For sole support or single parents the decision to homeschool can carry with it many concerns and challenges. Some of the obstacles faced by single homeschooling parents are as basic as how to support their family while juggling homeschooling, a career and time for themselves.
Tips for Juggling Homeschooling and Career as a Single Parent
Parents can involve children in their job and the more a child understands his parent's career the more accepting of it he may be. There are often homeschool lessons hidden in a parent’s career and maybe even opportunities for the children to be involved. For example a child could go to work on Bring Your Child to Work Day or volunteer to help at special events. These activities expose children to the working world while giving them a sense of connection.
Planning studies ahead of time is one of the greatest strategies a homeschooling parent can use. Planning the children’s schooling gives them a hint of the expectations held for them. Making them part of the planning process can teach a children time management skills and also give them ownership over their education.
If a parent must work during the school day and children need to be left with a babysitter or alone (age permitting) to complete their studies, a check list of activities to be completed each day will help students be organized and certain all their work is done accurately. A checklist can be drafted on paper or a dry erase board.
Keeping Homeschooled Children and Working Single Parents Connected
When a parent is homeschooling, particularly when the parent is a single parent who also works outside of the home, children can feel like all they do is schoolwork. It is vital that parents in these situations also make time to maintain their connection with their children.
Maintaining a positive connection with a child can happen in many forms from extravagant travel plans to a movie or bowling night. Children need to know their parent is still the one who loves them unconditionally even if they can’t seem to figure out their math exercises.
Single, Working and Homeschooling Parents Make Time For Themselves
Homeschooling parents deserve and need time to themselves as well. Here is a quick list of suggestions on how to find that little bit of quiet time.
- Take a mom/dad timeout. Having a spot at home where the kids know not to disturb their parents allows mom/dad time to refresh their minds.
- Go out without the kids. Often a night away from the kids enjoying other adult conversation or an adults-only dinner party can rejuvenate a parent’s focus.
- Taking time to indulge in hobbies or sports without the children can also play a large role in clearing a parent's mind and refreshing a tired, worn out body.
Overall having fun and knowing when to take timeout is the best way to survive the stress and joy of homeschooling as a single parent who has to work.
Other interesting Suite 101 articles are, Homeschooler Work-At-Home Tips and Homeschooling and Summer Camp.
Karrie Emms - As a single mother of two beautiful children, Colton (11) and Jesslynn (9) Karrie has a passion for writing that began at the tender age ...
