Tell us about your work, Caitlyn.
I volunteer between 30 and 40 hours a week. For my paid work as a freelance writer, homeschool blogger, and transcriptionist, I average 10-20 hours a week.
Tell us why you homeschool.
We made the choice for a variety of reasons, but what it really boils down to is this: the public school system failed my husband and myself when we were children. Also, our children are gifted, and our local school system (like many others) comes up short serving that population.
What are some of the challenges you face balancing working while homeschooling? What are some of the delights?
Finding time for it all. Also, finances are an issue, especially since I spend more time per week at my unpaid volunteer position than I do at my actual paid employment.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received about homeschooling? What are your favorite homeschool resources (books, blogs, websites, curriculum, etc.)?
Don't compare your homeschool to anyone else's. They're going to be different and that's a good thing. You want your homeschool to fit your family's needs, not another family's needs.
What's your best advice or tip for someone who wants to work and homeschool?
It's ok to say “No.” “No" to the overpriced curriculum. “No" to the many, many activities and classes that take up a your time. “No" to the volunteer requests that, again, take up all your time.
Say "yes" only to the things that bring you and your family joy. (Or at least more joy than stress.) Say "yes" to making memories, "yes" to lazy days, "yes" to that which sparks aflame a love of learning within your child(ren), "yes" to that which makes all the hard work worth it for you.
"No" to everything else.
Thanks, Caitlyn! Readers, you can find and follow Caitlyn ("Suzy") on SuzyHomeschooler.com, Facebook , and Instagram.
Love it! So true!
ReplyDelete