Trapped between the raging Red Sea and an angry army of trained soldiers, the Israelites cried out in a desperate plea for help. As many of you have been thrust into the homeschooling world, you too may currently feel like that pressure. Sandwiched between the Red Sea of unknown homeschooling and a mighty army barreling down on you to provide for your family, questions and uncertainty may arise as to how to homeschool while working from home.
First of all, let me expel the doubt that you can’t teach your child. From birth, you have been teaching them – from talking and walking to riding a bike and brushing their teeth. You are more than experienced. Because you know your child better than a teacher ever will, you know their fears, their quirks, their enjoyment, and so much more.
Can I just encourage you as Moses did the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-16, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” This homeschooling adventure will require being still before the Lord, understanding that God is on your side fighting your battle – this will be your anchor.
For the last two years, I have homeschooled while working full-time from home, so I want to share several tips and some links to the available resources that I have helped us through the transition.
Tip 1 For How To Homeschool While Working
First of all, rise and shine before your children. Even if it’s only 15-30 minutes, you need this time to be still before the Lord. Now, I can hear some saying, “I have less time now than before, and it was already hard to have a quiet time.” From this mama’s heart to yours, this is a season you will need the Lord‘s patience, perseverance, and direction perhaps more than ever before. Use one verse and pray it over your family, declaring it over your heart and mind. (I’ve created quite a few free resources, so be sure to sign up for the Chosen Library to get instant access.)
Tip 2 To Help You Maintain Sanity While Working and Homeschooling
Stick to a regimen. If your children have attended a traditional school, they are used to structure, discipline, and regimen. Having a schedule will not only help you keep your sanity, but will also help them transition back into traditional school when the time comes. For us, this means starting the day off with tasks that my daughter can do on her own, allowing me free time to respond to emails and do other things in a “semi-distraction” free zone. This might be art class, vocabulary review with siblings, an older sibling reading to a younger sibling, or watching a YouTube video about how volcanoes work (be sure you screen it first).
Tip 3 To Being Productive While Working and Homeschooling
Prioritize. This is a must. While your kiddo has the best brain juice, complete subjects for which they struggle. For us, this is math. On days we don’t accomplish math first, we spend twice the amount of time, four times the amount of whining, and 100 times the tears (those would be my tears). Seriously. Get those harder subjects done before lunch, if at all possible. You’ll both be glad you did!
Tip 4 On How To Work From Home and Homeschool
Think outside the box. Art class might look like drawing an encouraging note on the sidewalk for passerby‘s, reviewing an artist’s most famous piece of art, or their favorite craft. If you’re in an area that is still able to walk outside, P.E. might be a walk in the open air. This helps diminish feelings of being trapped, allows the kids to run off energy, and soak in much-needed vitamin D. Bible class can be reading a short faith-building story while having them work on handwriting through copying a Bible verse. If you’re struggling in this area, Pinterest has oodles of great tips and tricks.
Tip 5 To Help You Homeschool While Working Full-time
Choose your battles wisely. Not every struggle has to end in a battle. Decide what’s worth fighting for and release the rest. This is a transitional period for both parent and child, so emotions are high and stress levels are elevated. A gentle answer can do wonders for turning a battle into a blessing, but a harsh word always stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Choose words and responses wisely (another reason you desperately need tip 1).
Tip 6 To Guide You Through Homeschooling And Working From Home
Give yourself grace. After Moses encouraged the Israelites to be still and watch God deliverance, God instructed Moses to “raise his staff and divide the water.” Everything you need for success, God has placed within your reach. Will you fall, question your ability, or want to give up? Yes. Yes. Most likely, YES. So, throw away the idea of perfection and embrace the concept of grace. I’ve often heard the quote, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” I couldn’t agree less. It times you can’t do it and have to solely rely on God that you see His deliverance and grace the most. Through Christ, you’ve already split the Red Sea, walked on dry ground, and won the battle.
Tip 7 To Help You Homeschool While Working Full-time
Chase fun, not chores. This is a limited time that too shall pass. Enjoy this short season with its struggles and giggles. Look for ways to work hard and have fun. Create space for enjoyment by choosing crockpot and easy prep meals or paper plates to cut down on dishes. Make games out of chores and “no whine” reward systems. However you do it, the idea is to reduce time-consuming tasks, freeing up time for more fun.
Tip 8 Resources For the Homeschooling And Working Moms
Lean on those who have gone before you. When I began homeschooling two years ago, I had NO idea what I was doing. With my daughter having attended a Christian school from Kindergarten through 4th grade, homeschooling was nowhere on my radar. But, when God brings you to the Red Sea, you trust His leading is higher than yours. Several of the websites below are women, further along the homeschooling road, who have dedicated their lives to sharing wisdom, tips, and resources. In addition, you might check with your local library as many in our area have opened up a wide selection of online resources to assist parents.
A large section of freebies for homeschooling
Free resources for all subjects and grade levels
Homeschooling tips, freebies, helpful tips with special needs, podcast, and more
Homeschooling for children with special needs
Advice for homeschooling moms, suggestions, and fun tips
Organizing homeschool, helpful articles, and blog post
Helpful podcast, curriculum reviews, and encouragement
Well, I hope these tips and resources help you gain momentum in your homeschooling and working adventure. Not only has God carried me through these past two years, but He has blessed me with watching my daughter thrive in her relationship with Christ as well as her education. That is a promised land well worth any desert wandering. Mama, you’ve got this!
