Frugal Wisdom from a Veteran Homeschool Mom

Frugal wisdom thoughts from a veteran homeschool mom. I have now been homeschooling for 15 years. Homeschooling is my calling. It has evolved from when we first started. Homeschool meant the mom sits down each day and teaches her children. Now, there are so many academies that are opening up it doesn’t seem like homeschool at all.

Before you veer off the path too much because homeschool is a major time commitment, let me urge you to stay the course. Finding a good curriculum that works for teaching multiple children is a big money and time saver. You won’t be sorry to have researched this well. Follow the other tips I have listed, and homeschool will become your second nature.

As an experienced homeschool mom I wanted to share some of the ways that I don’t homeschool all day. For many years I ran my own cleaning business. As an entrepreneur I needed to work daily. Setting a daily schedule to get up, arrive to work on time, and finish on time was important.

After work I had to go home, clean, cook and prep for the next day. Homeschool is no different. Our homeschool is my job, and I take it serious. Having a start time, getting dressed for the day, finishing chores and at the end of the day wrapping up is a schedule.

Anything that has to be done daily has to have a schedule. At least for me. Homeschool runs like a business in our home, just a little more fun. During the day I do not schedule appts. or reschedule school.

Just like work, school has to happen. Everyday. At the same time. Taking time to realize the importance of homeschooling and keeping that front and center will guide homeschool moms through their days.

Frugal Wisdom from a Veteran Homeschool Mom

Here are seven ways that I set up our homeschool day:

1. KEEP A SCHEDULE, BUT BE FLEXIBLE.

Each day I have a schedule in mind. For example: School starts at 9:30. Starting with the hardest subject first which for us is math then wrapping it up with the easy classes. Breaks are scheduled in, and I allow my children to have input on their schoolwork. They understand that each day daily work has to be finished. Flexibility comes in with allowing them to choose if it is done on school hours, or during their free time.

2. SET A TIMER.

Time wasting will happen so I set a timer for each class. This helps them to keep on track, and me. If we are struggling in a class and it will take longer, and I can have one on one time to work with them.

3. START SCHOOL IN THE MORNING.

As a homeschool mom I can verify it is ok to be flexible and start after a field trip sometimes, or schedule a doctor’s appt. in the morning. But I feel like we are more fresh and ready to do school in the morning. Starting at 1:00pm is difficult for us because by that time we are all ready to be done for the day and move on to other interests.

Frugal wisdom comes after getting the routine down and working through the schedule. Helpful advice to not leave on every field trip saves time and money once again. Enjoy a cup of coffee each day and start off with some Biblical wisdom. Your day will flow much more smoothly.

4. DON’T DO OTHER THINGS WHILE THE KIDS ARE DOING SCHOOL

It can be tempting to work on the laundry, dishes or household cleaning. As homeschool moms our plate is full. Seizing this opportunity is a mistake. Instead of looking at homeschooling like a chore, approach it as time with your homeschoolers. Independent time if scheduled correctly is the time to step away. Keep checking on them, but during other study time give the time and devotion to homeschooling. The season seems long, but actually is very short.

5. SCHEDULE BREAKS

Breaks are needed and necessary. 10-15 minutes every hour helps everyone stay focused. Frugal wisdom says eat healthy snacks on the break, not sugar. Fruits and vegetables are less expensive, and invigorate the mind for learning.

6. HAVE A STOPPING TIME

In the beginning our homeschooling went quite slow. There were nights that I was homeschooling at dinner time. As time went on, a quick realization happened that this had to stop. I had to set homeschool hours. We stop officially at 9:00 and stop at 3:00pm. After that, I put on my housework hat and get to work.

7. HAVE A WRITTEN SCHEDULE

Have a schedule. A written plan on a board, poster, piece of paper, or somewhere so everyone can follow, and the frugal wisdom that comes from homeschooling with a schedule teaches that expensive notebooks aren’t necessary. Use a plain notebook, just make columns for the homeschoolers work.

Failing to follow a schedule can cause unnecessary frustration. Everything begins to pile up and chaotic.

Homeschooling has become such a blessing to me, and I can’t imagine ever going to work again! I love my job, and my payment is the bundle of kisses and joy that I receive.

How do you complete your homeschool tasks? For more of our homeschool and saving adventures follow me on Instagram @momsarefrugal.