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| Combining Work and Homeschool |
 Schooling Efficiently
Many parents with children in public or private schools spend some time each night helping with homework - reteaching such things as phonics or creation, or reading aloud. A homeschooled child with a read-aloud session nightly can surpass his public school counterpart, particularly in language arts. You can use the public library and skip over objectionable parts, since you will be reading to your child.
Start "schooling" with cuddling and reading to your young child. Teach school subjects one at a time, when he or she shows an interest in doing more. First work on phonics thoroughly, then go on to reading practice with very easy books. Cover penmanship next, and follow that with creative writing. (Your young child will create more abundantly if you do some of the actual writing, as he or she dictates.) Lastly demonstrate basic math concepts, including some drill. Strive for a degree of mastery in each area before going on the next. You save time, and your child retains his or her desire to learn with this easy start.
Combining activities also conserves limited time. Read historical or scientific biographies aloud, while your children are doing penmanship or art projects. Try to integrate speech with literature or history, geography with missions, nature study with family time, and vacations with science (or history, or art) as you visit museums and historical sites.
Teaching Responsibility
Children can take responsibility for their own learning, when they know how to read. Deb Deffinbaugh says, "Children want to have as much control as possible over their lives, and a system of accountability is an excellent way to introduce them to the adult world of responsibilities and consequences."
"The secret is in the planning, and in setting expectations, – says Mary Leonard who works two 12-hour shifts each week as an RN. I wrote contracts with my 12-year-old son, so he is aware of what he must do in each subject, and with what level of fidelity. The time I must spend with him is mainly in evaluation of his work and feedback."
Housework is normally performed by the already-busy working mom, whose children are in out-of-the-home schools. But when homeschooling, much of that housework can be done by your children - who learn to be a blessing as they are taught life skills.
Child Care
Although most homeschooling mothers with home businesses work around their children's schedules and schooling, those with outside work often divide child care with their husbands by working different shifts. A babysitter may come to the child's home, where school books and toys are readily available. Some older, responsible children are able do their schooling and chores themselves, while their parents work. Children could also spend time with a relative - such as a grandparent - and help with chores and projects.
Could you teach your children and yet perform the responsibilities of a job or business? Effective methods can help. Just remember Anne Olwin's sound advice to "laugh and keep a good sense of humor," because "everything is harder and takes longer if you don't." Then like Catherine White, you may say, "We love what we do and like to be busy!
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