5 Homeschooling Truths I Wish I Knew Sooner (from a Teacher-Turned-Homeschool-Dad

If you’re new to homeschooling or even if you’ve been at it for a while, you’ve probably asked yourself:

“Am I doing this right?”

In this week’s episode of Homeschool Hints: How We Do It, we sit down with Mr. Dave, a longtime teacher and homeschool dad who shares honest, encouraging wisdom from both sides of the desk. After 25 years in the classroom and years spent homeschooling his own kids, Mr. Dave now runs Waterstone Academy, a resource for homeschool co-ops across Manitoba. In our conversation, he dropped some serious truth bombs, insightful, funny, and sometimes haunting.

Here’s a recap of five things every homeschool parent needs to hear, especially if you're in the thick of figuring it all out.

1. You’re the World’s Leading Expert on Your Kids

Let’s start here: there is no one more invested in your child’s growth, success, and well-being than you.

Not a teacher. Not a principal. Not a curriculum developer.

As Mr. Dave puts it:

"If you’re not qualified to homeschool your kids, who is?"

You know their quirks. You know what makes them tick. You’re the one tucking them in at night, helping them process their big feelings, and cheering their milestones (even if they’re small and hard-won). Homeschooling isn’t about having a teaching degree; it’s about being willing to learn alongside your kids and adapt to their needs.

That’s not just encouraging. It is empowering.

2. Stop Doing What’s Not Working

One of the most repeated lines from this episode (and a potential new family motto):

“If it’s not working—you can stop. Even in the middle of the page.”

Homeschooling gives us the freedom to pivot. Just because a curriculum works for one child, or one family, doesn’t mean it’ll work for yours. And that’s okay.

We heard stories about teaching kids to read too early, hitting roadblocks, taking a break, and trying again when they were truly ready. When they were motivated, it all clicked.

Whether it’s math, reading, writing, or just the format of your day, you have permission to pause, reassess, and try something else. That’s not failure. It’s what learning looks like.

3. Motivation Is a Muscle—Not a Mystery

This episode is packed with stories about how kids want to learn… when the conditions are right.

Mr. Dave shared how his own kids were motivated to read using a homemade “reading snake” that tracked every book they finished, with milestone celebrations and family parties. In our home, we used a simple reading calendar inspired by the old BookIt program and it transformed our mornings.

⬇️ Free Download: Grab the Reading Calendar Here
(PDF format – perfect for printing and putting on your fridge!)

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Whether it’s a Lego reward, a cupcake, or a dinner with extended family - what matters is building a sense of momentum and mastery. Kids are motivated when they see progress. And you get a front row seat to that spark.

4. Learning Is Happening All the Time (Even When It Doesn’t Look Like It)

One of the most beautiful parts of homeschooling is realizing that life is the classroom.

Math can happen on the kitchen floor in pajamas. Reading can happen under a blanket with a flashlight. Writing can happen in a doodle or while narrating aloud. Mr. Dave reminded us that even things like music, posture, and pen choice can influence a child’s focus and confidence.

We’re not just delivering information. We’re helping kids discover how they learn.

🎧 Listen for the segment about doodling while learning. It’s mind-blowing and might just change how you do read-alouds.

5. You’re Growing Up, Too

This one hit hard:

“When we were kids, we were watching our parents grow up.”

Let that land for a minute.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. In fact, your kids watching you learn and adapt and wrestle with decisions is part of the learning process. They’re learning from your curiosity, your mistakes, your willingness to say, “This isn’t working, let’s try something else.”

Homeschooling isn't just for your kids. It's for you, too.

Bonus: The Best Reading Book Mr. Dave Recommends

In the episode, Mr. Dave references a book his family loved when teaching their kids to read:

📚 Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
(It’s straightforward, scripted, and effective - especially if you’re just getting started.)

Want More?

This episode is full of gems. Whether you’re wondering how to keep your kids motivated, why your 5-year-old isn’t clicking with reading yet, or how to customize your homeschool life without losing your mind—Mr. Dave’s insights are equal parts practical and grace-filled.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now:

→ Apple Podcasts
→ Spotify
→ Listen here @ Homeschoolhints.com

And if you liked this episode, please share it with a friend who’s just starting out or someone who needs a fresh perspective on what’s possible.

You’re not just educating your kids. You’re shaping the way they see learning and themselves. And you’re the BEST person for the job.