How to Homeschool as a Single Parent (Yes, It’s Possible!)
Homeschooling as a single parent might sound like juggling fire while riding a unicycle—but with the right tools, mindset, and support, it’s absolutely doable. In fact, it can be a deeply rewarding and empowering path for you and your children.
Whether you're considering homeschooling or already on the journey, this post will walk you through realistic ways to make it work—even if you're doing it solo.
🌱 1. Embrace Flexibility Over Perfection
Forget the rigid 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. public school schedule. You get to create a rhythm that works for your unique family. Some days may look like books and worksheets; others may be nature walks, documentaries, or hands-on play.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a block schedule or loop schedule instead of a rigid hourly plan. Focus on what needs to get done sometime during the day, not at a specific time.
💼 2. Find a Work + Learn Balance
Whether you work remotely, outside the home, or run a business, (even a mixture of all three) homeschooling can work around your job—not the other way around.
Remote work or freelancing? Dedicate work blocks while kids do independent learning or quiet time.
Working outside the home? Use evenings and weekends to homeschool, or lean into interest-led learning while you're away.
Low-energy days? Audiobooks, educational games, and documentaries count.
🧠 3. Use Open-and-Go or Low-Prep Curriculum
Save your energy by choosing curricula that are:
Easy to follow
Minimal prep
Affordable or free (like Open Educational Resources)
Look for:
Workbooks your child can do independently
Online programs or apps
Printable unit studies
🧩 4. Combine Ages (If You Have Multiple Children)
Instead of planning separate lessons for each child, teach them together through themes or projects, then differentiate by ability.
Example:
Study butterflies together—your younger child colors pictures and watches videos, while your older child writes a short report or creates a science journal.
🧘🏽♀️ 5. Prioritize Mental Health (Theirs & YOURS TOO!)
Single parent homeschooling can be intense. Build in time for:
Quiet time or rest
Nature walks
Mindfulness or prayer
Screen-time breaks for YOU while kids engage with something educational
These are MANDATORY not optional. You don’t have to do it all every day. Be gentle with yourself.
🤝 6. Find Support (You Are NOT Alone!)
As someone who lives in this city with no family, I realized I had to CREATE MY VILLAGE.
Create your village even if you’re homeschooling solo:
Join local or online homeschool groups
Swap lessons or childcare with another parent
Lean on free community programs (library, nature centers, co-ops)
Ask for help (even a couple of hours a week is golden)
💖 7. Redefine Success
You are not failing if you:
Take a day (or two or three) off
Use YouTube for science
Let your kids play while you catch up on sleep or work
Success in homeschool isn’t about mimicking school—it’s about connection, learning, and growing together.
🛠 Bonus Resources to Explore
Free & low-cost homeschool curriculum (Easy Peasy, Khan Academy, Ambleside)
Open Educational Resources (made a blog post about them here)
Educational podcasts & audiobooks for car time
Homeschool planner apps like Trello, Notion, or Homeschool Panda
Homeschooling as a single parent is a bold and beautiful path.
It won’t always be easy, but it is deeply possible.
With intention, grace, and a flexible approach, you can build a lifestyle that nourishes both your children and yourself.
You’ve got this—and you’re not alone. 💛