Few things come together as nicely as homeschooling and working from home.  For parents who must work, there is nothing better than doing it from home and still having the joy and satisfaction of homeschooling the children, too.  Though it may not be easy, it’s not only possible — it happens all the time.

But what does it take to homeschool with a work-at-home job? 

Obviously, every situation is a little different.  But, following this list of Golden Rules can definately help.  

Golden Rules of Homeschooling & Working from Home

1. Scheduling

The biggest key to working successfully from home and homeschooling at the same time is scheduling.  And unfortunately, if you aren’t a scheduler, it’s time to get over it.  The only way that proper homeschooling can occur is if all parties agree to set aside the adequate amount of time needed to do what has to get done. It’s just that simple.

2. Organization

Hands-down, a well-organized household is another trick for making the magic happen.  If everything is where it is supposed to be, and nobody spends more than a few seconds locating what they need, both time and sanity come out very much ahead.

3. Flexibility

In homeschool, in family life, in just about everything, flexibility makes the world-go-round when parents work from home.  While it’s important to remain professional on the job and diligently homeschool the children, too, adopting the attitude that not everything will always go as planned is important for avoiding the inevitable disappointment when it doesn’t.

4. Guilt-free permission to say no

When life gets very busy, something has to give.  Wise parents learn early on that doing it all only works for Super Heroes and that ordinary people wilt very quickly when trying to do the impossible.  Saying no and sticking to it, without a glimmer of thought about depriving the children of something potentially enlightening or life-altering, is your new mantra.  Practice it daily.

5. A rock solid support system

Last but not least, cultivate a network of friends and family who respect and understand your goals.  Surrounding yourself with a circle of positive, supportive people may seem impossible given your hectic schedule and lack of time for a hot shower let alone a telephone conversation with a good friend.  But nurturing these relationships actually saves you time in the long run, as these individuals will make themselves available when you need them, not to mention act as sounding-boards (or punching bags) if it all becomes a little bit too much.

Yes, you can do it.  Others have and you can, too.  But working at home while homeschooling has many strings attached.  Letting go of fantasies and adopting a more realistic look at the big picture is the price.  A lifelong bond with your children and giving them the world’s greatest advantage is the reward.