by Joan Collins

Created on: February 10, 2010

Homeschooling is a full-time job during which the teacher never leaves the school.  The challenge of finding time to teach the children, run the household and still have time for yourself may seem impossible but it can be done.  With a few time management tips, you can have a great life while homeschooling your children.

Establish a time for school realizing that you have the flexibility to change it when the need arises.  Find a start and finish time that works for your family and your family's situation.  Some homeschooling moms start the school day early because they know interruptions will come later in the day while others start at mid-morning.  You will know what works for you and how long it will take your children to complete their work.

Prepare for your classes.  Create lesson plans that will help your children and you stay on task.  This will help you accomplish the year's curriculum and allow you to be creative without pressure.  Use the Internet to supplement your textbook and craft activities.  Websites like math.com allow your children to practice math skills without assistance from you.

Create a space in your home where you teach your classes so you can keep all of the children's materials and your materials organized.  This eliminates the need to clean up every day, cutting down on daily housework.

Delegate the housework.  Part of the joy of homeschooling is teaching your children to be constructive members of society.  Give each of your children the responsibility of cleaning parts of the house.  Increase their knowledge by rotating the jobs according to the child's age and ability level.  Many hands make light work is a saying with merit as it will help you accomplish the chores quickly.

Don't lose yourself in all the activities of homeschooling and housework.  An empty vessel has nothing to share.  Keep yourself filled by managing time for yourself.  First, eestablish a time out every day.  During this time, require your children to read or play quietly in their own bedrooms.  During the quiet time, take a bubble bath, read a book or chat on the telephone with a friend.  Do whatever you need to to recharge your batteries.

Then, join a homeschooling association.  Attend meetings and go to functions.  While you are there, network and make friends.  Make play dates and enjoy the company of your friends while the children play.

Take time out for the lover in you too.  Have a regular date night with your spouse.  If your parents live close, ask them to keep the kids for a few hours.  When grandparents or other relatives are unavailable, hire a babysitter.  While once a week is an ideal schedule, make sure you don't settle for less than twice a month.  

Homeschooling is a wonderful learning situation for your children and you.  Make sure you manage your time and refresh yourself by including time for you too.

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