Latest / The Christy-Faith Show / Ep. 59 - Balancing Work and Homeschooling: 3 Life-Saving Strategies

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Ep. 59 - Balancing Work and Homeschooling: 3 Life-Saving Strategies · The Christy-Faith Show

• 0:00
  Christy-Faith: Welcome back to the Christy Faith Show. I'm so excited to have you here today. This is where we keep it real about the joys, struggles, and surprises of homeschooling. Today's topic, it's a big one. We're talking about combining two roles that on their own are enough to make your head spin, working and homeschooling.
• 0:18
  If you feel like you're constantly balancing a wobbly tower of tasks, you're not alone, girl. Picture this for a second. It's 10AM. Your oldest is stuck on their math lesson. Your toddler is attempting to scale the pantry like a mountaineer, and you just remembered an email that you were supposed to respond to, but it slipped your mind.
• 0:36
  Sound familiar? If that chaos feels like your life, then this episode is for you. Now one disclaimer here, I am not here today to play into the myth of having it all because we as parents know that that's just not real. What I can help you with today, working and homeschooling parents, is to help you focus on what matters most so you can build a homeschool rhythm that fits your family and actually allows space for joy even on the hard days. On today's episode, we're gonna tackle three strategies, prioritizing, smart sourcing, and time blocking, and we'll cover how to handle those inevitable chaotic moments with grace.
• 1:14
  I even have some amazing tools and resources to share along the way, including one that completely saved my bacon girls on some of our most chaotic days. For those of you who are new here, hi. I'm Christy Faith, twenty year experienced educational adviser, full time working mom of four kids, and wife to my best friend, Scott. Best friend in the whole world. I'm also the founder of Thrive Homeschool Community.
• 1:50
  Whether you're just starting out or decades into your homeschooling, my mission is to help you thrive, not just survive your homeschooling days. After all, our kids are so fun, aren't they? But before we dive into all the valuable stuff I have for you today, I wanna mention something because I know I'll forget it later, and that is that in Thrive Homeschool Community, my online community where we help you fail proof your homeschool no matter what age or stage you are currently in, we actually have interest groups. So why am I mentioning that today? Because I wanna make sure that I say that we have a working mom's mastermind in Thrive Homeschool Community, and it's a special group just for moms balancing careers and homeschooling.
• 2:32
  We chat, relate, swap ideas, and even have a once a month live Zoom. So if you need to have some other homeschool mom friends who also carry the weight of providing for their families, we are just the place for you. Consider this your invitation. Let's get down to business. Today's topic, working and homeschooling.
• 2:51
  Our first topic is prioritizing and how to do it and what it looks like. I still get asked all the time, Christy, how do you do it all? Homeschooling, running a business, baking sourdough, and somehow training for a marathon. Well, you'll be thrilled to know that I am not a runner, not even a brisk walker on most days. And if we're being honest, the sourdough that sometimes you might see on my counter, oh, yes.
• 3:16
  That is a homemade loaf on the counter, but it was not made by me, but instead by my wonderful sister who does all that stretching, folding, and whatever magic it takes to create that perfect crusty loaf so I don't have to. Actually, should that be working mom tip number one, make friends with baker or better yet, a private chef? Yes. Maybe we could just end the episode now. How do you work in homeschool?
• 3:39
  You hire a private chef. No. Really. But I joke there is a real point here. For years, I fell into the trap of thinking that I had to do it all.
• 3:48
  And honestly, everything sounded so fun and exciting. I wanted to do it all, but that mindset landed me into a lot of trouble and I remember one particular chaotic season. It was when the manuscript for Homeschool Rising was due to the publisher. My inbox was totally flooded. My kids were falling apart from the long hours and I was stretched so thin.
• 4:07
  I didn't even know which way was up. I remember just sitting there on the edge of tears thinking this isn't working. That very moment forced me to step back and make some hard decisions. And yes, I know that was a season, but if we're honest, it wasn't my first, it wasn't gonna be my last, and the same is probably true for you too. So in a random moment of clarity, I started by asking myself one simple powerful question.
• 4:33
  What really matters most to me and my family right now? And then I got brutally honest about what I could actually handle and what needed to go. So the first thing we can do when life is a bit much, which for us, honestly, it's probably a little bit more often, when you're in that same overwhelming headspace, try pausing for a moment, look at everything on your plate, and think about these two questions. Does this activity align with my family's priorities? And am I saying yes because I truly want to or because I feel guilty or pressured to?
• 5:04
  Look, if something's not serving your family goals or bringing you joy, it's okay to say no. Saying no to what doesn't matter gives you the freedom to focus on what does. Because we know it's not really about doing it all, it's about doing the things that matter, and that means creating space. When we work and homeschool, our levels of margin are just less than others, and that's okay. But here's the thing, even if we don't have the same margin as others, how do we make the most of the time that we do have?
• 5:33
  There's a trick I've learned that completely shifted my ability to stay sane and productive even when my to do list feels impossible, and I will tell you about it right after this. As a homeschool mom who values a family together approach and leans towards the classical and Charlotte Mason styles, I often struggle to bring my educational vision to life with my kids' diverse ages and learning needs. With all our interests and super packed schedule, bridging that gap between the dreamy homeschool I want and reality, I gotta be honest. It's a challenge. Now, yes, I know perfection isn't the goal.
• 6:05
  But if you're listening and you could use a little easing of your mental load in your day to day, I found a resource that has become the quiet hero of our routine, and it could be a really great option for you too. BJU Press homeschool curriculum. Now many think that BJU Press homeschool is solely an all in one option, and though it does excel in that role, did you know you can also opt for specific courses and tailor them to fit your family's needs just as I have? BJU Press Homeschool provides the perfect balance of structure and flexibility and easily complements my family's mixed age family together on the couch learning style. They are second to none in integrating a biblical worldview, stimulating critical thinking, and offering tons of hands on activities in the lessons.
• 6:47
  To find out how BJU Press Homeschool can come alongside you in your homeschooling goals too, visit bjupresshomeschool.com or click the link in the show notes. I've got some news. There's a new reading curriculum that ditches workbooks and drills for fun and games. If you're thinking fun and games sounds a little too good to be true, it's not. Ninety eight percent of children improved their reading test scores in just six weeks with the reading skill set by Lovevery.
• 7:14
  It's a phonics based program that follows a science of reading, but makes learning to read fun, motivating, and confidence boosting because it happens by playing games and then practicing with just right skill level books. Kids love it and parent educators love it, and it works. Visit lovevery.com/christyfaith today and use code christy10 to get 10% off your purchase of the reading skill set by loveevery. That's lovevery.com/christyfaith. Welcome back.
• 7:46
  The second thing I wanna talk about today is sourcing. One of the most freeing lessons I've learned as a homeschooling mom is this, you don't have to do it all alone. There is so much power in leaning on resources that help your kids grow and learn while still keeping what you want for your kids and family at the heart of it all. This is what I call smart sourcing. Now if you've been in a Thrive office hours for even one minute, you will know that I don't want any homeschooling mom having the burden of all of the teaching responsibility on her shoulders all day long.
• 8:18
  That's a recipe for burnout for anybody. We got stuff to do, kids to raise. But I really think working moms should never be in this position. By using tools like scripted curriculum, self paced online courses, live Zoom classes, or even independent workbooks, you aren't just outsourcing work. You're building an environment where your kids can develop independence and become self starters.
• 8:40
  And that to me is one of the most valuable gifts that we can give our kids. For instance, self paced courses teach kids how to manage their own schedules and take ownership of their learning. Live Zoom classes allow them to engage with other teachers and peers, giving them real world experience while keeping the pressure off of you. Workbooks they can tackle on their own with just a quick check from you reinforce responsibility. And you shouldn't feel guilty about having to organize your homeschool in this way at all, even if it doesn't look like your friend down the street who also homeschools.
• 9:10
  Because homeschooling is about doing all the work together, you overseeing everything, and guiding your kids to what they need. And also when we allow them a little bit of room for independence, it shows them that you trust their capabilities. And trust me, when you see your kids thrive in this kind of setup, it's deeply rewarding. They grow in confidence because they know they're capable and you, you get to redirect your energy into the aspects of homeschooling that your kids need or that light you up. Whether it's those deep conversations about history, doing that read aloud, or discovering new science experiments together.
• 9:44
  One method that's been so impactful in our home is interest led learning. When you give your child room to explore their passions, learning becomes natural and exciting. You can find subscription boxes, tailored curriculum, or hands on kits that spark their interests. I can't count the hours my kids have spent joyfully experimenting with STEM projects or inventing in the kitchen. They're not just learning, they're thriving and it's fostering that intrinsic love of learning that we all want.
• 10:13
  Now, I know even the best laid plans have their moments when things just fall apart. I've learned that having some independent learning activities, meaningful educational tools, and even some easy meal solutions on hand can make all the difference. Because when chaos hits, and it will, it's not about perfection. It's about having enough structure to keep moving forward gracefully. These are all things that you can put together on your own.
• 10:37
  But if you need a little help, I do have an ebook on my website called the homeschool mom's survival guide. It actually does all this work for you and has all sorts of clickable links and ideas and such in it. I'll put the link in the show notes. In fact, I'll do more than that. Let's go ahead and give you 25% off that ebook.
• 10:55
  Let's use the code survive 25. I'll go ahead and put that coupon code in the show notes. Now I want you to know that just because you're working in homeschooling doesn't mean that you're doing less. It's about focusing on what truly matters and cutting the fat, girl. It's about empowering your kids to be curious, to take initiative, and build the skills that will carry them through life.
• 11:16
  And when you're managing work, homeschooling, and everything in between, smart sourcing isn't just helpful, it's necessary. And don't feel bad about it. You're still their teacher, you're still their guide, and you're still their biggest cheerleader. And watching your kids grow in their competence helps them so much. Alright.
• 11:34
  Now on to our third strategy for today, and this one is a game changer, time blocking. If you've never tried it, think of time blocking as the art of giving every task on your plate its own little home in your day. It's like creating reservations at a fancy restaurant, but for your priorities. So everything has its turn to shine without getting crowded or interrupted. Here's how it works in practice.
• 11:58
  First, you break your day into blocks of time and each block is dedicated to a specific type of activity. For example, from maybe 8AM to 11AM, you might focus on homeschooling. Then from say eleven to twelve, you're doing household chores altogether as a family. And then from one to three PM, maybe you're working or having deep focus on the tasks that you need to do for your job. During each block, you commit to working solely on that activity.
• 12:22
  No juggling, no interruptions, and definitely no multitasking. For me, it's been about the boundaries. Right? It's been a lifesaver. It creates structure and focus, and most importantly, it lets everyone in the house know exactly what to expect.
• 12:38
  So if my kids see it's homeschool time on the schedule that they have printed for them too, they know that they have my full attention and help with anything they need or anything that they're struggling with. I'm so serious about this. I put my phone upstairs. But when it's work time, they also have to understand it's their turn to work independently or engage with some self directed activities like a STEM project, independent play, homework for their online classes, or reading. Here's what makes time blocking so effective for homeschoolers and working parents alike.
• 13:10
  It reduces decision fatigue. You're no longer spending precious energy trying figure out what to do next because your day has a clear map. This approach also creates those sacred pockets of uninterrupted focus where the magic happens. Whether you're teaching your child to read, tackling a work presentation, or simply enjoying a family lunch, time blocking allows you to give your best to that moment. Now, I know what you might be thinking.
• 13:36
  This all sounds great, Christy, but what if something comes up? What if the baby needs me or my teenager breaks his arm and I gotta run her to the ER? That's the beauty of time blocking. It's flexible. Think of it as a guideline, not a rigid rule book.
• 13:52
  If life throws you a curveball, you just adjust your blocks and keep going. Now, one thing that I wanna make sure that I mention is moments of connection within these blocks are critical. Whether it's through conversations, shared meals, or collaborative activities, these times help you strengthen bonds and create a sense of teamwork within your family. So don't forget that connection piece. These moments can serve as your anchor for the day.
• 14:15
  Now, if you would like to see how homeschool moms set up their schedules, I actually have a free download of sample homeschool schedules on my website. And there are quite a few in there. I'll put that link in the show notes as well. And remember, time blocking isn't about creating a rigid routine. It's about crafting a life that feels intentional, balanced, and aligned with what truly matters for your family.
• 14:37
  I promise once you start this, if you don't do this already, you'll notice how much calmer and clearer your days become. Okay. Now it's time to get practical because still there will be days when your beautiful schedule gets wrecked. So what do you do then? Stick around for my tips on rolling with the unexpected chaos because we all know it's gonna happen.
• 14:57
  Before we continue, I wanna share with you a program that's been a game changer for our homeschool. At our center, we instructed and helped kids through pretty much every math program on the market and know firsthand just how important a solid math foundation is for our kids' futures. As a career educator with high standards, finding the right program that checked all the boxes felt like too tall of an order. Until one day, I tried CTC Math. CTC Math is an online math curriculum for k to 12 students with motivating interactive lessons that allow kids to learn at their own pace.
• 15:28
  It does all the teaching and grading so you don't have to, and their adaptive lessons adjust so your child is progressing confidently. With CTC Math, your child is getting a top notch education and you just made your homeschool life easier. Visit ctcmath.com to start your free trial today or click the link in the show notes. Is your child struggling with attention, memory, reading, writing, or math? If you're experiencing this, you know how heart wrenching it is to watch them face these hurdles.
• 15:53
  You've poured love, time, and attention into their education, yet the struggle persists, leaving you feeling stuck and desperately searching for answers. You guys, I want you to know about LearningRx, a proven program designed to help your child's cognitive skills, enabling them to think faster, learn more easily, and perform at their best. I'm talking getting real long term help here with things like ADHD and dyslexia. LearningRx is backed by thirty five years of research, and their results are transformative. Use code HOME 50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment.
• 16:25
  Go to LearningRx.com or click the link in the show notes. Welcome back. Alright. We just covered some of the joys of time blocking, but what happens when everything falls apart? First, let's acknowledge the obvious but critical truth here.
• 16:39
  Chaos is going to happen. No matter how carefully you plan or block your time, life always has a way of throwing you off track. The key is being prepared with strategies that allow you to handle those moments without feeling completely derailed. I've gathered several practical tips that have worked wonders for many families facing unpredictable days. Number one, create an emergency activity kit.
• 17:01
  This could be a box or folder filled with simple engaging and educational activities that your kids can do independently. Think age appropriate puzzles, audiobooks, creative workbooks, or even science kits. These can be lifesavers when you need quick solutions to keep your kids engaged and learning while you handle urgent situations. Moving right along, have a go to backup plan for the unexpected. Whether it's an educational documentary, a pre prepared art project, or a calming book, have those ready at a moment's notice that can take the stress out of the chaos.
• 17:33
  For example, set aside a list of streaming shows or lessons that are pre approved and both entertaining and informative. The next one has been incredible for me and it's have conversations with your kids about real life. Teach them that every day will not go perfectly and when chaos strikes, it's okay to switch gears. Encourage them to adopt a flexible mindset by framing hiccups as opportunities to practice problem solving and resilience. The next one is simplify meals and routines.
• 18:02
  On particularly crazy days, don't hesitate to rely on freezer meals, sandwiches, or other quick options for dinner. Streamline your focus to just a few essentials instead of worrying about everything on the schedule. As you know, I love fostering calmer days in all of our homeschools. So another great thing that you can do is designate a calming corner or have a calming activity for your kiddos. After a meltdown for you or the kids, take a five to ten minute break to regroup.
• 18:30
  Your kids might enjoy a quiet time with a favorite toy or journal while you grab a cup of tea to breathe. The goal here isn't to eliminate chaos, but rather to create a system that allows you to handle it with grace and efficiency. If you're in the midst of a particularly demanding day, remember this saying, progress not perfection. Take it one step at a time and don't be afraid to hit pause if you need to reset. Finally, I know that what I mentioned takes time to plan.
• 18:57
  So I wanna give you permission right now. It's okay to take a week off to set your life up a bit to be able to handle those emergencies. A few years back, we bought an extra freezer, and we try to always make double of certain dishes so that when I'm on a deadline or in a pickle and Scott's really busy, we still can have a homemade healthy meal. If planning all of this sounds overwhelming, don't forget that I have ideas and links for these exact type of things in that homeschool moms survival guide that I am gonna give you 25% off today. It's packed with ready to go ideas, low prep activities, and tools for those days when chaos strikes.
• 19:34
  And that wraps up today's episode of the Christy Face Show. Remember, juggling work and homeschooling isn't about achieving some impossible standard. It's about making intentional choices that align with your family's values. You, mama, are equipped, you are capable, and most of all, you're not alone. Come hang out with us inside of Thrive Homeschool Community where we have trainings and master classes and resources and live Zooms.
• 20:00
  And don't forget that we have that vibrant working mom's mastermind in there where you can find your people. You've got this. I'm cheering you on every step of the way. Until next time, happy homeschooling.