HONOLULU (KHON2) -- For many parents, the idea of homeschooling can seem daunting. The responsibility of being both teacher and parent might feel overwhelming. It's a profession that doesn't get much attention; so, KHON2.com decided to sit down with a parent who is also a teacher to find out what their lives and successes are like. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Ror Melissa Scott, a mother of five ranging in age from six to 17, homeschooling has become not just a way of life but a fulfilling journey for her and her children. Her experience offers valuable insights into what it means to balance both roles and build an educational environment where children can thrive. “I’ve been homeschooling from the beginning,” Scott said. “When my daughter turned school age, we were living overseas, and it just made sense for us to homeschool.” With no formal homeschooling background, Scott felt it was the right choice for her family as she drew inspiration from her own experiences with friends and family members who were homeschooled. “I wasn’t homeschooled, but I had a lot of friends who were," she explained. "So, I was familiar with the idea, and it just felt like the right fit for us.” But what's a typical day like? Despite the challenges of homeschooling five children, Scott has developed a routine that works for her family. “I am not a very organized person by nature,” she admitted. “So, we’ve had to build things into our day that help me help the kids.” Her mornings begin with family chores -- everyone pitches in to clean up and prepare breakfast. By 9 a.m., she’s ready to start the formal learning portion of the day. “We gather the younger three -- my 12-year-old, 9-year-old and 6-year-old -- and we’ll do something simple like poetry or read a proverb. Just a quiet start to the day,” Scott explained. This routine helps set the tone for the rest of the school day. As the children get older, Scott’s mornings shift to accommodate their individual schedules, but she always aims to ensure that the family comes together for lunch. “We break for lunch together. It’s a chance for me to step back and recharge," Scott added. "Then we go back to the schoolwork, but afternoons are more flexible, with activities like sports or carpooling,” The flexibility of homeschooling allows Scott to adjust the structure of her day according to the needs of her family. Whether it's a late start or a break for personal time, her homeschool environment is dynamic and adaptable; and it gives her children the opportunity to learn and grow in a setting that feels both natural and supportive. When it comes to her long-term vision for her children, Scott has clear goals. “I want them to have a love for learning,” she said. “I want them to be self-learners—able to teach themselves. With the internet, there’s so much information out there, but it’s not just about finding answers. It’s about knowing how to vet information, how to think critically, and how to analyze sources.” Scott encourages her children to build a “toolbox” of learning strategies that they can apply to any field or interest. She explained, “We talk a lot about tools. This is your tool for this task. This is how we study this way. It’s about equipping them with the skills they need to become lifelong learners.” Her focus isn’t solely on academics but also on cultivating character and responsibility. “We incorporate life skills into their education too," she said. "They learn budgeting, grocery shopping, meal prep -- those are things we do every day.” For Scott, homeschooling is about shaping the whole child, not just the student. One of the biggest challenges Scott faces as a homeschooling parent is adjusting to each child’s unique learning style. “It’s a delicate dance year after year,” she explained. “Every child has their own pace, their own strengths, and weaknesses. It’s important to be adaptable.” For instance, Scott realized her middle child was struggling with math not because of the material but due to attention issues. After adjusting the curriculum to include online, game-like activities that prompted him to move from one task to the next, Scott saw marked improvement. “Just changing that one thing helped him so much," explained Scott. "It made a big difference in other areas too.” Scott also recognizes when a child is ready for a more challenging curriculum. Her son, who was excelling in math, had finished all the material he was supposed to learn. “It took me a while to figure out that he was bored,” Scott said. “He knew the material already. So, we moved him up several levels and now he’s taking pre-calculus as a freshman. He’s loving it.” Her daughter, on the other hand, thrives in the arts and literature; and Scott has made sure to prioritize those subjects for her. “She loves drawing, she loves books. So, we’ve been able to give her more freedom to dive deep into those areas,” Scott said. “It’s about finding what excites them and encouraging them to explore that while still fulfilling the basic academic requirements.” One of the key elements to Scott’s homeschooling success is the support system she has built around her family. “You need community. It’s not a solo thing,” she stressed. “Without a community, parents burn out. Kids get stressed. It just doesn’t work.” For Scott, this community is both a support group for parents and a social network for her kids. “I’m part of a local group,” Scott explained. “We’re a small, low-key group; but we get together and focus on support. The kids do art and science projects, and the moms have a chance to talk and share experiences.” Having older moms who have navigated the challenges of homeschooling is a huge asset for Scott, especially when it comes to understanding the needs of older children. Beyond her local community, Scott emphasizes the importance of online resources and homeschool groups. “There are so many resources available today,” she said. “There are national organizations, statewide groups and tons of online platforms where parents can share ideas and learn from one another.” When it comes to discipline, Scott sees a natural overlap between home life and school life. “If there’s no cooperation at home, it’s hard to get anything done,” she said. “In homeschooling, there’s no separation between school and home. It’s all the same.” This blending of home and school can make it difficult to navigate discipline, but Scott embraces it as an opportunity. “When kids are little, discipline is all about the basic rules -- no hitting, no stealing. But as they grow, the challenges become more nuanced -- attitudes, eye rolls. That’s where homeschooling really shines. I can catch those moments right away and address them,” she said. Scott also believes that having children work together -- older ones teaching younger ones -- helps build responsibility and cooperation. “It’s a great learning opportunity for both the older and younger kids,” she said. “When my older kids teach the younger ones, they reinforce their own learning. It’s a win-win.” In the past, homeschooling may have been seen as an alternative or niche approach to education; but in recent years, it has gained wider acceptance. For Scott, homeschooling has not only become a viable option but an enriching and rewarding experience. She credits the internet and the growth of homeschool communities for making it easier than ever for parents to take on the role of teacher. “I don’t have to teach pre-calculus, thank goodness,” Scott joked. “But with all the online resources available, I don’t have to start from scratch. You don’t have to do it all alone.” Her advice for parents considering homeschooling? “Take your time. Don’t jump into it too quickly. Do your research. Talk to other parents, and really think about whether it’s the right fit for your family," she advised. "It’s a big commitment, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a parent.” Scott’s journey of homeschooling may be challenging, but it’s clear that the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. For her, the ultimate goal is not just academic success but a love of learning that will last a lifetime. As Scott reflected on her years of homeschooling, she shared one last thought: “It’s, like, when you see your child take their first steps. The joy when they finally get something you’ve been working on for so long. It’s so fulfilling,” she concluded. Click here to learn more about homeschooling from the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 For Melissa Scott, homeschooling isn’t just about teaching. It’s about building relationships, fostering independence and empowering her children to become lifelong learners. And in that, she’s found something truly remarkable.