Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children, but it can also be challenging. As a working parent, you may feel like you don’t have enough time to devote to homeschooling. But with a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can find a way to make it work.

Here are some tips from a lifestyle coach on how to homeschool as a working parent:

Know your child

Each child is different, so it’s important to find the homeschooling style that fits your child’s needs. And most importantly, what motivates them to learn.

You may need to be flexible in your approach, depending on what works best for your child. For example, some children learn best through hands-on activities, while others may prefer a more traditional academic approach.

Is your child artistic or scientific?

Some children are “scientists”, which means they learn best through logical and sequential methods. Others are “artistic”, which means they learn best through creative and intuitive methods.

Knowing your child’s learning style will help you determine the best homeschooling approach for them.

Be flexible with your teaching methods

One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can tailor the curriculum to your child’s needs and natural abilities. For example, a Ballet dancer does not need to take high-level math.

Many parents who homeschool children believe that the only types of educational methods that work are those based on traditional school models.

When your student struggles with attention, for example, sitting at a desk for extended amounts of time is likely to be more difficult than you anticipated. Try new approaches because you never know what will work until you try them.

Choose a curriculum that meets your child’s needs and natural gifts

There are many different homeschooling curriculums available, so it’s important to find one that fits your child’s learning style and interests. Do they really need to know Texas History if they want to go to school in New York? It’s also important to consider your family’s busy schedule when choosing a curriculum. Some curriculums require more preparation time than others.

Take advantage of technology

Technology can be a great asset when homeschooling. There are many educational websites, apps, and software programs that can help your child learn. You can also use online resources to supplement your homeschooling curriculum.

For example, if you’re teaching a unit on U.S. history, you can have your child watch a documentary on the Revolutionary War. Or, if you’re teaching a science unit on animals, you can have your child research a specific animal using an online encyclopedia.

Create a schedule that works for you

One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can create a schedule that works for your family. You can homeschool year-round or just during the school year. Your school year calendar could have class start in early August got the Monday of Thanksgiving off until Jan 5th off again July until August. It’s your school, it’s your calendar, make it work for you.

Part-time homeschooling may be a good option if you’re working full-time or have other commitments. You can also consider homeschooling co-ops, which are groups of families who homeschool together. This can help lighten the load and give you a chance to socialize with other homeschooling families.

Make time for yourself

One of the challenges of homeschooling is that it can be all-consuming. It’s important to make time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. This can help you avoid burnout and keep your homeschooling experience positive.

Coming from a place of rest makes success.

5 Questions to Consider as You Schedule Your Homeschool Day

1- How many hours do you need for your homeschool?

Most homeschooled students do not have to attend school for 6 hours a day, like public and private-schooled children, because there are fewer administrative chores and classroom changes. One to two hours is usually enough for students through second grade, after which it grows gradually. Depending on their course load, high school students may require up to four or five hours of each day of study time.

2- Do you work best when you have a strict plan or when you have flexibility?

Some families prefer to establish time blocks. For example, during this period we will concentrate on science or mathematics. We’ll finish the subject and move on to the next time block or topic once that hour is up. This works well with loop scheduling.

3- What else should your calendar have?

Here’s where you will add things like sport practices, music lessons, service projects, and family outings.

Think about how your day will flow before you start scheduling everything in. You don’t want to be rushed getting out the door for soccer practice after just sitting down to schoolwork. Likewise, if you’re doing a unit on community helpers, you might want to plan a field trip to the local fire station.

4- What is your family’s learning environment?

Does your homeschooling space support your learning style? Do you need a lot of light? Do you prefer to be in a separate room from the family noise?

5- What else could you add to your homeschool, that can reduce your stress?

It’s also a good idea to have some downtime scheduled into your day. This is time for kids to unwind and do something they enjoy, without having it be part of their lesson plan. Maybe it’s 30 minutes of free reading time or an hour to play outside. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that will help your child recharge.

Scheduling your homeschool day doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking the time to consider your family’s needs, you can create a plan that will work for everyone.

In conclusion:

Homeschooling can be a challenge, especially when you’re working full-time. However, by being flexible and knowing your child, you can find the best approach for you and your family. Don’t forget to schedule some downtime for yourself and your child, to avoid burnout and keep the homeschooling experience positive.

Learn more about our lifestyle coaching programs.