I'm a homeschooler and an ex-teacher.
Some days it's all going well and it feels like the best decision I ever made. Sometimes it's all a bit harder! I have two children and another on the way, and it is hard to meet all of their needs and my own, but actually I think not attending school does that better for us right now. If we were going to school, not only would I have the usual school run, but I would also have to fight to get my child the education he needs. At home, I don't have to do that as much.
I can meet his needs outside of school hours, like in the morning when they are fresh and stop when they are tired. I will second (or third?) the advice you have already received - you don't have to replicate school at home for it to be effective. As a teacher, I know how much effort and time goes into organizing things that can be done really easily at home, like cooking, or shopping. You don't have to waste all the time schools use in administrative tasks (think taking the role, waiting in line), and your lessons can be much more focused to the needs/level of your child so your day can be much shorter. And you can do many more excursions than any school! Those sorts of things are beneficial to all children in the family anyway. Also, you can take advantage of weekends or evenings or whenever you have another adult around to do things with specific children. Maybe a grandparent who loves playing math games, or whatever applies in your situation. You can be creative in that way!
It is hard work, and I sometimes get frustrated, but right now, it is the best choice for my children and my family. And most of the time, I quite enjoy it too. Although, sometimes I'd love to have just a few minutes more peace and quiet. But hey, don't we all?
