Embracing Homeschooling: Navigating Work and Education with Ease (Mostly)

Howdy, friends! Today I'm diving into a topic near and dear to my heart: homeschooling. Yep, you heard that right – we've taken the plunge and decided to educate our girls right here on our homestead (actually, this is our third year homeschooling). Now, I know what you're thinking – homeschooling while working full-time? Sounds like a tall order, but fear not, y'all. I'm here to share some practical tips and tricks to help make it work for those who may want to do the same.

First things first – why homeschooling? For us, it's all about flexibility, customization, and instilling a love of learning in our girls. Plus, with our bustling homestead and full-time jobs, traditional schooling just didn't fit our lifestyle. So, we rolled up our sleeves, did our research, and dove headfirst into the world of homeschooling.

Now, onto the nitty-gritty – how do we make it work while holding down full-time jobs? Here are a few tried-and-true strategies that have helped us find our groove:

1. Create a Schedule: Set aside dedicated time each day for homeschooling. Whether it's in the morning before work, during lunch breaks, or in the evenings, having a consistent schedule helps keep everyone on track.

2. Get Organized: Keep lesson plans, materials, and resources organized and easily accessible. Using an open and go curriculum is a must for us. We have a designated homeschooling area where the girls can focus and spread out their books and supplies. But, we are always ready to grab and go.

3. Utilize Online Resources: Thankfully, we live in the age of technology, which means there's a wealth of online resources available for homeschooling families. From virtual field trips to educational apps and websites, there's something out there for every subject and learning style.

4. Take Advantage of Flexibility: One of the biggest perks of homeschooling is the flexibility it offers. If our work schedules get hectic, we can adjust our homeschooling routine accordingly. Whether it's squeezing in a lesson during a lunch break, taking a field trip on a weekday afternoon, or catching up on the weekends, flexibility is key.

5. Embrace Hands-On Learning: Here on the homestead, we're big believers in hands-on learning. Whether it's tending to our garden, caring for our animals, or exploring nature trails, we find ways to incorporate real-world experiences into our lessons.

6. Lean on Support Networks: Don't be afraid to reach out to other homeschooling families for support and guidance. Whether it's joining a co-op, attending homeschooling meetups, or connecting with online communities, having a support network can make all the difference.

7. Prioritize Self-Care: Balancing homeschooling and full-time work can be challenging, so don't forget to prioritize self-care. Whether it's carving out time for yourself, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby, taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining balance and sanity.

So there you have it, y'all – a peek into our homeschooling journey and some practical tips for making it work while working full-time. Remember, every family's homeschooling journey is unique, so don't be afraid to tailor these tips to fit your own lifestyle and needs. Here's to embracing the adventure of homeschooling and creating meaningful learning experiences for our kiddos.

'Til next time!

Blaina Jo