Trading Briefcases for Backpacks: My Life as a Homeschooling Dad

Three years ago, I traded my commute for kitchen table lessons and boardroom calls for board books. What started as a temporary homeschool setup has turned into a long-term journey—and one I never thought I’d take as a dad.

It hasn’t been easy. There were days I questioned myself, questioned the curriculum, and once even questioned if I could survive another “Why, Daddy?” moment.

But thanks to a little support from my family—and a huge boost from the We-Learn Homeschool Community—I’ve found my rhythm, my confidence, and most importantly, my joy in homeschooling.

From PowerPoint Slides to Picture Books

When I first started homeschooling, I did what most dads would do: Google everything. I quickly got overwhelmed. Which curriculum should I use? Am I doing this right? Should I be teaching multiplication or moral values first?

That’s when We-Learn stepped in.

They didn’t just give me materials. They gave me a map, a mission, and a group of fellow homeschoolers who were figuring it out like me. I wasn’t alone anymore. I had mentors, guides, and actual structure—without feeling boxed in.

What I've Learned Along the Way

1. Kids Don’t Need a Perfect Teacher—They Need a Present One

My first lesson was humbling: I didn’t need to know everything. What my kids needed most was me—fully present, patient, and willing to learn alongside them. The We-Learn lesson plans helped simplify my teaching time, so I could focus more on bonding than scrambling.

2. There’s Strength in Structure—and in Support

We-Learn gave me a clear structure week by week, but the beauty is, it’s flexible. We could adjust based on our rhythm, interests, or even just how rough the morning started. And when I had questions? I wasn’t posting in a void. I had real people answering, encouraging, and sharing tips that actually work for homeschool dads.

3. Dads Matter in the Learning Journey

Let’s face it—homeschooling circles are often led by amazing moms. But We-Learn gave space for dads, too. I didn’t feel like an outsider. I felt like a teammate in my children’s education. They affirmed that dads have a role—and a voice—that matters deeply in the homeschooling journey.

A Peek into Our Homeschool Day

Here’s what a typical “We-Learn-inspired” homeschool day looks like in our home:

Homeschooling as a dad isn’t something I saw coming—but now, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here’s a glimpse into how a typical “We-Learn Hybrid-inspired” day flows in our home:

7:30 AM – Before my first meeting, I check in with the kids over breakfast and coffee. We say a short prayer, then I glance through the We-Learn community page to see any updates or reminders from our facilitators.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM – While I get settled into work, my child attends their We-Learn online class. It covers the major subjects—Math, English, Science, and Filipino. It’s structured enough to keep them focused, and short enough not to drain them.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM – Snack time! If I’m not in a Zoom call, I join them in the kitchen. It’s a good chance to ask how the class went and share a few laughs before jumping back into work mode.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Family-led learning. If I have back-to-back meetings, my spouse or a grandparent guides them through projects, reading, or experiments from the We-Learn modules. Sometimes, they explore independently, especially if it’s a creative activity.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Lunchtime and chores. I try to step away from my desk during this window, even if just to sit with them while they eat or help load the dishes. It's our mid-day reconnect.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Movement time. The kids usually go outside or follow a dance video from We-Learn while I wrap up tasks. It’s their break—and mine, when I can join in.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Passion project time. Whether it’s crafting, filming a vlog, or building with LEGOs, this is their chance to explore interests. I sometimes peek in while finishing work or catch up on what they did over dinner.

3:00 PM onward – Work winds down, and the family time begins. We might read together, prep dinner, or just relax. On lighter workdays, I can join in earlier—and on heavier ones, I know our routine still holds steady, thanks to We-Learn’s flexible support.

And if we don’t follow the schedule perfectly? That’s okay. We’re building a home full of learning and love, not just a checklist.

Final Thoughts: We’re Not Just Homeschooling—We’re Growing Together

Being a homeschooling dad isn’t about being an expert. It’s about being available. It’s about choosing to show up every day and saying, “I’m here for you. Let’s learn this together.”

We-Learn has made that possible for us. It gave our homeschooling structure, flexibility, and most of all—heart. It’s not just a program. It’s a partner.

So, if you’re a dad thinking about homeschooling—or already in the thick of it—I want you to know you’re not alone. And with We-Learn beside you, you’ve got a whole team cheering you on.