This question comes up very often for parents who are thinking about Homeschooling, yet both mom and dad have jobs or it is all mom or all dad. There are many practical ways to do this, and neither one is the best or the worst. Like homeschooling, it depends on your family's dynamics, you are unique. The following are some stories from former homeschool working families, and some who are right in the trenches of it. Balancing homeschooling and working can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible! Many homeschooling parents, myself included, have found ways to effectively teach our children while managing our work commitments.
How Do You Homeschool While Working?
Adam here, and I have your answer: I don’t!
Ok, forgive my sarcasm and allow me to take this in a different direction for a moment. I have been blessed to have a wife who makes homeschooling seem effortless. Yet, I know the reality. Not only is she teaching our children, but she’s also doing 1,001 other things to keep our family in order and to further some of her own pursuits (like teaching piano).
So, Dad, let’s talk for a second. Like you, I went through a phase in my marriage where I would come home from work and “check out” because I had had a long day. After a while, I figured out that my wife had those hard days too, and if I didn’t help her at home, she would quickly burn out.
Guys, intentionally find ways to be a help and a blessing to your wife. Ask her for specific tasks you can perform to relieve some of the burden she’s carrying. Homeschooling is a team sport, but far too often, it’s treated as an individual event. By having an open and honest dialogue with your wife, you can help her better balance homeschooling and work.
Pastor Adam and Dianne Riveiro
It’s Worth It
Ok, I won’t give you much advice when it comes to being a working, homeschooling mom. But I know this: if you feel like you should homeschool your children—you can do it!!
But you’ve got to be tough. Other well-meaning friends and family will advise you to put your kids in school so you can take care of yourself . . . and because you can’t do it all. If you listen to their “bad” advice, you’ll find yourself caving and doing the very thing you don’t want to do.
So what you need to do is remind yourself of these two truths: Home is the best place for your children and you are the best teacher of your children . . . even if you’re working.
I’d also encourage you to find other working moms for encouragement and how-to tips. There are plenty of Facebook groups made up of working homeschooling moms.
I will also say this, “You’re my hero!” I know it’s ten times harder to work and homeschool, but you’re doing it. You don’t do it because it’s easy, but because you believe it’s best (see two truths above).
So keep doing it, Mom. I’m rooting for you. Will it ever be easy? Nope. but it’s worth it!
Be real,
Todd Wilson
Three Tips for Working While Homeschooling
I have worked from home for the last twenty years while I also homeschooled and mothered eight children. I learned to spend time in prayer for wisdom and sought how to maintain the right priorities. Those are:
1. God First
I can’t continue to pour out from an empty vessel. And the only thing that will fill this soul to overflowing is time in God’s Word and in His Presence. Prayer is vital—it’s my communication with God. Reading His Word is His communication back to me. And everything I read, study, memorize, always comes in handy in ministering to my children and others.
2. Family is Priority Over Work
My family must always come first before work. No matter how urgent the work, I choose to turn and give my full attention to that child who needs me. If I know family is first, then when I am tempted to keep working, I choose instead to read that book to the preschooler who came to me, or go over that teen’s book report, or participate in whatever they are doing. The time to work will have to fit in around that.
3. Scheduling with Flexibility
During the busiest of homeschool seasons, most of my work was done in the same room where the kids were doing their schoolwork; that way we were all together and I was always available to answer any questions or pop up to take care of something. At naptimes and bedtime, I was able to work a few more hours. There are times quarterly when my workload is urgent and the family schedule becomes flexible and wraps around the work schedule.
It takes more concentrated effort to make work and school happen at the same time and have both be done well. But it can be done with the right priorities, flexible scheduling, a supportive family, and much prayer as we do all things heartily as unto the Lord.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24).
~Deborah Wuehler
Strategies for Thriving While Homeschooling and Working
Balancing homeschooling and working can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible! Many homeschooling parents, myself included, have found ways to effectively teach our children while managing our work commitments.
The first challenge we often face is time management. Days can feel too short when juggling both roles. The key is creating a flexible schedule that allows you to carve out time for both work and homeschooling. Block out specific times for focused work and school, and don’t be afraid to adjust your schedule as needed. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Flexibility is a homeschooler’s friend!
Next, there’s the issue of energy. Balancing everything can lead to burnout. One way to overcome this is by prioritizing tasks. Focus on what truly matters each day. You don’t need to accomplish everything at once. Trust in God’s provision, as Matthew 6:33 encourages, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, . . . all these things shall be added unto you.”
Another strategy is involving your children in both learning and household responsibilities. This not only helps you, but also teaches them valuable life skills. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go.” Kids thrive on responsibility and can play an active role in your daily routine.
Lastly, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support from your spouse, family, or homeschooling community. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “Bear ye one another’s burdens,” so don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
Yes, working while homeschooling presents challenges, but with these simple strategies, the support of your loved ones—and most importantly, God’s strength—you can thrive in both roles. As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Take heart, you’re doing a great job, Mama!
Christine Weller
Thank you to these great insights. Articles published at The Old Schoolhouse
Commentaires