Six Time Management Principles for Busy Homeschool Moms
As a stay at home mom, home educator and entrepreneur, I am always looking at ways to refine and optimize my schedule, Time Management is key in order for me to stay focused and intentional on managing my household, caring for my marriage and children while managing the demands of work and ministry. These are my top 6 Time Management Principles for Busy Moms.
ONE
Guard against distractions entering your home
A distraction causes you to lose focus. Distractions come in many forms. For most moms it is usually the telephone. The telephone interrupts. Turn off the telephone and the ringer too. I’ve found even wondering who is calling can be a distraction for me. So I turn off the ringer so I will not even know if someone is calling.
We tried many things before resorting to turning the telephone off. With rare exception, the only one I will take a call from during school time is Derek thus he used to “code me”. If the phone rang once then rang again I knew it was Derek. This system worked for awhile but I found I had to be conscious of the telephone ringing and often I’d answer a call thinking it was Derek and be obliged to take the call.
We have also experimented with caller identification (id) in the past but I find just the ringing distracts me especially because it was a novelty to me. I was not disciplined enough not to look to see who was calling. In addition, although our number is on the no-call registry we still get calls from those who technically don’t fall into the category of sales solicitation.
Thus we have found it is better to email one another that we are going to call. Derek and I have a new personal code that works for us now. Other creative ideas couples have used is to use a long range walkie talkie system if your spouse doesn’t work that far. Others call one another on their cell phone.
The best method I have heard is from my friend, Sandy, who has the telephone company intercept her calls. She is temporarily unavailable during certain hours and calls simply cannot get through. Callers get a recording that the family is unavailable during specified hours and are thus directed to call back after school hours. Callers are also unable to leave a message. This forces them to plan their calling around Sandy’s home-school schedule. Only her husband has the code thus when the telephone rings she knows it is a call she wants to take it. Check with your local telephone company I think it is just five dollars extra per month for a little piece of mind it may be the best value yet.
TWO
Don’t Give Serious Time to Casual People
The above statement almost sounds sacrilegious but it is not. We have to know who to invest our time in. We must be careful not to give serious time to casual people. Our time should be sowed in our families and in other fruitful work. We all know this but sometimes others will tug at our heart strings. They do not necessarily deserve an inner circle relationship with us. It serves us well to have boundaries in our affairs with others.
We have to be clear about our boundaries. Once I had a mother call me one week before traditional school began to tell me she wanted to homeschool. Have you read any books? Attended any support group meetings? Do you visit some of the homeschool websites? Talked to any other home schooling parents? Have your chosen a curriculum? Is your husband in agreement with your decision? She had done none of these. Most disturbing was the fact that she did not see a need for all of this as she felt I was obliged to help her since I was a veteran home educator. The more she talked it was rather obvious that there were other major problems in the family as well. Still she was determined to homeschool and so reluctantly and regrettably I gave her too much of my time as she particularly in regard to her immediate needs of curriculum and paperwork.
Over time, she began to drain me because she refused to do anything proactive. Her attendances at support group meetings were slack. She also did not read recommended resources nor engage in any activities designed to help her or her family. Eventually and lovingly I refused to help her until she make some efforts to help herself. Not surprisingly when I pulled back she latched onto another leader in the group to zap her energy but of course she was on to her. I have learned even more to trust my instincts and not give serious time to casual people and to really invest my time in worthy causes where I can make a change. I cannot do things based on sentimentality.
THREE
Teach People How to Fish, Don’t Give them a Fish
This principle piggybacks from the principle number two. If we practice this one well then we are well on our way to good time stewardship. Every homeschooler is a leader and people are bound to ask us questions. So we must give them something to do. Teach them to fish for themselves. Give them titles of some good books. Encourage them to visit your state organization website. Preparation is the key to a successful school year. It’s no secret that preparation is the foundation on which a good home-school year is built. Let’s not rob others of that opportunity by doing the work for them. Direct them to resources and good information sources.
Other people may be the best resource and it spreading the load around no one person is overwhelmed. As homeschoolers we can also cut down on our work by directing new people to a congenial group member who enjoys talking or quiet resourceful people. Quiet people who are often a wealth of information are generally overlooked in groups. Utilize everyone in your group. Collectively they all have something to offer new home-schoolers
.Also, we have to be aware of the different types of homeschooling methods and connect people with the right mentor. Let’s be honest, sometimes we are just not a good fit for everyone who comes to us. For instance, I am aware of my style of home education. Some may scoff at the books I require my kids to read, others may tremble at the thought of a regimented schedule. We have to direct people to the right resources and be secure enough in ourselves to admit that we do not have the answers for everyone. I think I know so much about all the homeschooling educational approaches because I have friends who use them all. These are the resource people I point people to when they need help.
Most important, when we are excited about something we can sometimes give too much in our zeal to help others.. As leaders we have to give information discerningly. Some of us give too much information and overwhelm people in our zeal to give them everything. Give people just the basics and lead them to some quality resources. Invite them to support group meetings. In guiding prospective home educators to resources we are teaching them how to fish throughout their homeschool journey instead of giving them a fish, a temporary fix.
FOUR
Organize and Assess Constantly
Most homeschool moms plan out our school year and organize yearly and probably even do weekly lesson plans but we need to put time in our schedule daily to assess what is working, what is not working and what we can change immediately. Even if your children are working independently daily it is wise to monitor their progress on a day-to-day process. Sometimes my homeschool days would run long and I was so happy when they were over I just wanted to collapse or cook dinner as the case may be. However, when assessing and organizing became a regular part of my homeschool day the next day was much more productive.
In addition, put home organization and personal and family events on your calendar and remain committed to keeping that appointment. Cooking dinner is just as important as handling a crisis in your home-school cooperative. I know it does not always seem that way but it is. Put yourself on a regular schedule of cooking, cleaning and caring for your family. I know it sounds obvious but sometimes the accolades of running a support group can subtly become more important than ministering to your family. We must ever guard our hearts in this area.
There are many good organizing books and programs circulating in the home-school community. The important point is that you find a program that will work for you especially if you are not one given easily to organization. Most programs all agree on a few issues you must write down your schedule or have a systematic approach to keeping your house in order. You should include your children in the home organization process. It is better to keep up with your housework than catch up. However, if you find your house is grossly disorganized don’t be afraid to stop what you are doing and work on getting your home in order.
FIVE
Pour into Yourself so you Can Pour Into Others
I am frequently asked how to get more out of your day. My response usually is those who get the most out of their day put the most into themselves. Therefore home-school parents should give themselves a teacher enrichment day. A teacher enrichment day sharpens us and keeps us excited about home schooling. An enrichment day is when we take time to equip ourselves with new teaching skills. The day could be simply a time we take to read home education books and periodicals. It’s just a matter of re-igniting the fire in ourselves.
This is a key concept. Once I was reading a book and yawning while doing a group lesson. I was not sleepy. I simply lacked interest in the subject and unfortunately I was conveying that to the kids too albeit on an unconscious level. I made it a point to read up on the subject and a new way to represent the information. I became excited and knowledgeable about it.
I found a bonus benefit was that the more I prepare myself in the subject, or with teaching techniques, etc that I am a better teacher because I had such depth and was interested in further studying the subject when my kids had inevitable questions. It kept things interesting. My yawn related to my boredom but when I discover different ways to present the material it was fun. This is especially true for mothers with many children. It’s hard to get excited about each child learning their multiplication tables that is unless you try it different ways with each child. It keeps the learning experience fresh for both of you.
Learning something new awakens creativity and ingenuity in schooling. That is why I encourage moms and dads to attend homeschool conventions where you can receive fresh manna. The more you learn and are encouraged the more you can pour into your children. Put time in your schedule to read uplifting books, attend motivating events, etc. that will help you see old ways in a new light.
SIX
Keep Your Priorities!
As a Christian, I try to keep my priorities clear. in all my daily interactions. Honestly, I am so careful even when people ask me home schooling questions to look within as opposed to outwardly. I realize if I give wrong information or do not discern a question correctly some might take the wrong action based solely on my advice.
With Derek and I serving in homeschool leadership, it is a scary thought, that we may hold destiny in our hands. Parents tend to regard us as experts just because we are leaders. We must be careful of any information we give them. We must keep our priorities in place.. My husband is exceptionally apt at analyzing the source of any information. Rather he always will ask why does someone believe this or why did they create a product like this? He always encourages me to get those whom we lead in our homeschool group to do the same.
Quiet as it is kept power is addictive and frankly I enjoy people asking me questions. I feel good to be able to help but sometimes my pride relishes in the position of the knower. Thus I have to keep on my knees in this area. By confessing my need to an all knowing God , trusting He is able to heal me. I have learned to release a lot in delegation and to put my energy into training new leaders. Also God has called me first to be my husband’s wife and my children’s mother and those are the only positions I am called to be an expert in. Knowing this has released me to accept my limitations. It has freed me to be me to admit I do not know it all. Once I am free of myself I can be full of all that God has really called me to do..
As a stay at home mom, home educator and entrepreneur, I am always looking at ways to refine and optimize my schedule, Time Management is key in order for me to stay focused and intentional on managing my household, caring for my marriage and children while managing the demands of work and ministry. These are my top 6 Time Management Principles for Busy Moms.
ONE
Guard against distractions entering your home
A distraction causes you to lose focus. Distractions come in many forms. For most moms it is usually the telephone. The telephone interrupts. Turn off the telephone and the ringer too. I’ve found even wondering who is calling can be a distraction for me. So I turn off the ringer so I will not even know if someone is calling.
We tried many things before resorting to turning the telephone off. With rare exception, the only one I will take a call from during school time is Derek thus he used to “code me”. If the phone rang once then rang again I knew it was Derek. This system worked for awhile but I found I had to be conscious of the telephone ringing and often I’d answer a call thinking it was Derek and be obliged to take the call.
We have also experimented with caller identification (id) in the past but I find just the ringing distracts me especially because it was a novelty to me. I was not disciplined enough not to look to see who was calling. In addition, although our number is on the no-call registry we still get calls from those who technically don’t fall into the category of sales solicitation.
Thus we have found it is better to email one another that we are going to call. Derek and I have a new personal code that works for us now. Other creative ideas couples have used is to use a long range walkie talkie system if your spouse doesn’t work that far. Others call one another on their cell phone.
The best method I have heard is from my friend, Sandy, who has the telephone company intercept her calls. She is temporarily unavailable during certain hours and calls simply cannot get through. Callers get a recording that the family is unavailable during specified hours and are thus directed to call back after school hours. Callers are also unable to leave a message. This forces them to plan their calling around Sandy’s home-school schedule. Only her husband has the code thus when the telephone rings she knows it is a call she wants to take it. Check with your local telephone company I think it is just five dollars extra per month for a little piece of mind it may be the best value yet.
TWO
Don’t Give Serious Time to Casual People
The above statement almost sounds sacrilegious but it is not. We have to know who to invest our time in. We must be careful not to give serious time to casual people. Our time should be sowed in our families and in other fruitful work. We all know this but sometimes others will tug at our heart strings. They do not necessarily deserve an inner circle relationship with us. It serves us well to have boundaries in our affairs with others.
We have to be clear about our boundaries. Once I had a mother call me one week before traditional school began to tell me she wanted to homeschool. Have you read any books? Attended any support group meetings? Do you visit some of the homeschool websites? Talked to any other home schooling parents? Have your chosen a curriculum? Is your husband in agreement with your decision? She had done none of these. Most disturbing was the fact that she did not see a need for all of this as she felt I was obliged to help her since I was a veteran home educator. The more she talked it was rather obvious that there were other major problems in the family as well. Still she was determined to homeschool and so reluctantly and regrettably I gave her too much of my time as she particularly in regard to her immediate needs of curriculum and paperwork.
Over time, she began to drain me because she refused to do anything proactive. Her attendances at support group meetings were slack. She also did not read recommended resources nor engage in any activities designed to help her or her family. Eventually and lovingly I refused to help her until she make some efforts to help herself. Not surprisingly when I pulled back she latched onto another leader in the group to zap her energy but of course she was on to her. I have learned even more to trust my instincts and not give serious time to casual people and to really invest my time in worthy causes where I can make a change. I cannot do things based on sentimentality.
THREE
Teach People How to Fish, Don’t Give them a Fish
This principle piggybacks from the principle number two. If we practice this one well then we are well on our way to good time stewardship. Every homeschooler is a leader and people are bound to ask us questions. So we must give them something to do. Teach them to fish for themselves. Give them titles of some good books. Encourage them to visit your state organization website. Preparation is the key to a successful school year. It’s no secret that preparation is the foundation on which a good home-school year is built. Let’s not rob others of that opportunity by doing the work for them. Direct them to resources and good information sources.
Other people may be the best resource and it spreading the load around no one person is overwhelmed. As homeschoolers we can also cut down on our work by directing new people to a congenial group member who enjoys talking or quiet resourceful people. Quiet people who are often a wealth of information are generally overlooked in groups. Utilize everyone in your group. Collectively they all have something to offer new home-schoolers
.Also, we have to be aware of the different types of homeschooling methods and connect people with the right mentor. Let’s be honest, sometimes we are just not a good fit for everyone who comes to us. For instance, I am aware of my style of home education. Some may scoff at the books I require my kids to read, others may tremble at the thought of a regimented schedule. We have to direct people to the right resources and be secure enough in ourselves to admit that we do not have the answers for everyone. I think I know so much about all the homeschooling educational approaches because I have friends who use them all. These are the resource people I point people to when they need help.
Most important, when we are excited about something we can sometimes give too much in our zeal to help others.. As leaders we have to give information discerningly. Some of us give too much information and overwhelm people in our zeal to give them everything. Give people just the basics and lead them to some quality resources. Invite them to support group meetings. In guiding prospective home educators to resources we are teaching them how to fish throughout their homeschool journey instead of giving them a fish, a temporary fix.
FOUR
Organize and Assess Constantly
Most homeschool moms plan out our school year and organize yearly and probably even do weekly lesson plans but we need to put time in our schedule daily to assess what is working, what is not working and what we can change immediately. Even if your children are working independently daily it is wise to monitor their progress on a day-to-day process. Sometimes my homeschool days would run long and I was so happy when they were over I just wanted to collapse or cook dinner as the case may be. However, when assessing and organizing became a regular part of my homeschool day the next day was much more productive.
In addition, put home organization and personal and family events on your calendar and remain committed to keeping that appointment. Cooking dinner is just as important as handling a crisis in your home-school cooperative. I know it does not always seem that way but it is. Put yourself on a regular schedule of cooking, cleaning and caring for your family. I know it sounds obvious but sometimes the accolades of running a support group can subtly become more important than ministering to your family. We must ever guard our hearts in this area.
There are many good organizing books and programs circulating in the home-school community. The important point is that you find a program that will work for you especially if you are not one given easily to organization. Most programs all agree on a few issues you must write down your schedule or have a systematic approach to keeping your house in order. You should include your children in the home organization process. It is better to keep up with your housework than catch up. However, if you find your house is grossly disorganized don’t be afraid to stop what you are doing and work on getting your home in order.
FIVE
Pour into Yourself so you Can Pour Into Others
I am frequently asked how to get more out of your day. My response usually is those who get the most out of their day put the most into themselves. Therefore home-school parents should give themselves a teacher enrichment day. A teacher enrichment day sharpens us and keeps us excited about home schooling. An enrichment day is when we take time to equip ourselves with new teaching skills. The day could be simply a time we take to read home education books and periodicals. It’s just a matter of re-igniting the fire in ourselves.
This is a key concept. Once I was reading a book and yawning while doing a group lesson. I was not sleepy. I simply lacked interest in the subject and unfortunately I was conveying that to the kids too albeit on an unconscious level. I made it a point to read up on the subject and a new way to represent the information. I became excited and knowledgeable about it.
I found a bonus benefit was that the more I prepare myself in the subject, or with teaching techniques, etc that I am a better teacher because I had such depth and was interested in further studying the subject when my kids had inevitable questions. It kept things interesting. My yawn related to my boredom but when I discover different ways to present the material it was fun. This is especially true for mothers with many children. It’s hard to get excited about each child learning their multiplication tables that is unless you try it different ways with each child. It keeps the learning experience fresh for both of you.
Learning something new awakens creativity and ingenuity in schooling. That is why I encourage moms and dads to attend homeschool conventions where you can receive fresh manna. The more you learn and are encouraged the more you can pour into your children. Put time in your schedule to read uplifting books, attend motivating events, etc. that will help you see old ways in a new light.
SIX
Keep Your Priorities!
As a Christian, I try to keep my priorities clear. in all my daily interactions. Honestly, I am so careful even when people ask me home schooling questions to look within as opposed to outwardly. I realize if I give wrong information or do not discern a question correctly some might take the wrong action based solely on my advice.
With Derek and I serving in homeschool leadership, it is a scary thought, that we may hold destiny in our hands. Parents tend to regard us as experts just because we are leaders. We must be careful of any information we give them. We must keep our priorities in place.. My husband is exceptionally apt at analyzing the source of any information. Rather he always will ask why does someone believe this or why did they create a product like this? He always encourages me to get those whom we lead in our homeschool group to do the same.
Quiet as it is kept power is addictive and frankly I enjoy people asking me questions. I feel good to be able to help but sometimes my pride relishes in the position of the knower. Thus I have to keep on my knees in this area. By confessing my need to an all knowing God , trusting He is able to heal me. I have learned to release a lot in delegation and to put my energy into training new leaders. Also God has called me first to be my husband’s wife and my children’s mother and those are the only positions I am called to be an expert in. Knowing this has released me to accept my limitations. It has freed me to be me to admit I do not know it all. Once I am free of myself I can be full of all that God has really called me to do..
