Work/Life Balance with Homeschooling Series

Let me begin by saying that balancing any kind of activities is a myth. It is a concept we are all trying to chase without success. But it is catchy. It is a phrase that is accepted in productivity conversations and something we are all hoping for.

So however you or I define it, what we are really looking for is the ability to do lots of different activities in a day.

To find satisfaction in our very full schedule. We want to spend the right amount of time on the things that matter to us. We don’t want to be worn out or have things left undone.

I do not have a magic wand, but I do have 6 tips that will help you get the most out of your homeschooling day.

We do not want to let school work ooze into the rest of your day.

6 Ways to add Productivity to the Homeschool Day

1. Homeschooling is a job – It is a profession, a family lifestyle, and a calling.
2. Block scheduling – Focus on one type of activity at a time.
3. Clear the space – Make physical space for where homeschooling happens.
4. Transitions – Start well and end well.
5. Stay focused – Do not go put in a load of laundry in the middle of a science lesson.
6. Stay available – Be in the room with your kids.

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1. Homeschooling is a job  –

It is a profession, a family lifestyle, and a calling. For a long time, I thought what I did as a mom and as a homeschool mom did not count.  That it is not “real” because I am working at home and I am not getting paid. Yes, I am my own boss. But I am also my kids’ teachers and principal. It all falls on me. The organization, the planning, the execution of every day, the field trips, the special events, and the holiday parties. All of the different pieces that go into homeschooling make it a unique profession. On some days it is easy and fun. But most days are hard work and require a big dose of self-control to get to the end.

2. Block scheduling –

Focus on one type of activity at a time. A personal rule that I set for myself is designating specific parts of my day to specific areas of work. I have a rhythm that I follow to get all the things done. Block scheduling is super helpful for this. I am able to get in the mode of homeschooling, cleaning, making dinner, relaxing a reading on the couch, or getting a good work out.

3. Clear the space –

Make physical space for where homeschooling happens. Clean off the table. Wipe down the kitchen island and clear away the breakfast dishes. Pick up yesterday’s craft project and put away the Legos.  A great transition to starting the work of homeschooling is picking up clutter and making space. How we organize our spaces shows how important something is to us.

4. Transitions –

Productivity tip: start well and end well. We all need rituals and routines to keep us focused and present. Starting your day with something special sets apart your school time from the rest of the day at home. Decide when and how you will START your school day.  It gives space for everyone to get into “learning mode” and order themselves for the work of learning. Ending your day is just as important. It allows us to move out of one activity and into the rest of our day. Decide when and how you will END your school day. Attention residue is a real thing! Clean up, gather completed work, do some stretching, smiles, and hugs for all the kids. Choose how you will end the time spent doing lessons. Learning happens all day long but schoolwork should not.

5. Stay focused –

Do not go put in a load of laundry in the middle of a science lesson. Yes, our homes are available to us all day long. The dishes, the laundry, the messy floors, they are all there. But that does not mean that you are available to clean them or to manage household tasks during your homeschooling hours. You can not do two things at once. You can not be fully present if you are busy with tasks that can wait.

6. Stay available –

Be in the room with your kids. Even if you are not needed at that moment, be there to help and keep them focused. Your presence matters. I find that even my high school student who is highly motivated wants me in the room. I have a list of things that I do while kids are busy with independent work. Usually whatever I am working on will only last for 5-10 minutes before I am needed by a student for something. I choose tasks that I don’t mind getting interrupted. They are the reason that I am there. They are what is most important.

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Questions to ask

• What are some areas in homeschooling where you feel stuck?
• Where in your day do the kids get confused about what is expected?
• How do you transition from one kind of activity to the next?
• Do you do breakfast clean-up or have a school clean-up routine?
• When do you work on household tasks?
• What is your laundry schedule and how does that impact your day?
• Do you feel like homeschooling is a “real job”?
• Do you give yourself credit for all of the complicated things that you do?

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My Encouragement to You:

I am cheering you on no matter what your homeschool day looks like. Regardless of where or what you end up teaching today. Or if you decide to take the kids to the park and trace leaves on drawing paper. You are uniquely gifted to teach your children in your own way. God has given you the strength, the resources, and the personality that your kids need. I am confident that if you keep moving forward in what you have been called to do that you will do an amazing job in this unique profession!

Happy Homeschooling!

Hugs! – April