Single parenting and homeschooling, is it doable? Is it possible? And the answer is, Yes. But it takes a lot of work, patience, and sacrifices. Not a walk in the park but it's worth it.
People always ask me "How can you juggle work, housework, and homeschooling?" Sometimes, I wonder as well. How come I'm still sane despite all the many roles I play.
So today let me share some tips if you're a single parent like me and looking into homeschooling. Brace yourself and hey I am no expert just writing based on my experience.
My daughter Zoe will turn 5 years old in just a few days and since 1-year old, I already decided and prayed that she'll be homeschooled. Why? Read my top 3 reasons why we unschool. And I can say that it's one of the best decisions.
Before diving into homeschooling, it is important to ask God for guidance and wisdom. We can't do it all alone. If this is the right path to take, God will send angels along your way, trust me. He will. After all, God is our ultimate partner in raising our kids.
1. Set up your goal.
Before the school year starts, you need to set up your goal for the year. If you're new to homeschooling, read how and where to start here.
You need to have a strong vision and stick with it. You must know your goal as a family, as your child's teacher and your goal for your child.
List down all your goals and how will you achieve all of those goals. How do you plan to conquer those? Why do you homeschool? You can also do a vision board together with your child.
As I said, homeschooling is not always picture-perfect. There will be bad days, sometimes your child will push your button and you'll snap. You must prepare yourself emotionally and physically.
2. Time management
Time is very important. We only have 24 hours a day. But as a single mom who has too much on the plate can only do so much. I am a mom 24/7, a maid, a teacher, a playmate, a doctor, a chef, a friend, a self-employed professional and the list goes on. So, how can I survive the day and still homeschool my child? Time management is a critical skill for single parent homeschoolers to have.
One of the top survival tips that I can share is to learn the art of multitasking. It works best for me and my daughter. I do the laundry while I cook and wash the dishes. I teach her while I clean the house. I am working and I also play with her. You see, not all heroes wear capes! Single motherhood is tough! Would you trade life with us?
The second tip is to get your child involved. Train them to help and be independent. See the glimpse of our day here. Zoe is growing up independent and she makes my life easier. She helps me with everything without me asking her to help. She helps me with the laundry, she helps me cook, wash the dishes, clean up and so much more.
We need to be creative and flexible to be able to juggle work, housework, and homeschooling.
3. Make it work
If you're decided to take this homeschooling path. You need to start by setting up your homeschool. Here's how:
- You need to decide what homeschooling method that fits your family's lifestyle. Is it Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Classical, Eclectric, Unschooling, Waldorf, or any other method. Don't be afraid to use different approaches. For us it's unschooling.
- Do you prefer to make your curriculum or will it be easier to have a guide? Now is the time to decide whether to enroll in a homeschooling provider or to do independent homeschooling.
- Make a schedule. You need to set the best time for you and your child. Set aside chores and work so that you can teach and focus on your child. Here's an example of our routine during the quarantine.
I hope by now, you found some answers to your questions. I also pray that this article may bring encouragement to you. Don't forget to ask God for his guidance as you start a new chapter of your life as you homeschool your child. Trust me, if this path is for you. He will provide you with all the strength that you need, patience, resources, grace, and time to do it.
I am here writing and sharing our journey as a testimony of God's faithfulness. Because without Him, I can't make it work. Things didn't always work as I've planned. But through God's grace, Zoe is learning and growing with me at home.
If you have other questions, just let me know. If you need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to slide into my inbox. Oh, and having a support group helps. If you're a fellow single mom, we're happy to have you in our growing family. I hope to see you there!
Oh, and please don't forget to share this with your family and friends, especially if you know a fellow single mom. Stay safe and healthy! Until the next one.
Love,
Mommy Gen
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