Yesterday we discussed managing our time as homeschooling moms, and today we are diving into home management. Managing the home will be harder as a homeschool mom than if your children were out of the house all day. However, managing our homes well is possible, it just takes a bit more effort and creativity.

 

Nothing in my home is Pinterest worthy. If you saw my schoolroom, you’ll know that it isn’t all matching white furniture and perfectly placed curriculum and supplies. There are plenty of messes and days where I feel up to my ears in laundry. My children are not always obedient and may need to be reminded ten times to complete their chores.

 

I love homeschooling my children. I love that God has blessed us with a houseful. But I by no means have it all figured out. Please don’t think I am coming to you from a place of authority on housekeeping. Not at all…I can point you to a multitude of homemaking blogs from ladies who have figured it out. But over the years I have been learning a bit about what works and what doesn’t work for us. I have learned to give myself grace and let go of my perfectionism to embrace this season I am in.

 

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TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR HOME AS A HOMESCHOOL MOM:

 

Your Home Will Never Be Perfect

Like I said, managing your home while your children are at home all day is not an easy task. There are things you’ll need to let go of and accept. I don’t mean this as an excuse to have a messy house, I just mean you can not expect to have a perfectly organized house at all times. I have had to lower my expectations so I am not setting myself up for defeat when I walk into the kitchen every day. Being a mother is a full time job and homeschooling is a full time job…with two full time jobs, my home just can’t be the third.

 

Pray

I don’t mean pray for a clean house! You may have to do that work. I am not going to tell you what to pray for because you know what you need. I have relied on God for strength to get through the day more times than I can even fathom. And would you know it…He never lets me down. See some of my Bible study resources I use here.

Get The Kids Involved

Your children are built in helpers! If you have all very young children, they will obviously need to be trained in doing their chores. My older ones still seem to forget at times. But make sure each child has chores they need to do on a daily basis. You are teaching them important life skills and making them feel like they are part of the family unit. In our family, we have morning, afternoon and evening chores. If you are home, you are helping out during those times. I don’t often get complaints because I have made it such a routine that everyone knows what to expect.

 

Develop a Routine

Speaking of routine, do you have a daily routine? It is likely you already have a rhythm you follow, without even writing it down. I encourage you to put a routine down on paper and post it where your whole family can see it. Time blocking can be helpful when creating a daily routine. I have a homeschool schedule for each of the children and a family schedule that is hung in the kitchen. I also use and live by my planner.

 

Housework

If you have created a routine for your family to follow and your children have chore lists, you are well on your way to managing your home! You will need to add the actual housework to those routines. I have a daily and a weekly schedule for household chores and then I know some things need to be more thoroughly done on a monthly basis. You’ll need to decide what works for you and what is manageable, but I have listed my housekeeping schedule below for you. In the past, I have used FlyLady when things just seemed out of control and every once in awhile, I will go back to her to refresh a bit. Here are homemaking habits I’ve worked on developing over the years to ensure my home runs smoothly.

Meal Planning

Meal planning has saved my sanity. I don’t have to wonder what I am going to make at 4pm each day, because I have planned ahead. I have also saved money on groceries by planning my meals. Even if you only plan out your dinners each week, it will save you so much time and stress. The few minutes I spend each weekend more than make up for the time I save during the week. It has made for less bickering with the children too, which is an added benefit. Read how and why to start meal planning, and grab a free printable here. 

 

Prioritize

You can’t have a perfectly clean house at all times…and if you know that secret, let me in on it! I order to stay sane, you need to set your priorities. For me, I know having a clean kitchen when I wake up each morning is a must. I know I want clean bathrooms every day and a somewhat organized schoolroom. But I don’t care as much if I have a laundry basket on the couch or toys left out all day. I have my priorities and my routines reflect that. Think about what your housekeeping priorities are and be sure to schedule those in your day, whether it is on your chore list or your child’s. We talk a lot of our priorities in our membership community.

 

Teach Habit Training

Train your children in the way they should go. This is not always easy, I know. But start when they are young by training them in the simple household chores they can do. I am always amazed at the ability even the young ones have…and they enjoy it! Along with household chores, train them in the habits you want them to develop. Things like brushing their teeth, having good table manners, putting things away when they are finished, being respectful. Charlotte Mason has been very helpful to me in this aspect. I also use and love these character training cards. If takes time now, but will be worth it later on.

 

Fill Your Cup/Self Care

Last but not least, take care of yourself as a mom. Self care is so important but often ignored. You can not pour into others when your cup has not been filled. We can not expect others to fill our cup either, so take it into your hands. I wake up early each day to have quiet time and then get some work done. I need that time in the morning so I am ready for the day when the children wake up. I also make sure I get a shower when I need one and I read some in my current book each day. I think it is important to show my children that I take care of myself as well, so that they learn to take care of themselves as they get older. Think of what fills your cup each day and schedule that in.

 

HELPFUL POSTS YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT:

Daily and Weekly Housekeeping Schedule

How and Why To Start Meal Planning

Why You Need to Wake Before Your Children

What To Do When Life Gets Messy

 

 

 

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This post is part of 10 Days of Homeschool Planning. I have partnered with 15 other bloggers who are all sharing their own tips to help you as a homeschooling mom, so check them out below!

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