A Day in the Life of a Homeschool Mompreneur

I love getting a peek into other homeschools – it is inspiring!  I’ve read a lot of diary blog posts featuring the homeschooled student.  But what about a day in the life of… the work-at-home homeschool mom?!

I know I’m not alone in that in addition to homeschooling, I’m working my buns off.  I’m not sitting on the couch catching up on the latest Netflix series.  I’m pursuing my passions and meeting my responsibilities.  You too?  I’d love a peek inside other mompreneur’s lives to see how they juggle it all.

But for today, I’ll give you a look into my crazy but satisfying ebb and flow called a “normal day” (whatever that is!).

(This post contains affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will receive a commission if you make a purchase from these links.)

My day really starts the evening before as my four year old has already been asleep for a couple hours and my four boys head to their rooms to read before lights out.

From about 9pm until midnight

I have tried so many other rhythms and routines, like waking up before the kids (nope, not going to happen).  Or working on my computer in the morning before school.  Out of the question.  Too chaotic around here as soon as feet hit the floor.

So, my best time to work is when the house is quiet.  That’s from 9pm-12am.  I work on my blog, Etsy shop, Ebay store, several Facebook pages, Pinterest, and other projects.

Wake up around 8am

Ahh, the beauty of homeschooling is that we can wake up whenever we’re rested!  After having four babies in five years more than a decade ago, I still feel like I’m catching up on all the sleep I lost!  When I get to the kitchen to grab my coffee in the morning, all the kids are up and either still relaxing or starting chores and some subjects (the more motivated ones!)  I love our unhurried mornings.  We generally try to start serious academics by around 9am.  So from 8-9am, I have my breakfast and get dressed and ready for the day.

Move kids along in school from about 9am – 12pm

During the morning, I try to reserve most of my focus and physical attention for homeschooling.  My youngest is not in kindergarten yet, so she is free to play.  Sometimes she sits at the table and works on her letters.  My other kids are fourth grade and middle school to high school, so I am more of a tutor and manager these days than a teacher.  The subject that needs the most attention is usually math.  I help the two youngest boys with their piano practice.  When I’m not needed, I am able to answer emails, respond to Etsy and eBay issues, start dinner prep, fold my laundry (not my kids’), get lunch ready, and even bring in a painting project to work on in the kitchen.

We use the kitchen table as the school hub.  Two of the kids do all their work there.  The oldest kids come and go as they check in with me, but they prefer to work in their room.  So I am able to be productive with the kitchen and other household chores while monitoring the four year old and helping kids with schoolwork.

Lunch together at around noon

If the younger kids have been diligent, they’re probably mostly done with their schoolwork by now and can go play.  Sometimes we work on a subject together after lunch.  I check in with the older kids to see what they have left and make a plan for the rest of the day.

Time for me 1-5pm

I am an introvert, so being with five kids all day long is exhausting.  I love to escape to my Etsy craft room and work on my business.  I am close enough for the kids to call out the door if they need me.  But I just love recharging out there while working and listening to podcasts.  One afternoon a week I also teach piano lessons.  I don’t usually spend all four hours away from the house.  But I like to think in these blocks of time and it helps the kids see that they need to be diligent in the morning and get my help when I’m there.  Supper is ready by five.  The kids have an hour of tech time before supper.  When dad comes home from work, all the tech gets put away and we have family time.

Evening routines from about 5-9pm

In the evenings, we might watch a family movie, play a game, enjoy our own free time, go to AWANA & Bible study on Wednesdays, have a couple or family over for dinner, or maybe a date night for mom and dad?

Back to the evening block schedule to get concentrated work done from 9pm – midnight

Of course, I’m not a slave to my schedule, because some nights, hubby and I like to watch a movie together after the kids are in bed.  Some evenings we’re out late at an event or meeting.  But it’s helpful to have this mental framework in place and use it as much as possible.

Tips for finding time as a Homeschooling Mompreneur

• Block your time
• Give your full attention to homeschooling for at least 2-4 hours a day
• Don’t feel mom guilt when it’s time for you to work
• Schedule in your work time or it won’t happen (yup, I know this from experience)
• Know yourself
  • Are you a morning person?  Then wake up early before the kids and get your work in.
  • Are you a night owl?  Stay up after the kids go to bed.
• You can’t do it all – what are your priorities?
• 168 Hours:  You Have More Time Than You Think – this book offers a paradigm shift for how you can get the most important things to fit into your week (review coming soon!)
• Zero-based scheduling is essential
• Have your to-do list of priorities made the night before
• Work your list as you find free minutes throughout your day – avoid scrolling through Facebook!  Those 5-10 minute increments really add up!

What would you add?  How do you manage it all when you are a homeschool mom and work from home?  Share in the comments below.

Wish you could find a side hustle to be able to add extra income while also homeschooling?  Check out my Pinterest board for some great ideas or check out my run-down on Etsy for homeschooling moms.