Though it might seem like an impossible feat, working parents can homeschool, too. In families where both parents work, and even in single parent households, homeschooling is occurring all across the nation. But not everyone can do it, and still do it well. Taking lessons from the most successful working-while-homeschooling parents can help families decide if this option is really right for them.
Check these tips for ways to improve your chances at successfully homeschooling while working, too:
First and foremost, assess your ability to be flexible. From the curriculum you use (or not) to the hours you teach and your children learn, get used to the idea that unexpected things happen (and usually do). Trying to stick to a rigid schedule and complete lessons exactly as planned only leads to disappointment when work duties come to call. Learning to roll with whatever happens each and every day is an absolute prerequisite to making it work.
Next, round up all of the helpful resources you can (and always keep your eyes open for more). Working parents can’t always do everything themselves, so it’s important that you know where to find the people, the places and the events that can fill in the gaps for your children when you can’t do those things yourself. From having a list of reliable baby-sitters to knowing when the next homeschool coop class is meeting, having information and resources at your fingertips keeps the learning going for your students regardless of what may be going on in your working life.
Finally, make time for family fun. No matter how busy you become, time together should not always be about finishing math pages and reviewing spelling words. Though busy families have to make every moment count, it’s also important to remember that your children miss you while you’re away. All work with no play may strain relationships and weaken the bonds that are continually being stretched in every direction. Down-time for the entire family, including one-on-one time with individual children if possible, must be prioritized for a family and homeschool to survive under such pressure.
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Have any great tips for working parents? Share them in the COMMENT area, below!
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