how to homeschool when both parents work

Introduction

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular among parents who want to give their kids a more personalised education. However, the challenge arises when both parents are employed. Is education still a beneficial idea? The short answer is yes. Homeschooling can work and even grow for many families if they plan and think about it correctly.

This blog talks about how working parents can teach their kids, use their time well, and deal with problems. We will give you useful tips, like expert advice and real-life cases, to help you handle work and school like a pro.

Is Homeschooling While Working Full-Time Really Possible?

It might seem impossible to homeschool while working full-time, but many families have shown that it is possible. Let’s look at Sarah and Mark. Both work from home as software engineers. They choose to teach their two kids because it allows them to adapt to each child’s learning style while making time for quality family time.

“It’s all about recognizing that homeschooling doesn’t need to look like a traditional 8–3 school day,” says homeschooling consultant Karen Evans. “It can—as it often does—happen on your schedule.”

Many families have successfully navigated this challenge with the aid of technology, strategic timing, and a robust support network.

Step 1: Create a Flexible Schedule

Working parents can homeschool their kids outside of school hours. Families can make their own plans that work for them. For instance, learning can occur on the weekends or at night if both parents work during the day.

Time Blocking

Time blocking is a good way for parents to organise their days. Use a shared schedule to mark your work hours, lessons, chores, and even family free time to ensure everyone stays on track.

Example:

  • Early morning (7 AM–9 AM): Parent A teaches science while Parent B prepares for work.
  • Midday (12 PM–2 PM): Math worksheets or independent reading.
  • Evening (5 PM–7 PM): Parent B teaches language arts and a family cooking activity to learn life skills.

Rotate Responsibilities

Assign teaching tasks to each parent based on their skills and availability. One parent could be in charge of schoolwork while the other is in charge of hands-on things like art projects or science studies.

Step 2: Leverage Online Resources and Curriculum

When it comes to homeschooling, the internet is a veritable treasure mine of tools that are geared to save employed parents time and effort.

Online Curriculums

Several online educational platforms, such as Time4Learning, Khan Academy, and Outschool, provide children with scheduled online classes that they may finish independently, thus freeing up their parents’ time.

  • Time4Learning: Comprehensive program covering all core subjects
  • Outschool: Interest-based live classes taught by instructors
  • Khan Academy: Free lessons on a variety of subjects

Educational Apps

Some apps keep children interested while reinforcing their homework, such as Prodigy for math and Duolingo for language learning.

“Parents today have access to tools our grandparents couldn’t even dream of,” notes education psychologist Dr. Emily Harper. “These platforms don’t replace parents but act as powerful allies in learning.”

Step 3: Build a Community

The act of homeschooling does not have to be done by a single person. Parents and children may benefit from the support, resources, and companionship that can be gained via engagement with other families who homeschool their children.

Join Co-Ops

Cooperative homeschooling is a group of families who get together on a regular basis to divide up the teaching duties. For example, one parent may instruct a group of students in science on Thursdays, while another parent would be in charge of historical studies on Fridays.

Lean on Relatives and Childcare

If you need course assistance, don’t be ashamed to approach your grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even older siblings. You can also supplement your schedule by employing tutors or daycare providers part-time.

Local Meetups

You should look for local homeschool meetings or online organisations in your region where you can interact with other people, share ideas and resources, and provide each other with support.

Step 4: Encourage Independent Learning

Developing your children’s capacity for self-sufficiency is one of the most significant gifts you can offer them. Educate them on how to take charge of their own learning so that they may do their jobs more effectively with less supervision.

Create a Self-Paced Environment

To complete everyday activities, provide explicit instructions and develop checklists. Children are able to gain very important skills such as time management and responsibility via this method.

Practical Example

A 10-year-old might start their morning with these tasks:

  • Practice spelling using a dedicated workbook.
  • Watch a science video and summarise the key points in a journal.
  • Complete math problems via Khan Academy.

Parents checking in after work can review progress and clarify questions.

Step 5: Acknowledge Challenges and Be Kind to Yourself

When both parents are employed full-time, homeschooling their children is not easy. It is common for parents to experience the burden of juggling the duties of school, employment, and domestic chores.

Anna Richards, a family therapist, says we should change how we think about parenting success. “It’s not necessary to be perfect all the time.” It’s about being consistent and making a safe space where learning can thrive.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge

Solution

Finding Time for Everything

Plan lessons outside traditional working hours or integrate learning into daily activities.

Child Engagement

Use hands-on projects or field trips to supplement traditional learning and keep curiosity alive.

Burnout

Give yourself grace—take breaks, shorten lessons, or enjoy fun, non-academic activities.

Success Stories to Inspire You

Still unsure? Meet Leila and James, a couple with 9-to-5 jobs who homeschool their twin boys.

“We switch days of teaching.” “James does the early mornings, and I’m in charge of the evenings,” Leila says. “Math is done over breakfast.” Reading? That’s reading stories before bed. On the weekends, you can do science projects.

For their family, these creative solutions have led to academic progress and stronger family bonds.

Or, take Emily, a single mom who works full-time and relies on online classes and a relationship between a babysitter and a teacher to homeschool her kids during the week. What’s her secret? making plans for the week ahead and setting aside Saturdays to review with her child.

Homeschooling for Working Parents Can Be Done

It is not only possible to teach with two working parents, but it can also be very satisfying. You can make it happen by planning ahead, using tools, and making friends to help you. You need to change the way you think, be flexible, and remember why you chose to homeschool in the first place.

Working parent or not, you’ve got this!

Need more specific advice or someone to help you? Check out our hand-picked collection of busy families’ homeschooling plans and tools.