How to Homeschool When Both Parents Work

While it might not be the ideal environment to homeschool in at first glance, it’s possible for parents to homeschool when they both work. To do so successfully, you will need to evaluate your priorities and take the time to carefully plan your time and schedules.

If you’re looking at a homeschooling plan where both parents work, there are those with similar experiences out there whose advice you might want to follow. Whether you work at home or outside of the home, it can be difficult to balance work and school, but it is possible. Here are a couple of strategies that you can use for at-home schooling while working at home.

Plan and Schedule Ahead

Everything that can be planned and scheduled ahead of time should be. Do as much prep ahead of time as you can so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute to get everything done.

Look at where you can prep for work and schedule blocks of time depending on your schedule. Book time into your schedule where you can get work done and aim to get as much done as possible during that time. Schooling at home while working requires sticking to a strict schedule and excellent time management, so be certain that you’re prepared to put that forethought into your schedule.

Make and Keep Lists

Keeping a list of what needs to get done will be helpful, whether work- or school-related. Check things off the list as you complete them. Keep working on the project until it’s done, even if you’re interrupted by your children and their learning needs. Tackle the list one item at a time until you’ve managed to cross each item off the list.

Delineate Work Time and School Time: They’re Not the Same

It’s important that you designate work time and school time and keep them separate. You still have responsibilities outside of work that you’ll need to get done, but try and keep to consistent work hours where you’ll be uninterrupted so that you can get your tasks and work done.

Although you might feel like you should be able to multitask, don’t. Supervise your children’s learning. Your children, and your work, deserve all your attention. When it’s time for school, set aside your work and give your children your full, undivided attention.

Outsource to a Tutor or Nanny

If it’s possible, you might want to consider outsourcing your children’s education to a trusted and vetted tutor or nanny, depending on your comfort level and resources. Having someone else in charge of supervising your children’s schooling and helping them with their work can be the right fit for your needs.

Although it’s an intimidating situation to be in, homeschooling is possible in a household where both parents work. There are options available that can help alleviate some of the stress and help with time management and scheduling.

At The Centre for Learning@HOME, we believe in respecting the decision that parents make regarding their children’s education. We are welcoming and supportive of families who come from a variety of backgrounds and are here to support you with a variety of excellent programs and courses for grades 1 to 12. Call us at (403) 938-4119 or at our toll-free number 1-800-659-1945 to learn more about our programs and courses in our faith-based homeschooling program.