Even intentional homeschool parents need to figure out ways to find time for tasks that do not involve kids. With babies and toddlers your best bet is probably nap time. Beyond that, consider yourself lucky to get a shower in without a tug on your attention. Pre-schoolers can often be occupied for 30 minute blocks with activities like puzzles, blocks, legos, colouring or other simple art projects. Media is often a fall back and it can be helpful, but it is important to find a balance and be aware of your own child’s limits.
When it come to school age children, if your goal is to simply occupy their time so you can get other work done, various forms of media might do the trick. Letting children do what they want may also free you up to focus on other tasks. However, if your goal is to actually practice the art of homeschooling, you may be required to put in some extra effort to ensure there is learning going on. Even homeschooling that is entirely child-lead calls for adult engagement to support whatever it is your student is passionate about. Planning ahead and dedicating some of your time to preparing for a day of learning can go a long way in providing a rich learning environment as well as giving you some space to get other things done.
As a homeschool parent, I liked to focus on one subject at a time. I spent a good deal of time on the front end thinking through the subject and planning lessons, assignments and activities that fit the theme. In this way, I often ended up being able to have all three of my children working on the same subject from different grade levels.
Botany, for example was a fun way to engage my 1st, 5th and 8th graders all at the same time at different levels. I found books and other resources on the subject that met each student’s ability. All three enjoyed time in the garden with hands on activities. We learned about the different parts of plants and I also set them up with garden projects that they could work on together for an hour or so while I got something else done. Each student also had reading, writing, research and drawing assignments connected to the subject of Botany, each with a different level. of difficulty.
Some subjects were better suited to bringing in outside resources such as tutors and on-line learning. Here I would suggest you do the upfront work of researching and vetting the best resources to fit your child’s personality, temperament and learning style. Once you find the right fit, having your student working on their own will definitely free up time for you to focus on other things. If you have a child home from school who is lucky enough to have continued virtual support from school, your role is to encourage structure and discipline around making the time for learning a real part of each day. There are a wealth of resources coming forth amid the widespread orders to stay home if you are trying to figure things out on your own while your child’s school ramps up their own response.
Whatever your approach to the homeschooling endeavour, be prepared to compromise. Don’t expect to get as many other tasks done as you might like. Set clear boundaries for time that you really need to carve out for yourself. In striking a balance, I hope you are able to find a way to appreciate the gift of time at home with your children.
Jennipher Lommen is a Certified Financial Planner TM and Enrolled Agent who offers comprehensive financial planning and tax advice to clients in Santa Cruz, CA and beyond. Jennipher also spent 5 years as a homeschool parent to her three children.
