Juggling Homeschooling and Working from Home

Feb 4, 2022 Like many parents across the United States, my husband and I are navigating the new normal of homeschooling our children while also working from home. Our oldest son is in preschool, and as any parent of very young children call tell you, some days can feel like the wild west over here!

As a result of COVID-19, we received word last week that my son’s preschool would stay closed this fall. My husband and I both run businesses from our home and have limited childcare help. Over the past few months of juggling this together we have figured out some tips and approaches about working from home and homeschooling that have helped us be productive, and also gave our oldest the dedicated homeschooling time he needs.

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Have a Schedule

The only way we are able to make homeschooling and working full time work is by having a schedule. This allows us to utilize time-blocking, which is what I’ve found is the best way to make sure we have time to do both school AND our jobs.

In our home, our “schedule” is two different things: a daily schedule for the boys, and a weekly schedule of every meeting or event that we need to be aware of.

Each Sunday night after the boys have gone to bed, my husband and I map out our week. We put everything on a Google calendar with links to both of our phones, as well as a calendar with large fonts that we can easily see. Every single appointment or important deadline goes on this, from doctor appointments, work meetings, play dates, and more.

Having an idea of our weekly schedule also allows my husband and I to map out our work time and how we will supervise the boys. If I have a tight deadline on Wednesday, he might jump in and manage the kids all day on Tuesday. Very often we divide our workdays by before lunch and after lunch: he watches the kids one day from 8:30am – 12:30pm, and then I’m “on duty” from 12:30pm – 5pm, and the next day we switch.

When we started homeschooling, we set up a schedule for the boys that we try very hard not to deviate from, and which allows us to make this time-blocking work. Here’s an example day for reference:

Be Strategic with Your Worktime

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to working from home while also homeschooling your children is to accept that you will have to work in increments. Unless you have another adult who is able to homeschool your children full time while you work, you won’t be able to work a normal eight-hour workday.

Realize that you might need to work untraditional hours. Sometimes I get up early before the kids if I have to accomplish something really important that day. Other times, I work after the kids have gone to sleep.

Map Out Schoolwork

Mapping out schoolwork becomes even more important with older kids. If your child has to sign into their digital learning platform at a certain time for each class, make sure you write this down for both you and them.

When assignments and projects are given, build this into their schoolwork schedule in advance as well. Make a list of everything that needs to be accomplished or is due at the beginning of each week. For example, if your daughter has a book report that is due on Thursday, carve out time on Wednesday to touch base. If she has a test on Friday, be sure you have dedicated time for preparation throughout the week.

Be sure to take this schoolwork schedule and compare it with your work deadlines and meetings! Most importantly, reevaluate this plan as the week goes on. New assignments will pop up and need attention.

Ask for Help

Also, the corona virus and working from home and homeschooling your kids is incredibly hard. If you don’t have help at home, find someone you trust who can provide it from time to time. Whether it’s your own parents, a neighbor, or a trusted friend. And don’t forget to schedule some quiet time, too! Good luck!

There WILL be days that you need an extra set of hands. It’s ok to ask for help!

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