How do I handle my own doubts when considering home schooling? 

Parenting Perspective 

Normalising Your Doubts 

Feeling waves of doubt is completely natural when you consider home-schooling. You may wonder if you are patient enough, disciplined enough, or ‘good enough’ to teach your child at home, especially when others seem so confident. The truth is, no family starts this journey perfectly prepared. Many people believe that successful parents never worry, but the reality is they learn to hold their doubts gently and carry on with trust. 

Practical Steps to Address Your Fears 

Begin by writing down what is worrying you most. Are you afraid your child will fall behind? Do you worry about what friends or family might say? Or are you afraid of losing your own sense of self? Naming your fears helps you see which ones are real challenges and which are imagined. Talk to other parents who have been where you are now, most home-schooling groups are open about the lessons they wish they had learned sooner. Listen to their stories; you will often find that your worries are more common than you think. Most importantly, remind yourself that you are not locked into a lifelong contract, you can adjust your plan as your family’s needs change. Keep your intentions clear: you want your child to grow in an environment that nurtures both their mind and their Iman. Doubt fades when you remember your purpose and trust that growth happens step by step, not all at once, InshaAllah. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, doubt is not something to fear, it is a reminder to reflect, renew your intention, and turn to Allah Almighty for clarity. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ash Sharh (94), Verses 5–6: 

‘For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. ‘

This beautiful reassurance speaks to the natural ups and downs you may feel. Even companions of holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced moments of uncertainty, yet they turned back to their ultimate trust in Allah Almighty’s plan. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2646, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make the path to Paradise easy for him. ‘

Your decision to consider home schooling is part of seeking knowledge for your child’s sake, a form of Ibadah when done sincerely. Make Istikhara when your heart feels heavy with indecision. Ask Allah Almighty for calmness and clarity, and do not be ashamed of needing reassurance. Doubts are not failures of faith; they are reminders to lean on Him and take one mindful step at a time. Trust that each small effort you make in good faith is seen and rewarded.