bbcovert@juno.com

In the single parent homeschooling realm, of which I’m a member, how one can earn a living while homeschooling one’s children is a popular topic of conversation; while a few may receive enough child support and/or alimony to cover expenses, most don’t. However, single parents aren’t the only ones worrying about paying the bills. Two-parent homeschooling families are also concerned about making ends meet on one income. Sometimes the parent who is home with the kids needs to earn wages to help pay the bills. Since this topic interests so many homeschoolers -- as well as those who are considering homeschooling -- this month we’ll see how combining work with homeschooling can be mission possible!

First, let’s agree that if God has called you to homeschool, He will make a way for you to do it. He would never give you a calling without providing the means to answer the call! You do believe that, don’t you? When I didn’t know how to continue homeschooling, I asked God to show me His will. He sent work to me that could be done at home! That’s how I knew I wasn’t supposed to put the kids in school and get an office job. God answers prayer. You may be able to work from home as I do, you may need to consider a part-time job, or you may be able to homeschool around a full-time job.

Working from home is great if you have the space and few distractions. Think about your skills and talents. I have a friend who loves to quilt. She finally started a quilting business called Cross My Heart Quilts from her home. It began in a small, spare bedroom, but it grew so much that she moved it to the larger master bedroom! Others supplement their income by offering music lessons. Some provide child care in their homes. I’ve heard of a few who became medical transcriptionists and made good money - but only by being quick, accurate typists who worked 10-12 hours each day. There are also homeschooling families who travel the country as vendors at homeschool conventions. There are homeschoolers who make money finding bargains and selling them on eBay, which is a mainly at-home job (other than the shopping and the dropping packages off at the post office). Then, I know of one single parent homeschooler whose green thumb led her to start a plant nursery, which she says takes up a lot of her time. I have a friend who teaches weekly crocheting lessons. My current job involves proofreading as well as writing educational materials for use in the classroom. Before that, I worked as a type-setter and also typed business correspondence from home. There are just so many options!

A part-time job may be a better fit for some. One single mother with the gift of cleaning began her own cleaning service, cleaning homes a few days a week. Her children came with her on most jobs and did their book work while she cleaned. Of course, some families own a business, and the wife needs to handle some of the duties so the husband can focus on other aspects of the company. An animal lover might find work as a groomer, a pet sitter, or a dog walker. Someone with musical talent might advertise to play or sing at weddings or funerals. Working as a part-time bookkeeper or accountant for a small business is a possibility. Some folks supplement their income by delivering newspapers. I knew two homeschool moms who obtained midwife licenses and were on-call. My mother has a weekend job sitting with an elderly, disabled person. She’s gifted in that area and finds fulfillment in serving others. Other part-time jobs include working as a school crossing guard or bus driver. Another homeschool mom made a career of interviewing people and writing their life stories for them. She gives classes on how one can write his or her life story, and some prefer to hire her to do the writing for them. You see, it takes a little imagination and creativity to create the perfect job for yourself.

If you need to work fulltime, there may still be a way to work around homeschooling. A self-motivated teenager may be able to work at home while the parent or parents are gone. Having a trusted friend or family member nearby can ease any concerns, as well as making regular phone calls. In larger families, older, responsible teens could oversee the younger ones in getting their work done. Then mom or dad can finish the job once they arrive home. Some parents have relatives and friends who help with the home education. A possible job schedule may be working the nightshift or working long hours all weekend so that the week is free for the family.

Homeschooling will happen around your work schedule. Flexibility is one of the great benefits of homeschooling. You can get up early and have schooling finished by noon. You may do schooling in the afternoon or evening. You may do twice as many lessons on weekends. You may work during the tourist season and homeschool during the off-season. You may leave responsible teen students with a clip board and a check list. Whatever you decide, you should always pray first and ask for God’s guidance. If you’re seeking God’s will, chances are good that you’ll discover that your mission is possible!

Happy homeschooling!

Copyright 2006 by Brenda B. Covert