More and more people are realizing that their children might benefit from being educated at home. This can be a very stressful decision for so many reasons, not the least of which is how the children will be educated while both parents are working. For many people, quitting their job is not an option. The financial stability of the household depends on both parent’s income. Or maybe you are a single parent and therefore the sole provider. How can it possibly work? Before you throw up your hands and decide it is simply impossible, take these five suggestions into account.
Schedule learning time after work and on the weekends. I know, I know, it sounds like more than one can bear. You want me to go to work, come home, fix dinner, do dishes and teach school?! I fully admit this can be a big strain, however you can take a few things into account here. You don’t have to teach every subject every day. Pick a subject a day that the child can do on their own, reading a story or chapter perhaps. Then have a subject a day that you work on together. Review things that need extra work on the weekends.
Consider an online program. There are many out there, and they vary in price and scope. This gives the child the ability to work more on their own, and you can just fill in on things they don’t understand. My children use an online academy for some subjects and we work together on others that I feel need more of a one on one approach.
Think outside the work box. Could you or your spouse telecommute? If either of you work shift work perhaps you could work it out so that one is home during the day and one at night. It might even mean a switch in companies. A little research and creative thinking can go a long way.
If you are open to a switch in careers, there is also the option of finding a full or part-time work at home position. Many companies offer career opportunities that allow for you to work from a home office. When searching for these opportunities consider hotel chains, transcription/caption companies, rental companies, etc. Search work-from-home or telecommute on their websites. I do work outside the home one day a week, but I also have a few online jobs that help fill in the financial gaps.
Consider help from family and friends. Do you have an aunt that is well versed in a particular subject? A friend that wouldn’t mind having your children over once a week for science lessons? Being open to allowing people within your circle to work along side you can be very beneficial.
Please do keep in mind that each state has its own rules and regulations concerning the responsibility of the parent and follow them accordingly.
If your family is considering the switch from public school to homeschool please know that there are options out there. Many families have been able to make life changes that in the end, benefited the whole family. Have a suggestion to add? Post in the comments below.
Photo courtesy of kizzzbeth https://www.flickr.com/photos/31403417@N00/