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OK. I took a job teaching 1st/2nd grade art on Tuesdays. I hated to give up that HS day, but it pays me $150 for that one day a week (it is a homeschool co-op), and we REALLY need the money.

My 2 olders are in Preparing, so we have a 4 days schedule in the guide already. But I am sweating the math and such a little not being 5 days a week with them.

Of course, I also have a child in LHFHG (Little Hearts For His Glory).

Then I have one in LHTH (Little Hands To Heaven).

Their Grandparents will be with them on Tuesdays, and they are happy to do work with them if I leave it. I just don't know if that is more trouble than it's worth.

Any suggestions?

Calm me down.

May I start out by saying, Praise the Lord for providing!!!!! I also work 1 day a week teaching Lit to homeschool junior high kids and piano lessons 2 hours every afternoon. It's a juggling act some days, but you can, with God's strength, get it done!

My girls do school 4 days a week even though they're only in LHTH, LHFHG, and Bigger. I just add in what I need to to fit the whole unit in. My oldest does do math and grammar on the off day, but that is it and it takes a very short amount of time. I actually squeeze LHTH into 3 days so we can all have Friday off and my husband doesn't have to teach preschool. He can handle Kindergarten, but preschool is just not for him!

The biggest thing that helps me is scheduling. Now, I'll admit I'm not that great at getting all the housework done...I'm getting there, but not quite. My goal is to get up at least 90 minutes before the kids, but I hardly ever beat them out of bed at all! For me its just a matter of discipline and I need to work on that. As far as homeschooling goes I get everything prepared before the weekend for the next week. That way I know what is coming, what to expect, and anticipate (hopefully!) any hurdles along the way.

If you can leave something for the grandparents that you don't mind them teaching or maybe just an activity that would be great! I leave easy stuff for my husband on the day I teach. It's mostly reading a loud, NONE of the activities. Partly because I don't want to miss out, and partly because he just doesn't get into as much. If there is something, like a science experiment, scheduled for that day then I just shift it to another day. No biggie Having a schedule sheet printed out helps me do that easily.

It may take a few weeks to adjust, but you will adjust. Last year was REALLY hard for me because of the steep learning curve being out first year homeschooling, but God is so gracious to give us what we need to do what He calls us to do! Give yourself an extra amount of grace too, especially in the first few weeks when you're trying to figure it all out!

Melissa

Thank you Melissa! Very encouraging!

I had my Dad help out homeschooling when I was at book fairs, and he loved it! I think the younger guides especially are easy to have someone step in and teach. I'd give it a whirl! Congrats on getting your job - God is so good at providing for us at the time we need Him too!

In Christ,
Julie