Homeschool your kids by yourself is a lot easier said than done. It’s a major challenge for parents. But in this article, I am going to give ideas and ways to survive homeschooling as a single parent.
Over the past years, there has been a rapid worldwide increase in children being homeschool, what can we say the world is changing and so it’s our point of view towards education. And, also there are better curriculums that make it so much easier for homeschoolers to teach.
As a single parent homeschooling is challenging but empowering for me. You will discover everything from how to manage your time with your kids, to how to homeschool on a budget to willingly asking for help, and the most rewarding part building a healthy relationship with your children. I’m sharing my personal experience with what I’ve learned from single-parent homeschooling.
Setting Up Your Homeschool As A Single-Parent
As a single parent, you’ll probably work to earn for your family, but the question arises how will homeschooling be done along with working full time?
That means being out of the house for 8 hours and coming home to clean, cook care for the kids, and manage the house, and now homeschool as well? Just by listing my responsibilities, I can say that I am tired already.
Being a single mom or dad is demanding and challenging because some of your circumstances are indeed different. But homeschooling as a single parent is not impossible!
Other Post: How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year? When You Don’t Know How to Start
You will need to address many aspects that make your way easy to homeschooling as a single parent. So, let’s start your journey of single-parent homeschooling and how you can make it valuable and easy for you and them.
Below is what you need to know about single-parent homeschooling:
Tips On How To Homeschooling As Single Working Parent Possible
Below are some helpful single working parent homeschooling strategies to establish a system that makes things run smoothly. Some families believe that a strict time-based schedule works well, but I think a flexible approach works better. It all depends upon you and what works the best for you!
Just remember that the best way to teach your kids is finding out what will be working for them and at the same time for you.
1. Figure out what homeschooling style suits your family best
There are seven main methods to homeschooling:-
- Classical
- Charlotte Mason
- Montessori
- Unschooling
- School-at-Home
- Unit Studies
- Eclectic Education
Each of these has its benefits and drawbacks. Your first most crucial task is to figure out what type of homeschooling you want to do, then move on to the next step.
When I started homeschooling and I didn’t have a style and up to the point, I still don’t think I do. We try new things do what works and don’t repeat what has not worked.
I have an open mind to this and sometimes homeschooling does not look as what many people paint it to be.
2. Decide How To Schedule Homeschool Hours
After choosing a teaching style that works best for you, your next step is to decide on a schedule that will require your presence.
Just remember that you are choosing a style that you think will work but if it does not you need to just change it up to your needs.
It needs to work around your work schedule. If you have a 9-5 job, you can still do it.
How? I’ll give you a few steps that will help you better:-
- Send assignments to your kids no matter where they’ll be while you work.
- Try to make a schedule for homeschooling in the evening. Homeschooling doesn’t take many hours like public school (3-4 hours).
- Try to homeschool for four days a week. You can homeschool Monday to Thursday and Friday for field trips, nature study, music, art, and dance class.
It is always best to create your homeschool curriculum and schedule according to your state’s homeschooling rules and regulations.
I use a hybrid homeschool curriculum that allows me to assign my daughter work during the hours that I will be working a than me going over what she did during the day. this means that I correct her work answer her questions and we do some work together.
After trying many curriculums I have to say this has worked the best for me.
3. Stick to the plan
Here is a planner that would help you to keep up with life. This 12-month dated planner solves your problem if you have a busy schedule or workload.
I also have a free Homeschool Planner you can use to help you make your life easier.
4. Be Flexible
Homeschooling is a perfect atmosphere for open learning. Suppose you’re working outside of your home or going outside for a job.
Be open to change whatever it’s not working with your child. As a homeschooler myself with 3 kids of different ages. Sometimes I am so tired and I have a homeschool schedule to follow, to be honest, those days we go for a nature walk and talk about what we did and learned during the day as well as what we find during the walk.
Being a single homeschool mom it’s not easy or perfect but if you learn the tricks you can do it too.
Another option might be for you to hire a part-time or full-time tutor who can help your children with their studies. Some parents hire a babysitter to help children with their studies during the day.
If you’re working from home, you have to inform your clients and customers that you’re busy for specific hours of a day with homeschooling, and you’re not available during these hours because planning makes the best use of your time for homeschooling.
5. Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment allows students of any age to attend both public school and homeschool part-time. Older children should attend a dual enrollment when their single parents are outside 9-5 for work.
In this program, children can attend public school in the morning and attend homeschool in the evening. You have to check your local school to find out whether dual enrollment options are available in your area or not!
I have not done this myself just because I have the mentality that if I am going to homeschool I am going to do it all. But remember this is me and there is no right or wrong way to homeschooling.
6. Find Your People and Get Help
If you’re a single homeschool mom, then you need to find your people. Homeschool groups and co-ops are great places for mentorship and friendship and people who can understand your problem and help you.
You can make your group of trusted friends helps out with doctor’s appointments, sick days, and the days you feel helpless and lonely.
Another most important thing is to train your kids to help. It is essential to follow a core routine and teach them to complete schoolwork independently.
This one is a biggy Independence will help them and you in the future.
7. Use Your Resources
There are plenty of valuable resources for homeschooling parents; check them out and make your homeschooling process easy and comfortable.
HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association)is a helpful resource for those in need of affordable legal advocacy for their homeschool. The Charlotte Mason method is most famous among homeschooling parents; on the other hand, Classical Education divides the learning process into three stages according to age.
8. Think Outside The Box
If you’re working and homeschooling single-parent, you may need to put in some “school time” on the weekends because it is a good idea to take your kids on field trips and outside activities that don’t fit into your busy days, you can swap these activities with your homeschool friends also.
Of Course, for single parents, the most precious thing is the time! Because you have only 24 hours a day and the list of work is more than that. So, the only way to save time is to cut off certain things from the active list. Below are the things to skip and make your life easier:
- Let your kids make a portfolio on their own.
- Having a lesson plan book for kids instead of having an expensive box curriculum.
- Get your kids to help to clean the house and cook meals. Try to keep a dozen staple meals ready that will save your time and do the prep work ahead of weekends.
Take Time To Have Fun
Finally, you are all set for homeschooling but don’t neglect yourself and have a fun time with the family. When you work at home, it is challenging to figure out when the workday is over. When life’s struggles put you down, stop, take a deep breath with a cup of coffee and make a trip for a natural environment with kids.
Sometimes let them read funny books on a rainy day, and burst out laughing loudly. Warm-up with dance and music, do everything that fills your mind and body with positive energy and get refreshed for the whole day.
Try to avoid all challenging moments, instead fill yourself with beautiful memories being made.
No matter how busy you are during the day, spend at least one fun night with them. It makes your relationship stronger and firm.
Some Job Option For Single Parents
- Teaching at nights in university
- Blogging, virtual assisting, and social media work
- Content writing or ghostwriting
- Web design
- Party planning
- Home tutoring
- Online tutoring
- Massage therapy
- Bookkeeping
- Dog groomer
- Customer survive
- Call center rep
There are numerous options if you want to work from home that makes your homeschooling easier.
End Point
I hope the above tips help your single-parent homeschooling journey because homeschooling offers high-quality education. I know many challenges are coming across your way, but some positive aspects such as breaks throughout the school year, having fun with kids are worth every ounce
FAQs
How to homeschool as a single working parent?
Yes, single parents can homeschool! Even child support and a job can make it possible for most single parents to set up a homeschool.
Can a full-time working mom homeschool?
Yes, you can. It can be challenging, but you can outshine it with your strength and ability because once you are determined, nothing is impossible!
How do single parents afford to homeschool?
While there are not many options out there that provide public funding for homeschooling, there are homeschool organizations that may be able to help single parents afford to homeschool.