Not Smart Enough to Homeschool? 5 Quick Fixes

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Your daughter is ready for algebra, but you still struggle with long division. And how will you ever teach your son cursive with that chicken scratch? Whether it is one subject or every subject, sometimes a mama just does not feel smart enough to homeschool.

But guess what? You can homeschool anyway, no matter what you think your confidence and IQ are telling you.

Here are 5 simple strategies for teaching your kids at home. Even if you do not feel smart enough to homeschool.

Use an Open and Go Curriculum (My favorite fix when I do not feel smart enough to homeschool 😉 )

Choose a curriculum that does not require preparation. These options are designed for you to use with little to no background knowledge.

So you can be sure that your student learns what he or she needs to learn. And you will not be saddled with self-doubt. Some curricula are even scripted, leaving very little room for mama error.

Check out Cathy Duffy’s curriculum review site, or her book of top recommendations. And you are likely to find something that works for you.

Join a Co-Op

In a homeschool co-op, a group of homeschooled children learn together.

Either parents sometimes take turns teaching. Or parents pool resources to hire a teacher or tutor. So you will not be your child’s only teacher.

Some co-ops teach all academics. And some focus on a single subject. Or you can join a co-op that teaches the arts.

Some homeschool co-ops are local. So do a quick Google search. Or ask in a local homeschool Facebook group.

But some homeschool co-ops are nationwide. Two to consider?

Hire a Tutor if You Do Not Feel Smart Enough to Homeschool Certain Subjects

Do you feel smart enough to homeschool generally? But you struggle with one subject?

Then hire a tutor for the one subject with which you struggle. You can still sit in the room with your child while he or she learns.

Then you can teach your child the subjects with which you feel comfortable. Without worrying that your shortcomings will negatively impact your child’s education.

If you are not sure where to find a tutor, try

a local tutor service (Most cities and surrounding suburbs have a few. Some small towns also have small tutor agencies.)
college job boards (Call local colleges and ask where to post an ad for a tutor.)
your local homeschool Facebook group (Ask for recommendations.)
local teachers (Reach out to schools, or teachers you know, to ask for recommendations. Because many teachers tutor on the side.)
other homeschool moms (Many homeschool moms taught before they started teaching their own kids. And some would love to earn cash on the side.)

Register for Online Classes

If your child takes an online class, a teacher will teach him or her virtually. This allows you to be present while your child learns.

But your child can still have interaction with another teacher. So that teacher can answer your child’s questions and help him master the material. And you can learn alongside your child.

You can choose to enroll your child in a full-time online homeschool program that covers every subject. Or you can register your child for individual classes that you do not feel equipped to teach.

Our family has not enrolled in online homeschool classes. So you should thoroughly research any on your own before enrolling your student. But here are some to consider.

Encourage Independent Learning

(Your child may be smart enough to homeschool himself for some subjects!)

Depending on the age of your child, and the subject, he or she may be able to work independently. In fact, there are some curricula designed to use without much help from mom.

To find a curriculum for a student to use independently, search the word “independently” on Cathy Duffy’s website. Or ask in your local Facebook homeschool group. A few that we have used or heard great reviews of are

Learning Without Tears This used to be called “Handwriting Without Tears”. There is a whole program. But we just used the app to learn and practice letter formation.
Teaching Textbooks Parents love that this math curriculum is hands-off for them. But is is also less advanced than some others. So take the free placement test so your child starts in the right grade.
Ron Paul Curriculum This curriculum covers all subjects. And is billed as mostly self-taught after third grade. We have not used it, but a good friend raves about it.

You Can Homeschool, Even if You do not Feel Smart Enough!

Mama, there is no magic IQ that qualifies you to teach your children. You just need to want it. And be willing to find the right tools and help for you!

Ready to break through your self-doubt? And start your homeschool journey?

Then ID the subjects that concern you the most. So you can choose your strategies! You can

use an open-and-go or scripted curriculum
join a co-op
hire a tutor
register for online classes
encourage independent learning

Need help finding the right solution for your family? Reach out in the comments. Mama, no matter how smart you are, you are smart enough to homeschool!