4 Ways You Waste Time In Your Homeschool Day and 4 Ways You Don't

Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind, where the time wasters seem to eat up your whole twenty-four hours? It’s easy for them to sneak into your life.Do you know how to spot them?

4 Ways You Do Waste Time In Your Homeschool Day

1. Not Planning Your Day

Preparing for the day includes at least having an idea in mind of what needs to be accomplished, if not a full schedule. This also includes having needed items on hand. For us, that means having library books and games to go along with the interests of the children. I also keep a bullet journal so I can write down when extracurricular activities and appointments take place. After all, some days you’ve just gotta get that laundry done!

2. Social Media

Holy time waster, Batman! Did I really get sucked into Facebook for an hour? Yes, yes you did. And let’s not forget the Pinterest recipe debacle of ‘17. You know, the one where I spent hours pinning recipes, only to order a pizza for dinner because I totally wasted time on Pinterest. Maybe I’m the only one this happens to. Social media can easily draw you into a maelstrom of news, recipes, and cute cat videos.I have found that scheduling social media time for myself and then turning off my phone or laptop helps tremendously. Plus, I can be more present with my children if I’m not checking every notification that dings my way.

3. Saying YES to Too Much

If you’re like me, then you want to do All. The. Things. We feel like we need to say yes to everything that comes our way. But guess what?When you say yes to everything, you don’t leave space in your life for the really important things. Things like having a meaningful conversation with your kiddo about stuff that is important to her or taking a moment to breathe and just be, are far more important than taking on yet another task.It’s okay to say no.

4. Trying To Do All the Household Chores On Your Own

Decide which chores are essential to do each day.If you have children old enough to help, then be sure to delegate some of the responsibilities to them.As a parent and as a homeschooler, I have had to let go of my high expectations of perfection. You will not be able to do it all, and that's okay. It’s just not gonna happen.

4 Ways You Don’t Waste Time in Your Homeschool Day

I have found that quality time with my children is time well spent. That’s because homeschooling is about building relationships with our children. But don’t just take my word for it. I polled veteran homeschool moms and asked them what was something they never regretted doing, and here are their collective responses.

1. Reading Aloud to Your Kids

Snuggling with your children and reading a fabulous book is a wonderful way to build relationships and connections with your children. Older kids and teens benefit from reading aloud, too. Sometimes it may seem like they aren’t listening, but you should read aloud to them anyway. They are absorbing much more than you realize.

2. Letting Your Child’s Interests Take the Lead

Exploring your child’s interests is a beautiful way for them to learn. You may choose to weave them into your regular homeschool days or pick specific days for exploring interests such as your fifth day without BookShark lessons. You might even let interests guide your homeschooling completely. When children want to learn something, they will absorb every bit of knowledge they can on the subject. Whatever you choose, you will start to realize that your child’s interests can be as vast as they are diverse, and following their interests is never a waste of time.

3. Getting Outside

Outdoor play is a great way to get kids moving and make them think. It can also reduce stress and improve moods. There are many adventures that can only take place outside. Taking nature walks and hikes or just going to the playground are wonderful ways to spend time with your children.

4. Doing What Works Best for Your Family

I don’t know about you, but it took me a while to realize that my children learn in their own time and in their own different ways. You can spend weeks trying to teach a child their ABC’s, or you can take five minutes and teach them when they are ready. Find what works for your kids and build it into your chaotic and sometimes hectic lives. Doing what works best for your family is never a waste of time.

What About You?

Time management can be a tough skill to master in your homeschool regardless of your methods or philosophies. At the end of the day, you must decide how best to spend your time. Will you wish you had spent an extra hour on Facebook or keeping the cleanest house on the block? Or will you wish that you had read that extra chapter aloud or pursued your child’s interest? What are some ways you are working to not waste time in your homeschool?

About the Author

I'm Erin, an introverted homeschooling mom to two intense extroverted kids. We are child led with a heavy emphasis on read alouds, games, art, nature hikes, and hands-on everything! My kids just learn better when they can use their hands. You can find me at Nourishing My Scholar.

We traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the quiet that only farm life can provide. This creates a wonderful environment for our children, complete with chickens, goats, ducks, and cows. I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter and Gilmore Girls. When we're not homeschooling, you'll find me curled up with a cup of coffee and a good book or possibly enjoying a random dance party in the front yard to the newest Disney soundtrack.