During one season or another, we’ve all fallen victim to poorly managing our homeschool schedules. Sometimes it’s an issue of a temporary circumstance such as a new baby, a sick family member, or traveling. But other times our crazy schedules are due to a lack of focus.

When this has happened to me, it’s very overwhelming and makes me feel like we’re always doing school. I wake up, eat, and start teaching. Then I do a million other things at once WHILE trying to school! And nothing gets done.

Come dinnertime, we’re eating while trying to finish that day’s work. If I had managed my time well, we would be done by early afternoon or even by noon.

Through my mistakes, I’ve learned a few tricks that help me stay focused. Here are some tips to help you not fall victim to homeschooling all day long.

Stay Away From Your Phone

My phone might as well have my DNA flowing through it. It’s basically an addition to my hand. I’m either texting, checking social media, reading articles, or just messing around with new apps. If the phone is around me, I’m going to play with it.

If you are like me, leave the phone in another room where you can hear it if it rings. If someone needs you, and it’s important, they will call – not text.

Stay Away From Your Computer

Laptops (or tablets) are portable, just like cell phones. You can take them anywhere in the house with you. They are just as distracting, maybe even more distracting, as phones.

Leave your laptop and tablet in the other room too. And keep your PC turned off. This way, even if you migrate towards them, you will catch yourself as you’re trying to turn the device on.

Make a Checklist

Make a list of all the school work you want to tackle with your kids that day. Make little boxes on the side so you can check each one off as you work through them. Anytime you have a moment when you want to gravitate towards your phone, tablet, or PC, look at the list instead. This will help you to stay on track!

Prepare Your Area

When I’m not focused, I find excuses to get up and grab something. Then I get sucked into other tasks besides homeschooling.

The best way to prevent this is to bring all your materials to the table before sitting down with the kids. Grab pencils, sharpeners, erasers, crayons, glue, paper, etc. Anything you will be using – bring it to your school area.

Prevent Distractions

Not all distractions are preventable, but the ones we can predict – we can prevent. Does one of your kiddos need a snack mid-morning? Then have snacks pre-prepared either in baggies on the table, or in a bowl in the fridge. When hunger kicks in, have them grab it quickly and snack at the table while lessons are happening.

Do you have a toddler or little one? Bring what they need to the area too. I love having blocks, crayons, paper, and glue for my little guy. He keeps himself busy while hanging out with his sisters during school time.

So homeschool mom, have you ever fallen victim to homeschooling all day? What are some of your tips for preventing this?