15 Genius Ways to Find Help with Homeschooling (You Don’t Have to Do It Alone!)

Are you trying to handle everything in your homeschool by yourself? You’re probably working too hard. The best homeschool parents aren’t the ones who try to do it all. They’re the ones who know how to find help and use it well. Just like regular schools have many teachers and helpers, your homeschool can work better with the right support.

Here’s something important: don’t wait until you’re tired and stressed to get help. The best time to find help is right now. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or you’ve been doing it for years, having support makes you a better teacher and a happier parent. When you have help, you can focus on what really matters – spending time with your kids and helping them learn.

In this article, I’ll show you 15 smart ways to find help with homeschooling. I’ll cover three main areas: help with teaching, help with activities, and help with daily tasks. These aren’t just ideas I made up – they’re real solutions that homeschool families use every day. Let’s look at which ones might work for you.

Finding Academic Support

The heart of homeschooling is teaching your children, but that doesn’t mean you have to do all the teaching yourself. Let’s look at five powerful ways to get help with the academic side of homeschooling.

1. Online Teachers

Remember when finding a great teacher meant being lucky enough to live in the right school district? Those days are over. Today, you can find expert teachers for any subject, right from your living room. My kids both take online history and writing classes, and it’s been a game-changer for all of us. They get expert instruction, and I get to focus on subjects where I’m more confident teaching.

How to Find It: Look for established online learning platforms that specialize in homeschool students. Some popular options include Outschool, IndyEd, and Khan Academy. Read reviews from other parents and start with a single class to test the waters.

2. Homeschool Co-ops

Not all teaching help needs to come with a price tag. Homeschool co-ops are groups of families who share teaching responsibilities. We have done co-ops in a couple of places we’ve lived. Each time it has worked out differently depending on the interests of the parents and the spaces we’ve had access to. Co-op teaching arrangements give our kids exposure to different teaching styles and allows each parent to focus on what they do best.

How to Find It: Check local homeschool Facebook groups, libraries, and community centers for existing homeschool co-ops. Can’t find one? Start your own by connecting with just one or two other families who share your educational values.

3. Tutoring

Sometimes you need targeted help in a specific subject. A good tutor can make all the difference, whether it’s helping your high schooler with advanced math or giving your struggling reader extra phonics practice. Tutoring doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment – even a few sessions can help break through a challenging concept or build confidence in a tough subject.

How to Find It: Local college students often make excellent tutors, especially for high school subjects. You can also check with local learning centers like Kumon, ask in homeschool groups, or use online tutoring platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors.

4. Curriculum Support

The right curriculum can be like having another teacher in your homeschool. Today’s best curricula often come with video lessons, detailed teacher guides, and even online support communities. I’ve found that investing in a solid curriculum actually saves money in the long run because it reduces the need for additional teaching help.

How to Find It: Research curriculum reviews on homeschool blogs, join curriculum discussion groups on Facebook, and don’t be afraid to email curriculum providers with questions. Many offer samples or trial periods so you can test before buying.

5. Homeschool Teacher Training

One of the best investments you can make is in your own teaching skills. When you understand how children learn and have practical teaching strategies at your fingertips, everyday challenges become more manageable. Through my Homeschool Teacher Training membership, parents learn these essential skills while connecting with other homeschoolers who share similar goals.

How to Find It: You’re in the right place! You can join my Facebook group here to see what it’s all about. When you’re ready, join the full membership here to get live classes, ALL my premium content and courses, and all the other support I offer to reach your goals for your homeschool.

Building Extracurricular Support

Finding help with homeschooling goes beyond academics. Extracurricular activities enrich your child’s education and provide opportunities to learn from different people and perspectives. Here are five ways to build a robust homeschool support system for activities beyond core subjects.

6. Activities to Join

The beauty of homeschooling is that we can join activities during “school hours” when facilities are less crowded. From sports teams to theater groups, structured activities give your children chances to develop new skills and interests while you get a break from being the primary instructor.

How to Find It: Check your local parks and recreation programs, YMCA, art centers, and sports facilities. Many offer daytime classes specifically for homeschoolers. Also look for activities through museums, science centers, and music schools.

7. Family and Community Socialization

Extended family and community members can be invaluable resources for your homeschool. Grandparents might share family history or cultural traditions, neighbors could teach gardening skills, and family friends might introduce your children to their professions.

How to Find It: Start by making a list of family members and friends who might enjoy sharing their knowledge or skills. Attend community events where your children can interact naturally with people of different ages and backgrounds.

8. Mentors and Other Adults

Mentoring relationships can profoundly impact your child’s development. Whether it’s a coach, an art teacher, or a family friend who works in your child’s field of interest, mentors provide guidance and inspiration beyond what we as parents can offer.

How to Find It: Look for mentors through community organizations, religious institutions, or professional networks. Many adults are happy to share their expertise with interested young people. You might also find mentor programs through local businesses or organizations.

9. Library Resources

Your local library is more than just books – it’s a community hub full of resources and programs. Many libraries offer STEM activities, reading clubs, maker spaces, and even homeschool meet-ups. Librarians can become valuable allies in your homeschool journey.

How to Find It: Visit your local library and ask about programs specifically for homeschoolers. Sign up for the library newsletter and follow them on social media to stay informed about new offerings.

10. Community Programs

Many organizations in your community offer educational programs that can supplement your homeschool. From nature centers to historical societies, these programs provide expert instruction and hands-on learning experiences.

How to Find It: Subscribe to local parenting newsletters, join community Facebook groups, and check bulletin boards at family-friendly locations. Many museums and cultural centers have education departments that welcome homeschoolers.

Managing Logistical Support

Finding help with homeschooling isn’t just about academics and activities – it’s also about managing the practical details of daily life. Here are five essential ways to get logistical support that makes homeschooling more sustainable.

11. Childcare Solutions

Whether you need regular breaks, work part-time, or just want some focused time with one child, reliable childcare is crucial. The key is finding care that supports your educational goals while giving you the time you need.

How to Find It: Consider mother’s helpers (younger teens who help while you’re home), college students, or other homeschool families for childcare swaps. You might also find local drop-in care centers or enrichment programs that double as childcare.

12. Making Money from Home

Adding income can help you afford other types of help. Many homeschool parents find creative ways to earn while maintaining flexibility for their families’ needs. Think about your own skills, interests, and resources that you could put to work. You could do childcare in your home for pre-school aged children or even other homeschoolers. Or, consider starting a small business based on your expertise or interests.

How to Find It: Consider your existing skills and how they might translate into freelance work, tutoring, or a home business. Look for opportunities that align with your homeschool schedule and energy levels.

13. Transportation Solutions

Getting kids to activities while managing homeschool can be challenging. Smart transportation planning can save time and reduce stress.

How to Find It: Connect with other local homeschool families to arrange carpools. Research public transportation options. Consider using ride-sharing services for older teens’ activities.

14. Meal Planning and Prep

Feeding your family three meals a day while homeschooling can feel overwhelming. Getting help with meals frees up time and mental energy for teaching.

How to Find It: Look into meal planning services, grocery delivery, or meal prep companies. Consider batch cooking with friends or starting a meal exchange group.

15. Household Management

A functioning household is essential for peaceful homeschooling. Getting help with house maintenance lets you focus more on teaching and connection.

How to Find It: Consider hiring cleaning help, even if just monthly. Look for teens who can help with yard work or organizing. Create systems that involve the whole family in home care.

Where to Find Help With Homeschooling

Before we dive into specific ways to find help with homeschooling, let’s look at all the resources you might already have available. Getting help with homeschooling starts with taking stock of everything you could potentially draw upon. Here are the key resources to consider:

Money

Your budget isn’t just about what’s in your bank account right now. Think about:

• Current discretionary spending you could redirect
• Potential ways to increase income
• Areas where spending more could actually save time and energy
• Resources you could share with other families to reduce costs

Time

Time is a precious resource in homeschooling. Consider:

• Your most productive hours for teaching
• Your spouse’s schedule and availability
• Extended family members who might have flexible time
• Times when your children are most ready to learn

Space

Where learning happens matters. Look at:

• Different areas in your home that could be used for learning
• Community spaces available to you
• Outdoor spaces you can access
• Places where your children already spend time

People

Your network might be bigger than you think. Consider:

• Family members and their skills
• Friends and neighbors
• Other homeschool families
• Community members with expertise to share
• Professional contacts who might mentor older students

Community

Many communities offer free or low-cost resources:

• Library programs and spaces
• Parks and recreation facilities
• Community centers
• Museums and cultural institutions
• Religious organizations (if applicable)

Technology

Don’t forget digital tools and resources:

• Online learning platforms
• Educational apps and software
• Virtual tutoring options
• Communication tools for coordinating with others
• Digital organization systems

Transportation

Getting places is an important part of homeschooling life:

• Your own vehicle and availability
• Public transportation options
• Carpooling possibilities
• Walking or biking distance activities
• Delivery services that could save travel time

Remember: You don’t need to have abundant resources in every category. The key is to identify what you do have and use it strategically. Sometimes being creative with limited resources leads to even better solutions than having everything at your fingertips.

<div class=”parent-tip-box”> <h4>Pro Tip</h4> <ul> <li>Create a master list of all potential resources in each category</li> <li>Review and update your resource list seasonally</li> <li>Look for creative ways to combine resources (like trading space for teaching help)</li> </ul> </div>

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Getting help with homeschooling isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of wisdom. The most effective homeschool parents aren’t the ones doing everything themselves; they’re the ones who know how to build and use a strong homeschool support system.

Start by choosing just one area where you most need help right now. Maybe that’s finding an online math teacher to take some pressure off, or setting up a childcare swap with another family. Remember to think creatively about all your available resources, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.

Your homeschool journey doesn’t have to be a solo expedition. When you build a homeschool support system – whether it’s academic help, activity instructors, or practical assistance – you create a richer learning environment for your children and a more sustainable lifestyle for yourself. The time to start finding help is now. Which of these 15 ways will you try first?