Homeschooling or working from home could each easily be a full time job.  So how can you successfully juggle both?  Is it even possible?  Yes!  There are many moms who homeschool their children successfully while building a business.  Over the years I’ve learned a few things that have helped me succeed and stay sane.

First, keep things in perspective.

Juggling homeschooling and working from home IS a challenge and it won’t always be easy, but it can be done!

Second, have a plan.

You need to create a schedule for your family that blocks out hours of time for school and hours of time for working.  It doesn’t have to a down to the minute type schedule, but you need something that helps ensure everything that needs completed gets done each day.

Third, know your priorities and goals.

Some things you can let slide a day or two.  It’s not the end of the world if Mount Laundry piles up for a day.  What’s more important?

You don’t have to have a home cooked dinner 31 nights of the month.  An occasional pizza delivery is okay if it means you had the extra time you needed to finish that math lesson with your grade-schooler or get an urgent project completed for a client.

Keep the bigger picture in mind of which goals are the most important and things will be easier.

Fourth, make smart choices.

Have systems and plans for keeping your household together.  If you plan your menu in advance, there’s no scrambling through the “What’s for Dinner?” routine.  Use a crock pot and make dinner even easier.

You need to choose a business model that will allow you to outsource and leverage your time.  Take steps to move your business in a direction that allows you to do this.  Automate and systemize as much as you can.

For schooling, choose your curriculum based on your child’s learning style and your family’s needs.  It’s okay to take into consideration how much time the lessons will involve.  Some homeschooling options require hours of preparation while others are “open and go” style and will still teach your children what they need to know (and help save your sanity).  Consider unit studies, curriculum that allows your children to share lessons, and other options.  Ask other homeschooling moms what’s working for them and why, how much time they’re spending to prepare and present lessons, and most importantly whether the kids are picking up the lessons and enjoying their learning.  When you find the right curriculum and approach your kids can learn more in 30 minutes than they can in hours of the wrong curriculum and approach.  More time doesn’t necessarily equal a better education.  It’s a smarter approach and strategy that leads to a better education.  Be flexible and make adjustments as you go.

Fifth, accept that you don’t have to do it all yourself.

It’s okay to ask for help from your husband or children with the housework, or hire a house cleaner to come in a few times a week.  Hire a competent virtual assistant to help you in your business.

And don’t overlook the options to make homeschooling easier and share some of the responsibility — computerized math, DVD art or music lessons, group learning, private tutors and homeschool co-ops are just some of the ways you can give your kids a great education and free up some of your time.

Taking that first step toward beginning homeschooling may be quite easy for you. Your child may be having troubles in school. Your lifestyle may not be conducive to traditional public schooling. Your public schools may be failing their students, and you don’t want to add your child to their rolls. It’s what comes after the decision to begin homeschooling that can cause sleepless nights and fits of anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can homeschool, and you can do it well. Relax. Breathe. Breathe again. And then read on to find out how I know.

1.) You have been your child’s teacher since he was born. You taught him to talk and walk. You’ve taught him how to eat politely, how to tie his shoes, how to ride his bike. Beginning homeschooling is simply an extension of all that you’ve already done. You’re his natural teacher, and he’s your natural student. You know how each other think, you know how each other feels. And if you don’t know how to teach something, or don’t know enough about something to feel qualified to teach it, there are homeschool curriculum sellers out there who can ride in to your rescue and save the day with this program or that book. Relax. Breathe. Breathe again. You can teach your child.

2.) You know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. You can tailor her studies around her interests and can find those things that will help her reach her full potential. Again, you have tons of resources at your disposal. It may take some doing, but the hard work you put in will reap countless rewards when the light bulbs go on in her little head and she looks at you beaming with understanding and the joy of learning. You’ll be there for it all, through your homeschooling efforts. Relax. Breathe. Breathe again. You can help your child grow.

3.) There are support systems everywhere. Check with your local library, try a Facebook search for groups in your town or city, or contact your state homeschooling associations. They often keep lists of groups both large and small. You say you live in the middle of Just the Other Side of Nowhere? No problem! There are online email groups, chat groups, forums, you name it. Many of the curriculum publishers sponsor online “user” groups and/or forums. Whether “real” or virtual, they are all chock full of moms and dads just like you, who had to start somewhere. Beginning homeschoolers are some of our favorite people to help, because we veteran homeschoolers know all the answers to your questions and problems. Relax. Breathe. Breathe again. You don’t have to do this alone.

4.) You are committed to doing what’s best for your child. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be here, looking for help, on the verge of hyperventilation and anxiety medication. You know deep in your heart that your reasons for homeschooling, whatever they may be, are valid and true. You know with every fiber of your mother’s or father’s being that beginning homeschooling is the best choice you can make. Relax. Breathe. Breathe again. You are doing what needs to be done.

Homeschooling isn’t rocket science, unless of course you are studying rocket science. You can’t really mess it up. If you find you can’t teach, there are homeschooling programs that are completely computerized – they do it all for you. If you find that your child has special needs, well there are homeschooling programs and support systems for that, too. Relax. Breathe. Breathe again. You’ll be okay. I was.

If you’re like many moms, finding the perfect balance between all of the roles that you play may be a difficult task. Trying to find time to complete everything that requires your attention within a 24-hour period can be mind-boggling. Instead of feeling “in control” of things, you may feel like you’re controlled. Finding a solution is unlikely when you can barely keep your head above water. Paying the bills, cooking dinner, running the kids here and there, finding time for your spouse, keeping the house clean and working outside of the home is not only emotionally taxing, but physically exhausting too.

Perhaps you don’t wear “all” of the hats above but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re feeling overwhelmed or perhaps dissatisfied by the course that you’re on. To make things easier, here are a few helpful tips and suggestions that just might make your day-to-day life a little less hectic and perhaps allow you to enjoy quality time with your family.

The Perfect Balance – Ten Tips to Help Balance Your Schedule:

Becoming a mother was the single-most rewarding day of my life. I waited late in life to have children desiring to have my teaching career in place allowing me to enjoy it before being torn between work and home. Knowing me and my personality, I knew that once I had children, I’d be drawn to the “stay-at-home” lifestyle so that I could enjoy raising my own family.

Being extremely organized in my personal life and career, and having experience with multiple children in the classroom, perhaps a “control-freak” of sorts, I didn’t realize how much the addition of children would alter my life. Luckily, my first child was the “perfect” baby which allowed me to figure out how to balance all of the hats worn without much controversy or the feeling of despair that so many mothers have shared they sometimes feel.

I’d like to share a few tips and suggestions that every mother can implement that will make “balancing” much easier, productive and rewarding. Perhaps you’ll find some of the suggestions just what you need.

Tips & Suggestions for Balancing Life AFTER children:

1. Routine and Calendaring: As funny as this may seem, establishing a routine and schedule is essential for reducing potential levels of stress and helping one balance everything. If you are employed outside of the home, you probably recognize the importance of knowing where you’re going, when you’re supposed to be there and what needs to be completed before you leave. With children, your schedule will take on a whole new meaning. With infants, you’ve got regular doctor’s appointments, and some that are unscheduled. Sleeping routines that are undoubtedly modified from days prior to having children; mealtimes and preparation that must be juggled around multiple household tasks, shopping, etc….Getting a day planner, or some sort of schedule that can be used to “establish” specific times for pretty much everything that your “new life” will require will be a tremendous tool to help balance your day and keep you organized. Obviously, being able to be flexible will be necessary, but having a “starting point” will certainly make flexibility without panic possible. When scheduling or planning a routine, keep in mind that you’ll want to plan “you time”. A time just for you to unwind and relax. This way, you’ll be able to plan ahead if you need a babysitter or perhaps arrange with your spouse or significant other a time that they’ll be responsible for the children so that you can take some time for yourself. This is necessary for mental, emotional and physical health. You’ll want to schedule: Bedtime rituals and routines; mealtimes; a time for housecleaning; running errands; nap(s) if applicable; appointments outside the home; shopping; time for your profession (if applicable); date nights; and “you” time.

2. Meal Planning: If you’ve got more than one child, meals can be truly frustrating for families. If you’ve got an infant and you’re nursing, you’ll still have others that you’ll need to plan and prepare meals for each and every day. This task can be easily accomplished by planning a weekly menu. When I say menu, I mean what you’ll be preparing for each meal every day of the week. By recording what you’ll be preparing, you can create a shopping list and shop accordingly during the time set aside for leaving the home to get the items that you’ll need. I found it easier to plan for the entire week and shop for the entire week vs. shopping every day or every other day (which my husband likes to do). I also found it more cost effective. Additionally, if I had the ingredients needed for every meal, I could be more flexible in the event something wasn’t thawed in time and/or we weren’t in the mood for a Mexican dish on the day planned. Meal planning around our home also included one night a week set aside for dinner out. Everyone deserves a break from the kitchen from time to time so make certain that you pencil your night out – in! Word of Caution: If you have more than one child or a finicky eater, don’t fall into the trap of becoming a “short order cook”. This will result in a lifetime of frustration. When you plan “meals” – cook them and serve them. Encourage your child(ren) to learn to eat what you serve instead of preparing this and that to accommodate each individuals palate. This will make life ahead a much less bumpy road. Take it from me, I’ve heard from many parents who’ve fallen victim and prepare one meal for one child, another for the other and yet another for herself and husband – this is NOT the way to go. In fact, this type of routine began, for many, when the children were toddlers and continues today when they are teenagers. Be firm and teach them to eat what you prepare.

3. Household Chores & Responsibilities: Even though you may be a stay-at-home mom, everyone within the home should have certain chores and/or responsibilities. For instance, when my children were infants/toddlers, my husband was responsible for maintaining the yard; cleaning the bathrooms and keeping the porches and decks clean. These were jobs that I couldn’t do while keeping an eye on the children. As the children got older, chores and/or responsibilities were modified although every member of the home still had specific jobs. My husband became responsible for feeding the pets in the morning to allow me time to rest when the children were sleeping; he would take the shopping list and purchase the items needed to avoid my having to take the children into the stores (which was difficult with two boys, two years apart). Even today, with teenage sons, every member of the family has responsibilities so that I am not overwhelmed trying to manage everything myself. My boys are responsible for cleaning their own bathrooms and bedrooms; washing their own laundry; and mowing the lawn. My husband puts leftovers away after meals; feeds the pets; trims hedges and weed-eats; and is responsible for unloading the dishwasher and putting the dishes away daily. We cook meals together and the boys set the table and clean it off after meals. Not only does dividing household chores teach many life skills but it also alleviates a great deal of anxiety that I would otherwise experience as I’d find it difficult to complete all things myself.

4. Establish Rules and Consequences and STICK to them: Establishing household rules is necessary if you want your home to run smoothly. These rules should be “in place” before the children arrive so that you and your spouse are in agreement and on the same page when the first violation occurs (and it will – before you think). For instance, establishing both rules and consequences about running through the house; jumping on the bed; jumping down the stairs; playing with the buttons on the remote control or telephone; pressing buttons on the dishwasher; throwing balls or objects in the house; biting; pinching; hitting; tattling; hurting others; name calling; interrupting; talking back, etc…. Playing each and every occurrence by ear is NOT something I’d recommend as usually it leaves children feeling confused. Consistency and parameters are needed for well-adjusted children. Children need rules; consequences teach them about adhering to the rules (as long as the consequences are related to the violation and are intended to teach); consistency by parents in enforcing the rules and applying consequences will help children feel secure.

5. Creating and Living within a Budget: With children come many new expenses. Some expenses are necessary while others are a matter of “spoiling” our children. Yes, we want our children to have the sun and moon but doing so within a budget is a must – especially if you’ve eliminated one source of income. It is possible for a once-upon-a-time two income family to make it on one-income as long as you “stick” to a predetermined budget. Obviously many of your pre-child expenses will be the same but you’ll want to account for an addition to your health insurance premiums and co-payments for your new and frequent visits to the doctor; expenses for diapers (disposable) or cloth (or diaper service); formula (if you’re not breastfeeding); incidentals such as infant supplies, i.e. soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, etc….; and perhaps an increase in your budget for items to decorate, clothe, entertain and keep your baby/toddler safe. There will be expenses that you’ve not even considered so always try to plan for “exceptions” to the budget. Living within a budget, although not easy for everyone, is something that will take time to learn and determination as it is NOT easy to pass by the adorable dress on the sales rack without the urge to take it home. But, you can do it!

Well, there you have it. How to balance your life (before) and after children. You may have already thought about implementing some of these suggestions, perhaps not. I promise you that these simple tips allowed me to welcome child number two into this world without even a wince. I was able to work outside of the home (or from home which I do now); prepare meals for my family every evening; have “me” time; and enjoy quality time with my family. Every member of our family learned what was expected and understands that completion of his/her responsibilities is necessary without the need for reminders. When rules are violated, consequences are in place which eliminates MOST rules from being broken – an occasional violation vs. rules broken each and every day by my standards is a GREAT day!

The most important thing that every parent should understand is that life is a journey. There will be good times and bad and that each will teach us a lesson or two. Embrace each and every one of the experiences and opportunities that parenthood allows with an open mind and heart. Know that you cannot control where life’s path will take you – you can only make the most of the walk. But, by implementing a few of the suggestions above, you’ll be able to take the time to smell and enjoy the roses along the way.

I hope that these simple tips and suggestions will assist you in finding balance and harmony in your life.

Parenting offers endless dilemmas – navigating your way between throwing a protective mantle around your children, and knowing that it is only by withdrawing the mantle that they can achieve the independence necessary to you and them. There are also pernicious social consequences from your family choices. Should you care? In conservative times, we hear much about the benefits of family, too little about the degree family can be bad both for children and for our wider society.

One of the consequences of Tory MP Derek Conway losing his job for giving his sons our money for doing nothing is that a spotlight has been shone on the dubious practice of MPs employing family members and the culture that justifies it. In conservative lore, nothing should prevent – certainly no obligation to society – parents being able to give everything to the children they love, the tearjerker argument that shadow Chancellor George Osborne used to justify his proposed lifting of the threshold for inheritance tax to a £1m.

Conway, the bone-headed Tory, was merely stretching that philosophy to the limits, but has found that there are obligations, such as accountability and propriety, that get in the way. It was public money he had been spending. The case was open and shut. But parallel arguments extend to the private sphere, as Nigella Lawson showed in a widely publicised interview in My Weekly. She differed from her husband, Charles Saatchi, she said, about how much of their estimated £110m fortune they should leave their children. Echoing American billionaires Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, she believed that too much inherited money corrupts children; they need to work. Her husband took the premodern, dynastic and conservative view that every penny should be passed on with the DNA.

On her website, Ms Lawson subsequently revealed that this shouldn’t be understood as a desire to leave her children destitute. It is about choosing between leaving nothing and everything, a debate about degree that extends well beyond the Lawson/Saatchi family. In an era of sky-high house prices, how much of the equity in your home should you give to your children to buy theirs? How much inheritance should you leave them? How much should you be the ‘helicopter parent’ hovering obsessively over your offspring and fighting for the best across the board?

Plainly, you can and must enable your children: to prohibit them from accessing what you have and who you are is impossible and would be counter to our deepest instincts. But at what point does such enablement become destructive for them and for society? A generation ago, there would have been very many more who took Nigella Lawson’s view that the bias must be to help children stand on their own two feet. Now the doctrine is that the family must rule.

Today’s parents have become obsessive about their children, relentlessly buying them every advantage they can which they cap with the promise of the maximum inheritance. It is not just the growth of tutoring and private schools; it extends to university. Dr Paul Redmond, Liverpool University’s head of careers and employability, tells how a growing number of parents challenge exam results, attend career fairs and even negotiate their children’s first salaries.

It is parents who are behind the new market in downloadable, prewritten essays. Parents use every tool possible to advance their child’s cause and universities are developing a response. Huddersfield University is the first to have a parents’ liaison officer; many universities now have ‘parent packs’.

As Redmond says, this hyperactivity beyond a certain age actively harms children. Employers want rounded, self-starting adults, not overgrown children used to their parents constantly bailing them out when called upon. The mobile phone is an often disastrous kind of umbilical cord. Too much parental involvement infantilises children, whether driving them a few hundred yards to school when they are teenagers or joining them for interviews with potential employers when they are young adults. Expectations of future inheritance tends to remove a key spur to self-improvement and self-control.

Fewer and fewer of the very rich consider bequesting their assets to charity, a university or a great cause; the volume of giving has remained static over the last decade despite the upsurge in private wealth. They would rather spend it on themselves and leave the rest to their children.

A recent London School of Economics report shows that Britain has the highest number of family firms managed by children of the founder; it is a managerial disaster, a potent explanation of our poor productivity. Few think to challenge the practice or endorse the call for higher inheritance tax to check it.

Part of the explanation is the privatisation of the public sphere. The more the realm of the private grows, the less accountability and fairness can be expected. That old injunction that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know seems truer than ever. The only network you can rely on is family.

This is reinforced by a mawkish conservatism that celebrates blood, tribe and nation; we are not a society trying to advance together but a network of concentric blood rings radiating out from family, in which case we had better look out for our own.

Jean-Paul Sartre wrote that the existential freedom to make and remake one’s life could only be achieved by rounded adults and that adulthood required rupturing the bonds with one’s parents to reconstruct them later. Parents setting out to cosset their kids surely have a greater obligation: to help them become adults in the best sense of that term. The paradox is that you make that rite of passage harder by gilding it too much with family advantage. Our private and public choices should reflect that truth.

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Young Children Anger Management Tips

If you have toddlers or even preschoolers, you know that they are still learning to control their tempers, especially in public. Many parents are looking for young children anger management tips, and will eagerly accept suggestions from their parents, educators, and community leaders. It is important to remain calm during tantrums and outbursts, but also to be firm and consistent in issuing discipline so your child will take you seriously. Young children anger management tips include timeouts and distracting little ones from disgruntled emotions when they threaten to burst into angry behavior.

Teen Children Anger Management Tips

When dealing with teen children anger management tips, you may have to substitute diplomacy and tact for discipline in this age group. Learn how to be a good listener, quietly asking your son or daughter about their day at school, friends, social activities, and concerns or problems. When you see that they are visibly upset about something, calmly explore that area by asking more focused questions or inviting discussion. In addition, you may want to talk about acceptable ways of expressing displeasure or irritation, such as avoiding certain situations, politely asking for substitutions, or suggesting alternative ways of doing something. Let your kids know in clear terms which behaviors will not be tolerated, such as the use of profanity, throwing things, slamming doors, or refusing to cooperate with housework or homework. You can post the rules on the refrigerator and even invite your teen to help write the guidelines, along with suggesting appropriate consequences for infractions.

Teen children anger management tips might include rewards for self-control and appropriate anger processing. Rewards could be extra time on the computer, telephone, or television or reduced household chores for that week. Kids need to see a balance between love coupled with forgiveness and discipline linked to consequences. Let your teens know you are on their side, but that as they mature, they must become responsible for managing emotions, including anger, in adult-like ways that are socially acceptable.

Raising kids is harder than ever these days. Questionable or negative role models, me-centered self-gratification, and dwindling social restrictions encourage children to express unrestrained emotions that can wreak havoc on families and society. If you feel that your children are starting to display signs of uncontrolled rage, visit websites like anger-management-information.com to learn more about anger management training generally, and for specific examples of children anger management tips. Then talk to your child’s teacher or a social services worker for more information about getting your child the help that is needed for anger management.