5 Simple Tips for Working From Home and Homeschooling

How are you and your family handling the fall semester?

This is definitely a hot topic right now. I’m not here to debate whether or not to send your child to school. I’m here to help those who are wondering how to balance working from home and homeschooling.

We, the Guillermo Family, are what I would call accidental homeschoolers. We're now entering our 3rd year of traditional homeschool after almost 2 years of cyber school and a brief stint in a brick and mortar school. Homeschooling was never on my radar, but for reasons I won't get into today it was the solution and blessing that my family needed.

I don't work traditional full-time hours, so I can’t directly address the challenges of working a demanding 9-5 from home along with homeschooling. But, if you're a freelancer or have even a little flexibility to set your own schedule, read on.

Unsplash: Aaron Burden

1. Do not try to recreate the school environment at home. You'll find that school work can be completed in a much shorter window than you would find in a traditional school day. School rules are created to accommodate a large group of students. This is your opportunity to set the rules and boundaries that work best for you and your family. Do you need to school at night? Do it! Would weekends work better for you? Incorporate them. Do you have an independent learner? Don't feel the need to stand and lecture them.

2. Make a schedule. I am a person who tends to like loose schedules, but I can tell you that without one at all, everything falls apart. In fact, we're working on our fall schedule now. This is the first year that both children have a full subject load, so I know that I have to tighten the schedule and to be open to change.

• Right now we have a 3 hour dedicated block of time set up in the morning for school. The first grader will not need that much time for his assigned work, but he will continue to learn by reading books, doing hands on activities, and educational videos. The kids will be free in the afternoon to attend additional classes like art and pursue their personal projects.

• Snacks are available at 10, with lunch, and 3. Without this schedule, they would ask for them ALL DAY!

3. If you have flexible hours, avoid working during your scheduled school hours. It sounds really simple, but the temptation is so strong! There is nothing more frustrating than starting a project and then having to stop to keep your student on track. But, hear me out. The frustration is not about the child needing help. It comes from trying to squeeze in too much.

• Picture this: The kids are settled into their stations with their work. You settle down to open your work. It is quiet and everyone has their flow. Then, one child says, “I need help with ____.” You say, “Give me just a moment” as your finish writing/emailing/designing/calculating etc. A moment turns into 10 minutes and the child has quietly gone off to play. It can be difficult to get them back on track.

I find that we are much more productive if we all focus on school or for me, activities that don’t require my undivided attention. Work in the early hours of the morning or in the afternoon/evening, but leave some designated work-free time for school. The older and more independent that your child is, the easier that it will be to work concurrently.

4. Be free with your "No". Being home doesn't mean that you're available for everyone. It is important to set boundaries on your time as both a worker and as a parent-educator. Say no to the things that would disrupt your day. And don’t feel bad about it!

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5. Have fun. Share more hugs, make fancy lunches, go more in depth in subjects that your child has interest in. Set incentives, measurable goals, and encourage a passion for learning. Show your child your work and include them in both your work and household processes when possible. 

• For example, my daughter loves to share her input on my design choices! She is only 9, but she’s learning to be an entrepreneur and sharing her excitement for the process with her younger brother (6).

A family is the ultimate team! It won't always feel like a peaceful utopia, but if you select your guiding principles, you can enjoy your year.

Do you have any questions about working from home and homeschooling? Ask them in the comments below!