What our days actually look like now — and how our approach has evolved over time
When we first started homeschooling, one of the biggest questions we had was:
What does this actually look like long-term?
Not the ideal version.
Not the version you read about online.
But real, everyday life.
Now, a few years in, I can say this:
When we first started, I had a very different perception of what homeschooling would look like. I wrote more about that in 7 Things I Got Completely Wrong About Homeschooling.
Our Days Start Slow
Most of our days don’t begin with alarms and rushing out the door.
They start slow.
The kids wake up, usually watch a quick show while they eat breakfast.
Sometimes breakfast is homemade — crepes, waffles, chocolate chip pancakes.
Other days it’s cereal and apple slices while my Wife or I sneak in a workout.
It depends on the day.
That flexibility is one of the biggest differences in our life now.
We’re not rushing into the day.
We’re easing into it.
Some Days Have Structure — Many Don’t
There are pieces of structure in our week, but not in the way I originally imagined.
For example, every Monday the boys attend a farm program for homeschooled kids from 8:30 to 12:30.
They feed animals, learn about the food chain, understand the circle of life, and even get exposure to basic economics through a small farm store.
At the same time, it gives my wife and I a few hours to grocery shop, run errands, or just spend time together.
Outside of that, many of our days are unstructured.
On mornings when we have nothing planned, we’ll spend about an hour working on fundamentals:
Writing
Math
Reading comprehension
Grammar
Science workbooks
After that, the day opens up.
Learning Happens in Real Life
One of the biggest shifts over time is how we think about learning.
It doesn’t just happen during “school time.”
It happens all day.
Reading started with us reading to our kids at night.
Then graphic novels.
Then them reading on their own.
We never forced it — we just made sure books were always around.
Even if that meant comic books or the weekly circular at first.
Math started with games like Monopoly.
Learning money.
Making change.
Over time that turned into real-world understanding of fractions and percentages — and eventually more traditional practice when needed.
Geography started with a globe and curiosity.
Now it’s reinforced daily with a simple $5 placemat at the table that’s helped them learn all 50 states and capitals without pressure.
Science happens:
In nature
While traveling
At the table
Through questions
A lot of it starts with:
“Why does that happen?”
And then we figure it out together.
A Big Part of Learning Happens Outside the House
We’ve leaned heavily on our local libraries.
Not just our town — surrounding towns too.
They offer programs like:
Art classes
STEM programs
Book clubs
Math clubs
Science exhibitions
Even a Dungeons & Dragons group
These have become a huge part of both learning and socialization.
Our Kids Are More Well-Rounded Than We Expected
At this stage, our kids are into:
Basketball
Baseball
Track
Golf
I’m able to coach most of their teams, which has been an unexpected gift.
But beyond sports, they’ve developed a wide range of interests.
They’re learning piano.
They enjoy cooking.
They’ve tried pottery.
They draw, paint, and create.
They’re also voracious readers.
And like any kids their age, they can’t wait for the neighborhood kids to get home from school so they can go outside and just be kids.
What’s Easier Than We Expected
What surprised us most is how naturally kids learn.
They don’t need six hours a day.
They’re curious.
They ask questions.
They absorb information quickly when they’re interested.
And they also need to move, play, and explore.
Allowing learning to happen at the right pace — instead of forcing it — has made everything feel easier. That shift in how we think about learning is a big part of what we now see as time wealth in our family life.
What’s Still Challenging
As they get older, things shift.
When they were younger, we were their world.
Now, their social lives matter more.
We have to be more intentional about making sure they get time with friends.
That might mean:
Being around when neighborhood kids are outside
Connecting with other homeschool families
Even allowing some screen time for social interaction with friends
Another honest challenge is this:
We’re together a lot.
Our kids don’t leave for school.
Which means less built-in breaks for us as parents.
Most days, that’s a gift.
But on hard days — and every family has them — there’s no reset button.
We have to work through it together.
And sometimes, that can be challenging for everyone.
What It Actually Looks Like Long-Term
If someone asked me what homeschooling looks like after a few years, I’d say this:
It looks like flexibility.
It looks like a slower childhood.
It looks like mornings that aren’t rushed, and dinners spent together around the table.
It looks like learning through living — sometimes structured, often experiential, always evolving.
It looks like following curiosity instead of forcing a pace.
And honestly…
It still looks a lot like a traditional childhood.
Playing with friends.
Participating in sports.
Being part of a community.
Just without the constant rush.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling, over time, has become less about “school” and more about how we live.
It’s not perfect.
We’re still learning as we go.
But what we’ve found is that when you create space for curiosity, connection, and flexibility…
kids tend to grow into exactly who they’re meant to be.
If you’re just starting to explore homeschooling, I’d recommend reading:
👉 7 Things I Got Completely Wrong About Homeschooling
👉 What Time Wealth Means for Our Family
