Table of Content
We’re going to get a lot of stuff done because we get a lot of stuff done in a much smaller amount of time. One of the myths about homeschooling is that the mother has to be a full-time, stay-at-home mother. For most of my children’s lives, my husband and I have both worked outside the home. For our family, we have made homeschooling and working possible by being committed, flexible, and determined. I am fixing to start a job after not working for five years.
If you’d like to learn more about LM Preston membership program I highly recommend you check out her site here or follow along with the blog here. On the weekend, we finish any work that wasn’t done as planned during the week. We check in with them during the day by either dropping home for lunch, skyping, or texting. We also use various curriculums that teach the same subjects to solidify the topics of Math, English, and Writing. We used Sue Patrick’s workbox system, we had to use a curriculum that taught our kids for us and in which we just reviewed the work, and helped.
Take Care of Mom, Too
Homeschooling when both my husband and I work outside the home has not been easy. However, with commitment, flexibility, and determination, we have made it work for us. This is very good, practical, encouraging, and realistic — wisdom from the trenches. Good advice for life in general, as well, as far as not overcommitting oneself in a society that wants us to do paid work, for free. Some wise words here – I think if you really want to homeschool then you can make it work, but I like your ideas about getting in some help to cover the cleaning and other tasks. I wanted folks to not rule out homeschooling because they work.
It can be done — just have to think outside the box a bit. This is a good series for those that want to consider homeschooling and work outside of the home. I used to make excuses for saying No — we have a new baby, I work, etc, etc. Nowdays, I simply say No, and leave it at that.
Question 6: What was one fear you had when it came to working & homeschooling?
I made sure they understand what was required, what the assignment was. If they had any questions, they had the opportunity to ask. Then I would say, “Do this one question while I go check on your brother or sister.” This got them accustomed to a small amount of independent work. They knew I was leaving physically, but that I was coming back if they got stuck. That is so very very interesting to read.
There are homeschooling moms who work outside the home. I think back to when my youngest was born. My labor and delivery nurse was actually a homeschooling mom. She worked at the hospital and then she also homeschooled her kids at home. I work with 2 life coaches as a collaborative team.
Alternate Shifts With Your Spouse
He worked three jobs, a paper route, a nighttime security job and as a Realtor up until our kids were old enough to be home for longer stretches without as much supervision. Hi Nita, It is a juggle but I never thought that it would be just as hectic as public school. Also I appreciate you sharing the programs you are using. I set the computer aside and see what new Minecraft creations the children have built. I remind them to shower and brush their teeth. I am reading Cinder and the rest of the books.
I am the single mom of two young children each with multiple special needs. I love homeschooling them but was recently getting discouraged trying to juggle everything. They are not independent learners and some days there just doesn’t seem to be enough of me to go around. I also have to find time to work on my business and find myself sleep deprived more often than not. Your post has given me practical suggestions and more links I can dig into later. It has also given me hope that this impossible task I’m attempting can in fact be done.
They’ll support you through the highs and the lows. Holidays are also a great time to really catch up as needed. You won’t need to take every single holiday and not have fun. Kids don’t need seven hours straight of schoolwork. You can do like an hour or two and then you’re off for the rest of the day. Since 2020, the number one question I get asked most often is, “How can I work and homeschool at the same time?
You don’t have to be married and homeschool, but it’s helpful if you have someone who is willing to help you. If you have a spouse, get them on board with the whole homeschooling thing. Having your spouse’s help can be a true lifesaver. You can each take turns teaching the kids. Discipline is about learning yourself and your child’s triggers. There were times I had to give my kids and myself a break.
Homeschooling is so much more efficient than a classroom. You also have less outside distractions. Plus, you know your kids better than any teacher could.
Sit down and have a talk with your husband. Brainstorm potential ideas for creative scheduling. Chat with other homeschooling families to see how their days work. If you are a single parent of young children, or you and your spouse are unable or unwilling to alternate shifts , consider your childcare options.
If you take charge and be willing to change course often , you will be so grateful for putting them first! Thanks for a great post – glad to have found you. Tina, it ABSOLUTELY can be done – and much more easily now than ever before. There are hundreds of online classes, books, etc. – and I will tell you right now that 90% of what Sarah learns is NOT stuff I already know.
