How to Homeschool When You Don’t Know Everything

Feeling like you need to have all the answers can be overwhelming, but learning how to homeschool when you don’t know everything is simpler than you think

POV: You’re in the middle of a homeschool lesson, and your child asks that question—the one you have no idea how to answer. It could be about history, science, or math—or maybe it’s completely out of left field. Suddenly, you’re staring at your child, thinking, “Am I supposed to know this?”

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to know everything to homeschool successfully.

In fact, learning how to homeschool when you don’t know everything can turn these moments into opportunities for growth and connection.

As working homeschool moms, we juggle a lot—careers, home management, and the ever-evolving adventure of educating our kids. Feeling like you need to have all the answers can be overwhelming and even discouraging.

But the beauty of homeschooling isn’t in being a walking encyclopedia. It’s in learning together.

Here’s how to handle those tricky moments when you’re stumped—and why they can be some of the most rewarding experiences in your homeschool journey.

Overcoming “I Don’t Know” Moments

As a working homeschool mom, I only have so many hours in my day to focus on homeschooling. One morning, before heading to work, I was helping my child with a language arts lesson when he asked me about prepositional phrases. My mind went blank. Suddenly, I couldn’t remember anything about grammar.

I thought, Didn’t I learn this in school? How long ago was that?

For a moment, I panicked. How can I homeschool my child if I can’t handle the simple things?

Can you relate? Maybe you too were wondering how to homeschool when you don’t know everything.

Then I realized something important: in my workday, I handle tasks I never learned in public school, like managing time, prioritizing a task list, and dealing with difficult customers—and I do just fine. That was the moment I shifted my focus. I didn’t need to know everything. What I needed to do was teach my child how to learn.

I said, “Let’s look this up together and see what it says. Where do you think we should look?” Together, we learned.

But it didn’t stop there. I knew that as a working mom, I couldn’t always be available to help him in the moment. I encouraged him to start looking things up independently. Teaching him how to find reliable resources meant he could keep learning, even while I was at work.

Why You Don’t Need to Know Everything to Homeschool

Homeschooling isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about equipping your child with tools for discovery and resilience.

When your child stumps you with a question, embrace it as an opportunity to show them how to find the answers. This approach teaches them skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives:

• Adaptability: Embracing challenges as part of the learning process.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluating sources and drawing conclusions.
• Teach Research Skills: Show your child how to find reliable information using trusted resources.
• Model Lifelong Learning: When you admit you don’t know something, you teach your child that learning never stops.

These lessons are more valuable than memorizing facts because they set your child up for lifelong success.

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What to Do When You’re Stumped

So, how do you homeschool when you don’t know everything?

First, don’t be afraid to be honest. Say, “That’s a great question. I’m not sure, but let’s figure it out.” This models curiosity and collaboration.

Next, look up the answer together. Whether it’s a book, a reliable website, or a video, this process shows them how to learn. Learning how to learn is a skill your kids will use for life!

If you can, make learning interactive. Science questions? Try hands-on experiments like the MEL Science box. History questions? Watch a documentary or explore timelines.

As your child gets older, guide them to find answers on their own. Ask, “Where do you think we could find this information?” Let them do the work. Yes, it may take longer their way of finding the information but that’s ok. Homeschooling is a journey, not a race.

Balancing Work and Homeschooling When You Don’t Know

For working homeschool moms, the real challenge is balancing your responsibilities. You’re not just teaching; you’re managing a household and a job.

Here’s how to homeschool when you don’t know everything:

Plan ahead by listing resources your child can use when you’re not available, like Khan Academy or educational videos, or other self-paced programs. Take note of what resources you are using in your homeschool planner or Trello board so that these are at your fingertips saving you time!

Want to stay on top of your homeschool schedule when learning how to homeschool when you don’t know everything? Download our free Homeschool Planning Pages and simplify your routine!

Create independence by setting up tasks your child can complete on their own, even if they need to pause for a tricky question. This keeps their day productive while you work. If you have multiple children, involve older kids by encouraging them to help younger siblings with questions.

For example, consider hiring a tutor or utilizing a program like Literary Adventures for Kids, which includes teacher guidance.

In addition, schedule research time for questions that come up during a busy morning. Jot these down to explore together later. Integrate learning into breaks—use lunch breaks or downtime to look up answers together. And always encourage curiosity, reminding your child that not knowing isn’t failure—it’s the start of a learning journey.

These strategies not only ease the pressure but also create meaningful connections between work and homeschool life. By fostering independence and having a plan, you’re teaching your child valuable skills like self-reliance and time management.

Helpful Resources for Homeschooling

Instead of freaking out how to homeschool when you don’t know everything, use the right tools to help you. I shared a few ideas above but here are some go-to resources for when you don’t know the answer:

• CK-12 Foundation: Offers free, engaging, self-paced lessons across a wide range of subjects, complete with interactive simulations and exercises.
• National Geographic Kids: Features fun and educational articles, videos, and activities on science, geography, and history topics.
• CrashCourse YouTube Channel: Provides entertaining and concise video lessons on history, science, and more for older kids and teens.
• SciShow Kids YouTube Channel: Perfect for younger children, this channel explores science topics in an engaging and approachable way.
• Time4Learning: A homeschool curriculum that offers structured, self-paced lessons for various age groups and subjects.
• Duolingo: A free app for learning new languages through gamified lessons—great for independent practice.
• Photomath: Helps students solve math problems step-by-step by scanning them with their phone.
• History for Kids: A kid-friendly site with engaging lessons, quizzes, and activities to explore historical events and figures.
• Mystery Science: Offers ready-to-teach science lessons with engaging activities and experiments, designed for homeschool families.
• PBS LearningMedia: An extensive library of free, interactive lessons and videos covering topics from science to social studies.

By utilizing these resources, you can approach homeschooling with confidence, even when you don’t have all the answers. These tools empower your child to explore and learn independently while easing the pressure on you as a working homeschool mom.

Learning Together Builds Confidence

Recently, my son solved a tricky science question on his own while I was on a work call. Watching him explain his findings later made me realize the power of teaching kids how to learn instead of just focusing on the answers.

Hearing him explain the science question, using resources we’d discussed before, was a proud moment. It reminded me that the real goal isn’t just answering questions but fostering a love of discovery

Every time you face a tough question together, you’re teaching your child that not knowing isn’t failure—it’s the beginning of discovery.

So, the next time your child stumps you, don’t stress. Smile, say, “Let’s figure it out,” and dive in together. You’re not just teaching academics; you’re modeling how to learn, solve problems, and grow.

Because knowing how to homeschool when you don’t know everything? That’s a lesson for life.

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