As a mom with limited time working from home, but still dedicated and passionate about a literature-rich, academically-rigorous, and engaging homeschool, it has been extremely important to find the systems, organization, curriculum, and daily rhythms to establish a successful environment and foster as much independence as possible in my mid-to-upper elementary boys.

I think working and providing an excellent homeschool is entirely possible, but it is not easy. In fact, it is and should be difficult. It is akin to working two jobs. And while some people may say it is not possible to provide both a high quality education and a high quality work life, I stand firm in that it can be done and done well if you use as many tools and systems you can, foster independence, choose the right curriculum, and have support.

Find your why — Hold on to it

First, write down on paper or in you mind all the whys for your family — why homeschool over other public, private, or other options? Why is it the right decision for your kids, your family? Every family will have their own reasons. It’s your job to discover them, hold on to them, and remember them in those difficult time (and there will be those times!). And you may uncover more reasons as you go — the community you find in a coop, the interests your kids develop as they have time to follow them, or the relationship that is strengthened between you and your kids throughout the journey. Whatever they are, I encourage you to write them down so you can read them over and over again as often as you need.

Evaluate your specific situation

After being secure in your reasons for homeschool, you’ll need to evaluate your specific situation — the conditions in your work, your home, and your student needs. Homeschooling is your destination, your reasons for doing so is the car that will act as your foundation to carry you there, but you need directions in order to get there and stay on track. The logistics, the how — those are your directions.

• Do you have the type of work that can lend itself to occasional interruptions or breaks?

• Do your kids require constant supervision or can they follow instructions if you need to step away?

• Can you structure your day in a way to provide parental instruction and oversight in the subjects that require it?

• Can you provide some consistent routine or rhythm that your kids can rely on?

• Do you have community or coop support that you can rely on or incorporate?

• Can you foster enough social opportunities during the workday?

• Can you create a balance of parent-led, independent, and enrichment learning opportunities?

There are just a few of the questions you should think about when considering this undertaking. And these are the questions that I hope these resources can help with.

For me, these are some of the answers that made this transition to homeschooling and working possible and with clear directions for our family:

• I work remotely from home

• While work for an outside employer (not myself), I have some flexibility in my schedule, which is more task-oriented than customer-facing.

• I have been in my role for several years, so I am comfortable in my work and tasks.

• My students are past the learning to read and lower elementary stages, which would require more dedicated concentration from me.

• I have a support system in my husband who can be flexible with his work when needed, and in an excellent homeschooling community and co-op with many drop-off learning opportunities.

With that in mind, I also want to share the systems, planning, and routines that have helped us create a successful work and homeschooling environment.

Learn more about:

• How to Homeschool While Working from Home or with Limited Time

• How to Find and Incorporate Daily and Weekly Rhythms

• 10 Ways to Encourage Independence in Homeschool

• The Best Independent Homeschool Curriculum (not online!)

• Make the Most of Your Morning Meeting