Any working/student parents who homeschool?

[circuitsndaisies]

I have heard of this being done, but trying to wrap my mind around the logistics of such an arrangement hurts my head.  I'm still convinced that it could work somehow, but I just can't fathom it.

I have two in elementary school (K and 3rd) and two in daycare part time (15 mos and 4 yrs).  I am at the point where I'm trying to decide if I could homeschool and continue to be a student myself.  DH works full time, a regular 9-5-ish schedule. We have extended family close by, but they all work and would not be an option for child care during the day at this point. 

I had my first shortly after high school and never completed college.  It is something I've always wanted to do for myself and I believe the benefits it would have for my children would be wonderful as well.  I love learning and have educational goals that would, ideally, allow me to work independently once I graduate (that would take four years, full time). That being said, I'm just not a fan of public school.  Each year I tell myself it might get better, but it only gets worse. I don't like the negative social influences and the time it takes away from family, etc etc.  My kids would be awesome homeschoolers and it's always been in the back of my mind as the ideal arrangement.  I'm more concerned about how I could make it work on my end. 

Thoughts?  Experiences?

[chaoticzenmom]

How about going to school in the evenings?  I just applied to MSW program and I'm terrified that I'll get accepted.LOL  Luckily it's in the evenings and part-time, so I'm hopeful that it'll all work out.  It's going to distract me from some things, but help to focus my attention in other ways.  I think it'll be a great example for my kids.

[Jazzmin]

I am wondering the same thing! I am going to start HSing my 5yo this fall and take one class, just to test the waters.  Then I am going to either apply to a BSN or MSW program, both are full-time.  I ideal situation would be evening and weekend classes when possible and then a sitter when I have day classes.  I know it can be done, I know a few moms who have worked or gone to school and continued to homeschool, it just requires a lot of help.

[treegardner]

I'm interested in hearing what others have to say. Right now I'm taking online classes through a local community college.

 

[jeffsdear]

I am the main source of income in our family. I am fortunate that I can work from home (I am a translator) So in the morning, I homeschool the kids, and in the afternoon I work. I put in about 20 hours per week. I am fortunate though, because my husband is home full time and can take care of household things...

[circuitsndaisies]

Originally Posted by treegardner 

I'm interested in hearing what others have to say. Right now I'm taking online classes through a local community college.

 

Same here.  This semester I am doing a combo of online and night classes.  However, I had been planning to apply to the University this fall.  The schedules there tend to be much more traditional.  At the very least, I could continue to attend night/online courses through the community college, but they don't offer the sort of degree programs I want and I'm not sure I would be able to "do" much with a degree from there if I was also homschooling.  I need to be able to have a flexible schedule once I am finished with school myself.

I need to keep reminding myself that I don't have to decide now.  This is one topic that put me into instant mental overload.

[Ravin]

DH is a full time student and works p/t; i work 32 hrs/wk. We do a lot of juggling. I'm going to start law school in the fall. half dh's classes are online, and i'll hopefully go tu/th as that's when i have childcare lined up for ds; DD will attend an enrichment program tu/th as well.

[chaoticzenmom]

Originally Posted by circuitsndaisies 

Same here.  This semester I am doing a combo of online and night classes.  However, I had been planning to apply to the University this fall.  The schedules there tend to be much more traditional.  At the very least, I could continue to attend night/online courses through the community college, but they don't offer the sort of degree programs I want and I'm not sure I would be able to "do" much with a degree from there if I was also homschooling.  I need to be able to have a flexible schedule once I am finished with school myself.

I need to keep reminding myself that I don't have to decide now.  This is one topic that put me into instant mental overload.

Yes, overload is a good way to put it.  I couldn't sleep for weeks when I decided to apply to the program and I worry that it's going to be very hard for my family.  I keep telling myself that in the long run, my children will be better for it.  I just hope that homeschooling continues to work for us while I tackle this degree and then the career that comes after it.  I got the first degree partly because I didn't want my children to have to be the first in our family to ever get one, so I got that out of the way.  They'll have to be the first to get a doctorate;) 

[mom2ponygirl]

I have always worked part-time and homeschooled.  One year there was a homeschool co-op drop off for a full day (pay for classes),  another we had a grandparent nearby for my dd to hang out with and do some stuff on her own.  My daughter comes to work with me now - university research  - and hangs out in the lab or break room doing some online classes and other stuff.  It is fun to see my 12 year old hang out and joke around with the grad students.  :-)

[kristandthekids]

<-- Single, working, homeschooler.
Like anything we decide is important enough, you find a way to make it work. I've had to turn down big gigs, more money, and things that would be awesome for my career because doing this for my kids is more important to me.
Since homeschooling isn't 8 hours a day, you can totally fit an hour here a couple hours there in around working. Especially once they get older and can work more independently. For those holes that you just can fill, there's support groups, co-ops, or hired tutors our there that can help.
I have a heck of a lot for one person to handle daily but it works for us and I wouldn't have it any other way. (except a cleaning lady. easter bunny, please bring me a cleaning lady.)

[raelize]

i teach part time at the local Community college.  i am trying to get another class and am currently writing two new classes.  i would ideally teach 3 classes a semester at night/weekends.  it is a struggle cause days i teach i NEED to be home in the afternoons to prep the kids for night/do whatever dinner needs to be done/prep for class.but we get it done.  i have a friend who works part time at a gym and brings her kids/swaps with XH during the evenings.  i have another friend who teaches three mornings a week. her kids are in daycare those mornings.  she just uses other time to make sure work gets done. i think that with hsing elementary ages, although they may need more guidance from you during "school" time, they also can get through their lessons pretty quick.  older ages (upper elemtary/middle school age) they can work independently a lot.  

[Lakeeffectsnow]

I work a 12 hour shift 7a to 7pm on Sundays, I'm a nurse.  I usually do 3 Sundays a month.  DH works 3-11, one week he works Monday thru Friday, and the next week he works Tuesday thru Saturday.  I see my massage clients Saturday mornings.  We occasionally use a sitter if we are both working in the afternoon.  It can be done, we are often tired, and we don't get much time alone together.  

[inkslinger]

I homeschool and am a student myself. I take as many online classes as possible, and a few night classes if I have to take a physical class. It's slow-going, I'm only able to take about half of a full course-load. It might take me awhile, but I am determined to achieve my degree someday!