourself… YOU CANNOT DO EVERYTHING! If you are asking yourself this question, “am I failing my kids?” the fact that you’re even asking this question is the clearest sign: you won’t fail them. You’re present. You’re intentional. You’re willing to grow. And that is exactly what children need to thrive. Stop doubting yourself!
4. A Deep Desire to Give Your Children the Best
When you choose to homeschool, it often comes from a place of deep love and sacrifice. You want to give your children the best. That pure motivation can quietly turn into a self-imposed pressure to be the perfect parent, teacher, cook, cleaner, and activity director—all at once.
So what is the solution to this deep desire to give your children the best? (which obviously isn’t always a problem) The solution is to recognize that giving your children “the best” doesn’t mean doing everything—it means giving them a loving, present, and balanced parent. Let go of the pressure to be perfect in every role, and instead focus on creating a peaceful, connected home where learning and life unfold naturally. Your presence, not your perfection, is what truly shapes their childhood.
So what’s the real biggest disadvantage of homeschooling? It’s trying to do Everything!
When you homeschool, it’s easy to feel like:
– You have to be a qualified teacher (you definitely don’t)
– You need a Instagram or Pinterest-worthy daily schedule (also false)
– You must cover every subject separately for every child (exhausting and unnecessary!)
That’s where burnout creeps in.
It’s not homeschooling that’s the problem—
It’s the belief that you have to make it look like traditional school at home.
So yes—there is a disadvantage to homeschooling.
But it’s not what the headlines scream.
It’s the pressure to be everything.
And I am here to tell you that don’t have to carry that anymore.
Homeschooling is about freedom, faith, and family.
And with the right tools, it can be fun again.
This blog post isn’t about selling to you but one of the easiest ways to release a lot of pressure is to deep dive into a unit studies approach, my unit studies are designed to fit with a Montessori and Charlotte Mason approach, they are affordable for all families and there are free options in my shop if you just want to try one out! These resources are loved by families for many reasons, they take the pressure off, they save you time, they are engaging, they cover multiple subjects all in one topic, they are engaging and fun, they are hands-on and easy to just open and go. I could go on and on but you get the idea!
And if you’ve ever felt like your homeschool was too chaotic, too boring, or just too much?
Unit studies are the reset button you’ve been looking for!
Don’t forget to check out my shop, don’t be deceived by the word shop, I have free resources available and all my other resources are extremely affordable while still being top quality. You cannot beat that!
Remember to follow my Facebook and Instagram pages for encouragement, support, and additional free printables and upcoming giveaways to further support your educational journey.
