Homeschooling while working?

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to homeschool with both parents working full time if you can telework some and have flexible schedules?

I have always thought homeschool might be impossible for us since we both need to work. But DS has pretty serious attention and learning issues and we aren't sure that a school environment can meet his needs well. Are there options for people like us that I don't know about?

[Anonymous]

In general, I'm very supportive of homeschooling and think it's quite frankly a much better option for many kids. I do think it's possible to homeschool with both parents working from home and having flexible schedules (and actually we're basically doing this ourselves), but only with a specific type of kid - one who doesn't have behavioral issues, just needs a couple hours of focussed time early in the day for 1:1 teaching and learning support but then can be trusted to stay out of trouble and do independent work/play the rest of the day including during meetings, etc.

It may work with a small army of tutors though, and a part time nanny to supervise afternoon revision/play, with you overseeing the curriculum and monitoring progress, if that's a possibility?

[Anonymous]

In general yes I think you can work and homeschool, but I don't think you can do either effectively at the same time. If you can work before/after teaching, that's fine. If you're just thinking of assigning some work then working yourself that just gives homeschoolers who take it seriously a bad rep.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP. You can do it, but should probably be ready to spend some money on a tutor or larger co-op classes.

My spouse and I both work flexible schedule and we make homeschooling work this way. I have 2 kids 8 and 10.

There are drop-off co-ops, microschools and traditional tutoring centers that can all be a help to you. If you join your local FB homeschool group they can probably give you specifics on classes etc.

[Anonymous]

I have a friend who homeschools kids while both parents work. One can work out of office a day or two though, and I think she is able to have some longer days and a much shorter day. They do a combination of a) all-day coops b) outdoor program once a week c) grandparents. I would hate all the juggling but I have to say that her kids are very bright and really kind, appealing people so it seems to be working.

FWIW, the oldest seemed to have some issues when they started homeschooling at a young age and now, by his request, he moved back to a traditional and very rigorous school and he is doing very well.

[Anonymous]

I think for typical students you can make it work (older kids can work more independently through online or similar programs, younger children can go a lot of learning through co-ops and other alternative programs). I'm not sure how it would work with a child who has attention and other learning issues, because your child will need a lot more in-person, hands-on, individualized attention to help them learn how to learn and then access the material.

How old is your child? Has he been in a school environment yet? Do you have diagnoses and have you gotten an IEP to understand what the schools can provide for your child? There's a reason so many people say that public schools tend to be the best option for kids with special needs, they're required to provide services and accommodations that private schools aren't and that homeschooling co-ops/groups often don't have the training and resources to provide, however well-meaning they may be.

[Anonymous]

I know this would not be possible unless I were cheating my job out of my full attention.

What does your kid do during the hours you both actually work? Worksheets? Cartoons?

[Anonymous]

They are in their co-op classes with other kids while we are working. Or I do my work on off hours like the morning when kids are getting up, getting breakfast, reading etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: DS has pretty serious attention and learning issues and we aren't sure that a school environment can meet his needs well

OP do you have a diagnosis or just a hunch? Have you posted on Special Needs?

[Anonymous]

We are considering it for DS who has ASD, ADHD-inattentive, anxiety, and dyslexia. When he's in public school we have a few weeks of calm but it inevitably goes to an endless series of meltdowns and depression. Maybe there is a magical placement out there that would be effective but right now he's not really learning in public school. We do have an amazing language arts tutor that he works with for an hour every day and we would never consider home schooling without that supplement.

[Anonymous]

OP we started homeschooling this year and one thing I would suggest is joining a few DC area Facebook groups. There are so many parents who have been there, done that and are really generous with their knowledge of resources.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it's doable until they are older and can do the online schooling.

My niece did this starting at age 13 so she could concentrate on gymnastics.

[Anonymous]

Aaaaand this is exactly why employers have issues with parents teleworking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Aaaaand this is exactly why employers have issues with parents teleworking.

Ditto this. I can't possibly see how any of my teleworking employees could possibly homeschool.

[Anonymous]

Why the snarky "aaaaaannnndddd"?

Everyone on this thread said it can work if you have outside help or has been straightforward in saying that working while homeschooling doesn't work well. No need for your snappy, unhelpful comment.