How to Preschool at Home

Should You Do Preschool-at-Home?
(Here's what to consider...)

If you’re wrestling with the decision of whether to send your child to preschool or teach them at home, I just want to say—you’re not alone. So many moms (and dads!) are in this exact same spot, wondering what’s best for their child and family.

And here’s the good news:

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer.

Some families thrive with a traditional preschool schedule. Others find that learning at home fits their rhythm better. The key is this: you get to choose what works for YOUR family.

So take a deep breath. You don’t have to have it all figured out today.

What Is Preschool-at-Home?

Preschool-at-home means you’re teaching your child at home instead of sending them to a preschool center. It can start as early as toddlerhood and go all the way up to age 5. Some families start around age 2 or 3, and others jump in later—it’s totally flexible.

But here’s what makes it special:

You get to spend quality, focused time with your child, learning side-by-side in a way that fits their personality. Some days might feel a little messy (okay, a lot messy!), but you’ll also get to witness those sweet “a-ha!” moments up close.

And remember: your child is still little. So yes—they might get wiggly, distracted, or ask “why?” 500 times. That’s okay! They’re not supposed to be perfectly still or focused all the time. They’re supposed to be curious, playful, and learning how to learn—and you get to be their guide.

What Preschool-at-Home Is Not

Let’s bust a myth real quick:
Preschool-at-home does not need to look like a mini version of a classroom.

You don’t need fancy supplies, a Pinterest-worthy setup, or a rigid schedule. (If that’s your thing—go for it! But it’s not required.)

Preschooling at home is about three simple things:

1. Creating a routine that works for your family

2. Teaching important life skills

3. Introducing academic concepts through play

That’s it! Keep it simple, and let play lead the way. Children learn best when they’re having fun, and at this age, play is learning.

What Might It Look Like?

Maybe your preschooler learns about numbers by counting blocks.
Maybe they learn about the weather by running through puddles.
Maybe your “school day” starts after breakfast… in pajamas… with a cowboy hat on.

That’s the beauty of preschool-at-home. You get to make it yours.

If your child wants to spend three weeks learning about dinosaurs—run with it! If they’re suddenly fascinated by the moon, build your lessons around space. Learning at home means you can follow their interests and let curiosity drive the day.

And if something’s not working? Change it up! You’re the teacher, and you have the freedom to adjust. No guilt. No pressure.

You’ve Got This 💛

Next week, I’ll be sharing practical tips for how to set up your preschool-at-home routine—things like daily rhythms, activity ideas, and how to keep it stress-free.

But for now, give yourself some grace. This is a big decision, and you’re doing a great job just by showing up and considering your options.

If you’re already homeschooling your preschooler—or thinking about it—and have questions or worries, I’d love to help. Comment below with what’s on your heart, and I’ll answer in a future post or reply personally!

You are the perfect teacher for your child.
You’re doing amazing—even if it doesn’t feel like it every day.