Homeschooling as a Working Stay-at-Home Mom: Schedule, Daily Routines & Hacks?
Let’s be real: Homeschooling alone can feel like a struggle but Homeschooling as a Working Stay-at-Home Mom can feel over the top and overwhelming.
Juggling homeschooling, work, and managing a household sounds completely insane. I can sense the panic. If you’re here wondering if it’s even remotely possible, the answer is yes—but you have to be really strategic.
So, grab your coffee (or tea; no judgment here), and let’s explore the beautifully chaotic world of homeschooling as a working stay-at-home mom.
Here is what we will discuss
Is it possible to work full-time and homeschool
Homeschool Schedule
Homeschool Organization
Homeschool Daily Routines
Working Mom Morning Routine
Working Mom Hacks
Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs
Working Mom Homeschool Schedule Example
Is It Possible to Work Full-Time and Homeschool?
Short answer? Absolutely. Long answer? It takes creativity, flexibility, and a sprinkle of trial and error. Remember, Homeschooling isn’t about recreating an 8-to-3 school day at home. Instead, it’s about tailoring learning to your family’s rhythm and child's learning style. To learn about different learning styles check out this blog post.
I work from home with an eight to four schedule and at first, I did not think it would be possible to homeschool my kindergartner and work. But I spent the summer understanding my son's learning style and my teaching style. This is crucial to learn what will work best for you and your family.
So if you’re working a full-time job, homeschooling might mean teaching in the evenings or spreading lessons over weekends. Some moms even tackle homeschooling in spurts throughout the day—hello, math lesson during lunch break! The key is to remind yourself that homeschooling doesn’t have to look like a traditional school to be effective.
Homeschool Schedule
Usually our work schedule is set up for us if you’re working a traditional 9 to 5. So you will need to create a homeschool schedule around your job. I work from home with my morning being slow so I am able to homeschool my son simultaneously.
But first, it’s important to know how many Hours a Homeschooler needs.
The good part is, homeschooling doesn’t require eight hours a day of structured lessons. But I do recommend checking your state homeschool laws to make sure you are following legal requirements. Click here to visit.
If we are ballparking hours I would say, for kindergarteners and early elementary kids, you’re looking at 1-2 hours a day. Older kids might need 3-4 hours.
This leaves plenty of time for work. You can plan lessons in blocks, focusing on independent activities during your busiest work hours. Think educational apps, quiet reading time, or even a YouTube science experiment—they’ll learn, and you’ll catch up on emails or make dinner while they are learning.
Here’s a sample Homeschool time frame to get you started:
Morning (1- 2 hours): Core subjects like math and reading.
Midday (45 mins - 1 hour): Independent work or hands-on activities.
Afternoon (1 hour ): Electives, arts, or outdoor play.
Evening (30 - 45 mins): Family discussions, projects, or review
This time frame is just a starting point. If your workday starts early, shift lessons to the afternoon or evening. The goal is to find a rhythm that works for your unique family dynamic.
Homeschool Organization
For me to be efficient, I have to be organized because homeschooling can get messy. Worksheets on the table, crayons on the floor, and random cutouts on the dining room table. Here are a few ways I stay organized:
Designate a Homeschool Space: It doesn’t have to be fancy—a corner of the dining room or a rolling cart with supplies works wonders. This is exactly what I have.
Use Bins and Labels: Store materials by subject or child to make finding things easier.
Plan Ahead: Use a planner or digital calendar to map out lessons and work commitments.
Declutter Weekly: Spend 10-15 minutes each week tidying up your homeschool area. It’s amazing what a little order can do for your sanity.
If you need a jump start on organizational supplies, click here to access everything I use to start my homeschooling journey!
Homeschool Daily Routines
Personally, I need a routine to function but I noticed kids do too. A predictable daily structure helps everyone stay on track. Here’s a simple template to consider:
Morning: Lessons and independent work.
Afternoon: Playtime, outdoor activities, or family projects.
Evening: Relaxation, reading, or preparing for the next day.
This is what my days look like and I only homeschool 4 days a week. From Monday through Thursday, I make sure to get up a couple of hours before my son wakes up to get my day started, work on my blog, and get a jump start on my traditional day job.
In the morning I dedicate 2 to 3 hours of structured lesson plans, reviews and activities. This includes one or two 10-minute breaks. In the afternoon, I may take a walk with my son and then let him get on his tablet using a learning app. The rest of the day I let him have independent play and watch a little bit of TV.
Remember, routines are guides, not rigid rules. Some days will flow seamlessly; others might feel like herding cats—and that’s okay. Adjust accordingly and give yourself and your child some grace.
Working Mom Morning Routine
Mornings set the tone for your day. And let’s be honest, a chaotic morning can leave everyone feeling frazzled. Here’s a routine that balances productivity and calm:
Wake Up Before the Kids: I recommend 1 to 2 hours makes a huge difference. Use this time to sip coffee, journal, or prep for the day.
Kids Morning Routine: Structure a routine for your kids to follow, like brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and fixing their bed before they start their school day
Quick Morning Review: Over breakfast, review the day’s plan with your kids. It helps set expectations and gives them a sense of structure.
Tackle Big Tasks First: Start the day with your “must-dos,” whether it’s a work project or a tricky homeschool subject.
Keep It Simple: Don’t overcomplicate breakfast or lessons. Focus on core subjects, lesson reviews, and simple fun engaging activities.
Working Mom Hacks
We deserve a medal for this amount of multitasking, but I'm happy just seeing my son light up every morning. Here are some hacks to keep you thriving:
Meal Prep Like a Pro: Cook double batches (enough for two days) and meal prep lunch or dinner.
Involve the Kids: Have your kids help with chores. It teaches responsibility and frees up your time.
Embrace Technology: Use educational apps or online classes for independent learning.
Set Boundaries: Create work “office hours” and communicate them clearly to your kids.
Outsource When Possible: Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s hiring a tutor or joining a Co-op where other homeschooling parents meet, teach, and have activities for kids.
Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms
If you are reading this blog post and would like to find a job that better suits your homeschool schedule then I got you covered. Working from home doesn’t have to mean a 9-to-5 grind. Here are a few flexible job ideas that pair well with homeschooling:
Freelancing: Writing, graphic design, or virtual assistant work can be done on your schedule.
Selling Digital Products: Create and sell printables, eBooks, or online courses.
Tutoring: Offer tutoring services in your area of expertise.
Blogging or YouTube: Share your homeschooling journey and monetize through ads or sponsorships.
Direct Sales: Work with companies offering flexible hours and products you love.
The key is finding something you enjoy and can fit into your day.
Working Mom homeschool schedule to get you started:
Morning Routine: Before Work
6:00 AM - 6:45 AM: Parent morning routine (coffee, shower, prep for the day).
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM: Kids’ independent work or educational activity. Examples: a worksheet, journaling, or an educational app.
Tip: Use this time to connect and set expectations for the day before heading out.
Afternoon: Independent Learning Time
While the parent is at work:
Supervised by a caregiver or older sibling (if possible):
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Kids work on independent subjects like spelling, handwriting, or online lessons.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Creative play or project time (e.g., art, science experiments, or building with LEGOs).
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Outdoor activities or physical play.
Tip: Use tools like virtual learning platforms or pre-recorded lessons to help with independent learning.
Evening: Homeschool Session
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Parent-led homeschool time. Focus on one main subject like science, history, or a fun family project.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Reading together (either the parent reads aloud, or the kids read independently).
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Bed time routine, prepare for the next day.
Weekend Homeschooling
Saturday Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
Dive deeper into subjects that need more time, such as science experiments, writing assignments, or art projects.
Field trips or nature walks for hands-on learning.
Sunday Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM):
Plan for the upcoming week. Prepare lesson materials or organize resources.
Focus on electives like music, coding, or language studies.
This schedule is just a starting point. If your workday starts early, shift lessons to the afternoon or evening. The goal is to find a rhythm that works for your unique family dynamic.
You’ve Got This, Supermom
Homeschooling as a working stay-at-home mom isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a life that works for your family. Some days will feel like you’re conquering the world, while others will feel like you’re running on fumes.
Take it one day at a time, give yourself grace, and remember: you’re doing an amazing job.
Now go tackle that to-do list, and don’t forget to breathe. You’ve got this! 💪
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