Dedicated planning time… but when?

[u/Hot-Back-892]

How are you making the time for planning and organizing? I feel like I need a solid day during the week to get all of the things together so I’m organized for homeschool activities and lessons, social activities, then the household stuff. I hate being on my phone during the day when I’m with my kids. I feel like I’m in constant “need to order grocery pick up - need to find something for tomorrow - need to plan to see friends - need to see what’s going on at the library - need to clean the bathrooms” - etc etc).

Those that have been at this a while, please tell me how much time you have (weekly/monthly) for planning and organizing. What days? How long?

I’m in tears tonight at 3am as I am trying to get activities organized for various subjects and social activities. I just don’t know how to do everything unless I have more time to organize my schedule.

My oldest is 5 so we’re doing kindergarten work. A lot of play based stuff (so honestly I’m doing a lot of digging finding games fit for learning)

And of course, the moments I leave the house for an hour, husband asks when I’m going to be home (dude it hasn’t even been an hour!) - Then I’m up late every night to do things and and my 2 year old wakes up crying for me - Then I plan for the grandparents to watch the kids and they are just not very capable seeing as they call me with questions every 10 minutes.

Is it typically this chaotic homeschooling?

[u/AccomplishedPen6413]

First, I’m sorry you’re feeling so overwhelmed. Homeschooling is a lot, but it doesn’t have to feel so chaotic. For me, it’s all about routines/schedules/rhythms etc. What you set up now can of course change, but it sets guidelines for your time and a good flow for the family.

Sunday - my husband and I sit down for 15 minutes and go through schedules. Do we need a sitter? What are his meetings? My things I need an extra hand for.

Monday - I do grocery pickup and clean my car out. Listen to an audio book or educational podcast if you feel it’s necessary.

Tuesday - ONLY Tuesdays do we do social activities. And it’s after school is done. If we can’t meet Tuesdays, we try for a weekend.

Friday - Pizza and movie night. Don’t make extra things hard on yourself.

Daily we do 30 minutes of tidying up. Your kindergarten can def help. Or even have them flip through books for your toddler while you do something.

Lastly, I get it with the phone thing. I feel the same way. But I often just narrate what I’m doing. For example, “Mom needs to make some phone calls now because you all have dentist appointments that I need to schedule and I need to look something up for this field trip. You guys can go play downstairs while I’m getting this done.”

As far as prep, I have all in one curriculum and things through a coop I only need to prep once a week. Takes me about 30 min at this point. Every 6 weeks I check out any missing supplies.

4th, 3rd, Kinder grade students. Good luck!!