Working from home and homeschooling: how to do it all

Here are some tips to help me get more done while working from home and homeschooling my kids.

1. Schedule.

Know what you need to accomplish in your day, and create a schedule. It can be a flexible schedule with large blocks of time for general things (for example, morning for school work, afternoon for business work, evening for family time) or it can be a more precise schedule with hourly plans (breakfast at 8 am, math classes). at 9 a.m., spelling at 10 a.m., mom checks email while the kids take a break at 10:30 a.m., etc.). This depends on your personality. Try different strategies to find the one that works best for you and your family.

2. Maps and Lists.

I keep lists and plans. My weekly menu is in the fridge. My shopping list is there too and as soon as we run out of something, it gets added to the list. I plan to use the crock pot often, especially when I know the day is going to be busy. I choose the homeschool curriculum that comes with the plans already laid out, so it’s easy to “open and go,” then just check the boxes as we complete things. I’m a big fan of following things that work and not trying to reinvent the wheel.

My calendar stays on my desktop and when I have specific projects or things I need to do, they are included in the calendar. I keep an eye on what’s due and what’s coming soon. I also use Basecamp online for client work and some of my own projects.

Find the types of lists and plans that work for you. Keep your planning tools in the most convenient places so you can remember to use and follow them.

3. Have support.

Surround yourself with people and systems that support you in the things you have to accomplish. We chose to homeschool through a charter school program that gives us a teacher I can call or email when I need help. I have business friends that I know I can turn to for support and accountability as well. It makes a world of difference knowing it’s there if I need it.

4. Challenge yourself.

If you think it will take you 30 minutes to clean your kitchen or speed up your email, set your timer for 15 and see if you can do it faster. You will be surprised how often it works!