Time Management Strategies for Homeschooling Parents

As a homeschooling parent, what don’t you do? Make the most of each day with these time management strategies for homeschool parents.

Time Management Strategies for Homeschooling Parents

Managing Time Well as a Homeschool Parent

Teacher, parent, house manager, bus driver, counselor…what don’t you do as a homeschool parent?

You can quickly feel overwhelmed by your list of duties.

You can lessen your stress by using strategies to maximize your time.

It is so essential that you have time for teaching, family time, and yourself.

You can find those pockets by following these time management strategies for homeschool.

Time Management Strategies for Homeschooling Parents

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8 Time Management Strategies for Homeschool Moms and Dads

To make the most of your time, try some time management strategies for homeschool.

You Can’t Do It All, So Prioritize

I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but here it is: you can’t do it all.

No one can.

You can spend your time making your house sparkle, but then you run out of time to coach your child through long division.

You can prep a fantastic and nutritious dinner, but then you can’t drive back and forth to dance around the dinner hour.

You can give everything you have to your kids, but then what is left for your partner…or yourself?

You cannot give yourself to every task. You have to prioritize.

What is most important to you? Focus on that, and let the rest go.

Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals for Your Kids

You don’t want to waste time with academic busywork.

What skills do you want your child to learn this year? Plan your year around those goals.

Setting goals is not enough. Your goals need to be S.M.A.R.T.: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

For more on goal-setting in homeschooling, check out this article.

Use a Planner

A little planning goes a long way. Purchase a planner, but make sure you get one that works well for homeschoolers.

This will help you parse the work into manageable chunks and create steps to achieve your goals.

A planner can also help you stay on top of life events, like doctor’s appointments, music recitals, and sports games.

Time Management Strategies for Homeschooling Parents

Establish a Routine, But Stay Flexible

Start each day with purpose. This will help you make the most of the morning.

Set wake-up times for each person in your family (even if that wake-up time is later than that of other families).

Then, follow a routine that works for your family. (Check out these ideas for homeschool routines.)

This morning routine could be breakfast, morning chores, family circle time, and math.

Or it could be something different: breakfast, nature walk, reading and journal writing.

Plan a routine that moves with the rhythms and priorities of your family but also suits your homeschool goals.

For more on creating a homeschool routine that works for you, check out this article.

Optimize Where You Can

Could you use some life hacks to make the daily work take less time?

Consider developing a rotating menu of easy-but-popular meals.

Take advantage of grocery pick-up or delivery.

If your kids are old enough, delegate some laundry and dish duties.

Listen to audiobooks when you are doing daily tasks or driving.

Read to your toddler while you are feeding your infant.

Keep a school book in your purse for odd times of waiting when you are out and about.

Figure out some household and homeschool life hacks to maximize your time.

Delegate to Others

Know your margins. This may be a season where you need help.

Can your partner take over math instruction with your sixth grader?

Can Grandma drive your daughter to ballet a couple of days a week?

Does your family eat takeout? Make one night a delivery night or bake a heat-and-eat meal.

Do not think you have to do everything yourself.

People who avail themselves of help are both intelligent AND strong.

Time Management Strategies for Homeschooling Parents

Choose Easy-to-Use Curricula

Not all curricula are created equal. Some are time-intensive and difficult to teach.

Pick programs that 1) help you meet your goals and 2) you can lead with confidence.

Read about what to look for in a homeschool curriculum.

Pick a few programs to investigate. Then, read curriculum reviews from sources you trust.

You can even craft your own epic homeschool curriculum!

There is no one perfect curriculum. You need to find what works for your family for this year. That’s it.

Incorporate Downtime

You may be tempted to fill your day to the brim with activities to be productive.

Watch out! Everyone needs rest. You need it, and so do your kids.

Plan some unstructured downtime for quiet play, reading, and napping (yes, even you can nap).

Remember to practice self-care. That time is still productive because you are equipping yourself to go the distance.

Homeschool Parent Time Management Strategies

Let’s acknowledge it: you do a lot.

You can make the most of your time by following these time management strategies for homeschool parents.

Remember that although you want to be productive, you are already accomplishing something wonderful by simply showing up for your kids every day.

That counts for a lot.

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