How to Manage the Craziness of Running a Business as a Homeschool Mom

Balancing homeschooling with running a business can feel like a juggling act! If you’re a busy mom wearing both hats, it’s even more important to find ways to maximize time and create a routine that works for your family and your business. Here are some practical strategies that can make a real difference:

Homeschooling can be very adaptable, giving you the freedom to set your family’s learning schedule, so take advantage of it! Consider working during your children’s independent study or nap times, or shift their learning hours to fit around your business tasks. Maybe mornings are dedicated to lessons, and afternoons are for business tasks—or the reverse! Flexibility is key.

Using a weekly time-blocking approach allows you to allocate specific blocks of time for both homeschooling and business activities. When you divide your day into “blocks”, you can avoid jumping around between responsibilities (trying to do everything at once). Focusing on a single task during each block can help you stay organized, reduce decision fatigue, and make it easier to tackle your priorities. Here’s an example of a day divided into 2-hour blocks:

• Early Morning Block (8-10 am): Homeschooling subjects where you need to be present, like math and reading

• Mid-morning Block (10-12 pm): Business activities like emails and planning, while the kids play or study independently

• Early Afternoon Block (1-3 pm): Project work or deep focus time for your business if the kids are napping, playing, or doing self-led school activities

• Late Afternoon Block (3-5 pm): Fun or practical activities with the kids and dinner prep

• Evening Block (7-9 pm): Finish up business tasks, review the day’s homeschool activities, or plan for the next day

Having a clear plan in place makes it easier to stay on top of both worlds without feeling overwhelmed. Need help deciding how to fill those homeschooling blocks? Download your FREE Homeschool Planner Pack.

Don’t worry if your schedule doesn’t look like this. Mine never did because I prefer late nights for productivity. As my kids grew and could get themselves ready for school on their own, I found I could be most productive in late night blocks and then sleep in the next day.

If your kids are old enough, involve them in your business! Let them help you with small tasks, like organizing materials or putting labels on packages if you sell physical products. Not only does this teach them about work and responsibility, but it also makes them feel involved, which can reduce interruptions when you need focus time.

Our kids have been a great help to my husband and I with filing, addressing envelopes, creating flyers, and even editing videos.

A planner can be a lifesaver! Use it to jot down business and homeschool tasks. Make sure your planner includes both daily and weekly pages so you can keep track of immediate to-dos and plan ahead. Mark down deadlines, lesson plans, and priorities for each day.

💡Pro tip: Use pencil or a digital planner so you can easily move things around when life throws you curveballs (It absolutely will!!).

Designating specific zones for homeschooling and work can help you switch gears more effectively. A “school corner” and a “work corner” in your home can visually cue you and the kids to focus on the tasks at hand. When it’s time to work on your business, let the kids know it’s “Mom’s work time” while they work independently or play nearby.

As a writer, I often need to meet with clients on Zoom. Whenever the “On a Call” sign is on the door, the kids know something had better be on fire if they’re going to interrupt.

As a busy wife, mom and caretaker for aging parents, I always feel like I’m going a million directions. I’ve always taken advantage of technology to help me wherever possible. There are some fantastic online tools to streamline both homeschooling and business management, such as:

• Homeschooling Apps and Online Curriculum: While I tried to make sure there was time for face-to-face teaching and learning together, putting the kids online for some subjects can help make time for independent learning while you get some work done. YouTube or video courses and self-grading courses like Teaching Textbooks for math were super helpful.

• Business Tools: When life is busy, important details can slip through the cracks. Project management tools like Trello or Asana are great for keeping track of business tasks and deadlines — and I couldn’t live without my Google Calendar.

• Timers and Alarms: Set time limits for certain tasks to help you stay on track and transition smoothly from one role to another. A Pomodoro timer can also help you stay focused during work time and remember to take necessary breaks.

Don’t forget to build rest into your schedule! Taking time for self-care helps you recharge and stay energized for both homeschooling and business tasks. Simple activities like reading, praying, or spending time outdoors with your kids can help keep stress levels in check.

Lastly, take time every month to evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. Homeschooling and business demands change as children grow and as your business expands. Staying flexible and being open to changes will help you find the best balance for your unique family situation.

Working while homeschooling may not be the best option, but it has become a necessity for many families. When I first started homeschooling, I only knew one homeschooling mom who worked simultaneously. Forteen years later, when we hung up our hats, close to half the women I knew had a job or owned a business while educating their children.

Homeschooling while running a business may seem daunting, but with a bit of structure, the right tools, and a willingness to adapt, you can thrive in both areas! And if you or anyone you know is considering home education, check out my Thinking about Homeschooling? bundle to get you off to a great start. Here’s to building the life you want for your family, one organized day at a time!

You've got this, Mama!