Homeschooling is a difficult task. You take on the responsibility of being both a teacher and a parent, and it can be overwhelming if you've never done it before. Whatever your reason for homeschooling, you can ensure that your child gets a quality education.  

The key to knowing that your child is learning and absorbing information is to know you've thought it through and presented the material in an engaging way. As such, you need to implement certain strategies to help you teach and parent them simultaneously.

1. Create Your Own Schedule 

Just because regular, in-school education starts at a particular time doesn't mean that you need to adhere to that schedule. Some children learn better in the afternoon than in the morning. As long as you don't have a time-sensitive job outside the home, there's no reason you have to stick to a rigid routine. Your child may learn better if they're not being forced to get up at a time that doesn't work for them. 

Every person has a different chronotype. You can help your child find theirs— each type signified by a fun animal you can encourage them to learn about — to understand when they do their best work and how late they should sleep. Chronotypes are a bit more practical for adults, who require less sleep than children, so you can also schedule your day according to yours.

2. Don't Depend on Tech 

Learning from technology can be nice, especially when it can answer questions you don’t know. Still, you don't have to rely on technology for everything. Sometimes, pencil and paper are enough to get the job done and help your child improve their motor skills. Don't forget to give them some time to play outdoors during the day, even if they don't want to or think they're too old for a designated “recess” time away from devices. 

Being outside allows a child to get some time in the sunshine, which can promote growth when managed in appropriate doses. Plus, many kids find it easier to focus indoors after spending some time playing and exploring the world outside. You can point out and identify wildlife from the comfort of your yard, then go back inside to teach them more about the species they just saw.

3. Build a Lesson Plan 

You don't want to be a few weeks into homeschooling and feel like you've already run out of things to talk about. That's why lesson planning is crucial — it helps you balance your lessons and meet the goals you've set for yourself and your child. Ultimately, you want to make sure your child learns something substantial and that you teach it to the best of your ability.  

You'll need to take inspiration from seasoned teachers to build your lesson plan. Don't be afraid to consult the educators in your life about how you should develop it. You'll want to note which topics you want to teach your child about, how you'll introduce them and how long you'll spend on something. Complicated subjects might take a few days to a week, while simple ones can be grasped in a single day.

4. Teach Life Skills 

Many schools leave students feeling unprepared for life beyond school. Consider finding a few age-appropriate topics to teach your child about. If they're older, you might want to go over things like budgeting and filing taxes.  

Younger students can learn to make one recipe well, which can help them prepare for the future and give them a solid base to build from. As long as you focus on school subjects for the most part, you should be able to slip some life skills into your teaching.

5. Connect With Others 

You're not the only one homeschooling your child. Therefore, you don't have to pressure yourself to be perfect. Reach out to other homeschooling families in your community.  

You may find families willing to build a homeschooling co-op with you, where different parents can take over teaching different things — almost like a miniature school. At least consider meeting other people so your child has the social aspect of school and can bond with their peers.

6. Be a Role Model 

One of the most important things you will teach your child is how to be a good human being. Your homeschooled child won't be exposed to as many people and situations as they otherwise would be in traditional school. That means you need to model how to be a better human being and champion diversity and equality through your daily activities.  

Your child will mimic how you treat other people. Be the reason your child is kind to others, no matter who they are, and understands their own worth in every tricky situation they may find themselves in.

Make This Homeschooling Year the Best One Yet 

Homeschooling might have a learning curve at first. Still, just as your child gets used to it, you'll get used to teaching. Tackle this new experience together and live each day to the fullest.

Just remember that you don't always have to follow the route of traditional education. Supplement bookwork with the great outdoors, and remember to keep up a social life with your child. Eventually, you'll get the hang of it, and you and your child will enjoy spending more time together.