The Myth That Working and Single Parents Can't Homeschool

OPINION - The first reaction many parents have that there is no way you could work and homeschool your child, or be a single parent and homeschool your child. The truth is even as a single parent, or a working parent you can homeschool your child. I have met single parents who have two jobs and still homeschool their child.

There are a lot of options that allow parents to homeschool even when they are in less than desirable circumstances. Some parents assigned their children’s school work I have another adult supervise activities to make sure they are completed. Some parents hire a home-school tutor, or simply work from home.

Another option is to manage school work around your work schedule. That is what makes homeschooling so unique. You can homeschool at any time of the day and use any method that works for your family as long as you follow the regulations set by your state on what your child should learn and become proficient at in an 180 days school year.

Should Homeschool Parents be at Home with Their Child?

I have been asked this question many times. The truth is the answer will depend completely on who you ask. There is no set right or wrong way to homeschool your child. Just like any other homeschool method that is available the parents must consider what is best for their child and their personal situation.

A homeschooling parent who stays home at all times to monitor their children’s progress is no better than a parent who is working and vice versa. The most important factor in homeschooling is that your children are learning in an environment that allows them to survive. The only time that the homeschooling situation you currently have is not working is if your children are not learning. Even if you were at work why your child is doing their school work, as long as they are learning the same material that children their age are learning then you are doing what is right for your child.

Should You Homeschool Your Child If You Work?

This question is asked quite a bit. I am positive that I am not the only one whose face this question. In all honesty, the answer to this question depends completely on the family Dynamic and the child.

Just like any other education option, the success rate is not dependent on the method of homeschooling, but on whether or not the method is a good fit for the child and the family.

How Do I Know If Being A Working Homeschooling Parent Is For Me?

The answer to this question depends completely on you and your children. Are your children able to work independently? If so, are they old enough to stay at home while you were working? If your child requires adult supervision at all times, you will need to find a trusted adult figure to monitor homeschool activities while you’re at work.

If you do not have another adult figure to stand in for you while you are at work, do you have enough time for your children to study after if your work day ends?

Just like with everything else in a homeschool situation, the answers to these questions will be different for everyone. After you have carefully evaluated your situation, you will be able to make the decision on whether homeschooling and being a working parent is right for you.