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6 Ways to Plan for Interruptions

interruptions
ORGANIZED UNDER: Plan

You’ve just settled down into a good rhythm for the day, and the inevitable happens: the phone rings, the baby cries, or someone knocks on the door. Interruptions! They may be a natural part of life, but they can be annoying, especially when you are trying to get through that all-important lesson on fractions!

How To Plan for Interruptions

Interruptions are a funny thing. You know they’re coming because they always do, yet they are still unexpected. After all, if you expected the interruptions, then you’d either plan for them or try to find a way to eliminate them, right?

While we can’t specifically work interruptions into our plans or completely eliminate interruptions, there is actually a way to structure your planning so that you limit them, prepare for them, and minimize their impact on your day.

Are you ready to learn the secret?

Protect Your Time

While homeschooling can be flexible, try to set aside a certain time during the day for uninterrupted school work. Inform family and friends of this ahead of time, and ask them not to call you or stop by during those hours.

Not everyone will respond well to this, and that can be challenging. But setting boundaries is essential for homeschool success in many areas, not just related to interruptions. So don’t be afraid to stick to your boundaries!

Turn It Off

At the beginning of school time, turn off your phone ringer and shut down Facebook. You can call or text people back during your next break.

If certain people, like your spouse or an older child, need to be able to reach you during the school day, consider using the Do Not Disturb feature that comes on many phones these days. Set those few people as “favorites” so that only their calls or texts notify you.

Hang a Sign

Hang a “School in Session” sign on the door during school hours. When neighborhood friends knock on the door, let them know that your children will be ready to play when the sign is gone.

Having a set play time will help, too! If you have other homeschoolers in the neighborhood, consider coordinating with their parents for “recess” time or coordinating break times.

Independent Time

If you have a baby or young child, keep independent work on hand to give to your older children. Teach them how to easily switch from a parent-directed activity to an independent one when baby needs attention.

Remember that this is only a season, and soon your baby will be old enough to join in.

Say No

Learn to say no. Some people equate homeschooling with staying at home doing nothing and will ask you to babysit, run the MOPS group, or participate in any number of other activities.

As mentioned before, stick to those firm boundaries that you create around your homeschooling schedule, and remember that it is more than okay to say no to things that regularly challenge those boundaries.

Say Yes!

Even while working to protect boundaries and maintain structure in your school day, week, month, semester, and year, remember that a rigid adherence to schedule can often be more harmful than helpful.

Maintain the health and sanity of your whole family by paying more attention to the rhythm of your routine than to your schedule. That means that sometimes you can and should just go ahead and say yes to those interruptions!

Interruptions are an inevitable part of life, and therefore an inevitable part of homeschooling. But by removing as many distractions as you can and learning to flow within the rhythm of your family’s needs, you will find that interruptions become much less of a problem than you might once have thought!

Different personalities handle interruptions differently. Take our Planner Personality Quiz to discover other aspects of your planner personality and resources for making the most of how you are wired.

In addition to working as managing editor for HEDUA, Ann is a missionary kid, second generation homeschooler, pastor's wife, and mom of three. She loves encouraging and equipping others, especially women in the homeschooling and ministry communities.

  • Brittany Punches

    Having a schedule but allowing for flexibility it so true. I homeschool while working, so teaching the skills for transition to supported to independent learning are key.

    March 27, 2023 at 12:43 pm Reply
    • marissa shaffer

      I am so excited to have found this page!

      May 3, 2023 at 12:18 pm Reply
      • Sarah P. John

        Just beginning our homeschool journey and this site has helped so much already! Looking forward to exploring more!

        May 9, 2023 at 12:31 am Reply
      • Nicki F

        Me too! Such helpful advice!

        May 19, 2023 at 5:08 pm Reply
    • Caitlin Steward

      Thank you !

      May 10, 2023 at 9:32 pm Reply
    • Ashley Benson

      I an excited to learn more things about homeschooling, and getting supplies that my family will need this upcoming fall!

      May 22, 2023 at 9:12 am Reply
    • Sahrena N.

      Absolutely happy with the discovery of this page. I’ve been struggling with being organized. Especially as a mama with adhd.

      May 22, 2023 at 4:05 pm Reply
      • Michelle Falvey

        I hear you there! With a son that has ADHD and the fact that I, too, have ADHD, the organization issue is real!!

        May 25, 2023 at 10:08 am Reply
  • Melody Bentfield

    I need to do better at paying attention and following our own family rhythm and not comparing with others

    March 27, 2023 at 2:25 pm Reply
  • Nicole S

    This is great advice! Thank you!

    March 28, 2023 at 9:46 am Reply
    • Jeff Barber

      Definitely. It’s a hard to shut our regular distractions. Especially when doing lessons with a preschooler

      April 25, 2023 at 2:31 am Reply
  • Sarah Kromphold

    Great tips and information thank you!

    March 29, 2023 at 11:52 am Reply
  • Cherylann Barbour

    We’ve thrown out the schedule. We school when it fits. We usually get it done in the afternoon, but sometimes it works out to do it in the morning or early evening.

    March 29, 2023 at 6:12 pm Reply
  • Michelle Skelton

    This is really helpful, especially since we are about to embark on our first year of homeschooling!!

    March 30, 2023 at 3:14 pm Reply
  • Patience Rogers

    Beginning my research to homeschool. Lots of helpful tips!

    March 30, 2023 at 10:07 pm Reply
  • Hannah Adkins

    We have a loose schedule to provide structure in our routine, but we don’t do anything by times. Times were too rigid for our needs.

    March 31, 2023 at 7:25 pm Reply
  • Carol Leighty

    The flexibility is one of the nice things about homeschooling for me.

    March 31, 2023 at 10:39 pm Reply
  • Rochelle Carter

    I think it is amazing to have resources for homeschooling

    April 3, 2023 at 7:37 am Reply
  • Nicole Whitaker

    With 4 going on 5 kids planning is life lol

    April 3, 2023 at 3:46 pm Reply
  • Alexis Hanna

    Really looking into homeschooling for my kids. All this is really great advice.

    April 3, 2023 at 7:23 pm Reply
  • Misty Ring

    This is great advice. Thank you.

    April 4, 2023 at 11:02 am Reply
  • Katherine Hogan

    My biggest interruption is my youngest kid. She is seven and has gotten it in her head that it’s ok to interrupt me with temper tantrums and disagreements over whether or not she should have to do her assignments. Also, my 11 year old is constantly interrupting lessons to micromanage my other kids. What I have started doing to work on these issues is offer something from the treasure box (a little crate filled with various fidget toys/dollar store items) if they can get through an entire school day exhibiting the self-control needed to overcome these weaknesses. So far so good…we will see…

    April 4, 2023 at 11:34 am Reply
  • Megan Miller

    Boundaries on your schedule! No means no. Saying yes when it’s beneficial is one thing.

    April 4, 2023 at 1:03 pm Reply
  • Mrs. K

    It is ok to say no – especially towards a bigger yes..
    learned (the hard way) how critical it is to define our unique non-negotiables a la a first things first, what matters most, longer-range planning approach. Then much easier to say no to the less important things, which in turn ends up opening up more wiggle room to enable saying yes to the unexpected bonus opportunities (that usually also align better with our overall needs & goals!)

    April 4, 2023 at 1:11 pm Reply
  • Crystal Willingham

    Trying to learn a family rhythm. Just getting started and full-time rv living.

    April 4, 2023 at 2:07 pm Reply
  • Crystal Clapp

    Thank you for all the great advice! We will be incorporating it into school. Interruptions are one of the hardest things in my option with homeschooling whether its because of a toddler or my phone going off.

    April 4, 2023 at 2:31 pm Reply
  • Kayli Reynolds

    I struggle to find a good balance of every day life and homeschool. Going to try some of these tips and see.

    April 4, 2023 at 3:13 pm Reply
  • Rachel S

    Before we moved to the country, we had a sign we put on our front door for the neighbor kids to know when we were doing school, they didn’t always pay attention to it, so sometimes they were told my kids out later and sometimes the neighbor kids would come in and finish school with us. Now if we are dong something that my older kids (22 & 24) can listen in on when they call I will answer and they can listen to me read aloud, do creative writing with us, or whatever (I do find out if they need anything too).

    April 4, 2023 at 3:14 pm Reply
  • Brittany Wilson

    Thank you for the helpful information!

    April 4, 2023 at 3:33 pm Reply
    • Charlotte

      Thanks for the information!

      May 6, 2023 at 1:22 pm Reply
  • Rachel C. Harrel

    I often tell the other child who is interrupting my work with their sibling to skip the problem they are struggling with and that Ill come help them with it when I am done.

    April 4, 2023 at 5:12 pm Reply
  • Madi Cisneros

    So helpful!

    April 4, 2023 at 5:57 pm Reply
  • Alexis Warren

    Thank you for all your resources!

    April 4, 2023 at 6:08 pm Reply
  • Andra

    So grateful for all the helpful suggestions. I have found so much great information and have been able to implement a few suggestions.

    April 4, 2023 at 6:53 pm Reply
  • Marie Robbins

    Interruptions are a part of life. Having some strategies and plans helps the flow of the day so much! Turning it off is key and I liked the idea of using Do Not Disturb as I have older children who are driving to and from work and community college. Also, I’m still learning the balance of “yes” and “no” after 13 years of homeschooling.

    April 5, 2023 at 7:20 am Reply
  • Rainna Burns

    I needed to hear this and leaning into the family rythyms. I definitely try to make something ideal and come up to opposition in every time block.

    April 5, 2023 at 7:33 am Reply
  • Megan martina

    That’s always a good reminder, we struggle with allowing too many interruptions and as much as I hate to be rigorous, I think a more rigorous schedule is what we need.

    April 5, 2023 at 7:45 am Reply
  • Charlene Sayer

    Such great advice!

    April 5, 2023 at 7:50 am Reply
  • Stephanie Miller

    Good reminder to say no at times and yes at others. Helpful!

    April 5, 2023 at 8:11 am Reply
  • Melody G

    These have been hard lessons to learn. Im so thankful for these specific boundaries mentioned. They are up to protect our calling and our time. I’m so thankful for the reminders.

    April 5, 2023 at 8:33 am Reply
  • Stephanie Rust

    Thank you for the information to help us organize our time.

    April 5, 2023 at 8:36 am Reply
  • Stephanie Edwards

    I’ve been Homeschooling for 26 years and would have loved to have these resources back when my kids were babies! Thank you for providing so many great helps for new homeschoolers!

    April 5, 2023 at 8:43 am Reply
  • Karlena Ludlow

    Very nice

    April 5, 2023 at 8:50 am Reply
  • Danielle H

    Great reminders to minimize traditional day to day interruptions that could pop up.

    April 5, 2023 at 8:54 am Reply
  • Milinda Jo Giddy

    Great tips! Thanks for the post!

    April 5, 2023 at 8:59 am Reply
  • April Franke

    Thank you! It is nice to be reminded of these things!

    April 5, 2023 at 9:00 am Reply
  • Allie M.

    I have a hard time remembering to just focus on homeschool and not everything else. These are some great tips!

    April 5, 2023 at 11:30 am Reply
  • Brooke Nadeau

    A sign is genius! I never thought of that. Definitely something I want to implement

    April 5, 2023 at 11:45 am Reply
  • Briana Cregier

    Teaching the older kids to take the lead for a few minutes while the inevitable comes up (after, of course, you’ve already silenced the phone and communicated to others that you’re not available). Also, teaching the younger ones to be patient and learn to cope with boredom while you’re away for a bit. ALWAYS step back into the school scene with grace! There may be a mess that wouldn’t have been made had you stayed in the room, but it’s part of the learning adventure. Embrace it!

    April 5, 2023 at 2:05 pm Reply
  • Denise Sowell

    I learned early on that I had to do what worked for our family. If we had to do some school work on Saturday will dad was home to help out with the Little’s, that was okay!

    April 5, 2023 at 2:45 pm Reply
  • Christina B

    This is such good advice. Having a schedule or rhythm is great, but also knowing what to do when interruptions happen is necessary. Thanks for the tips!

    April 5, 2023 at 6:13 pm Reply
  • Adell1680736311

    Having flexibility yet following a schedule can be challenging. Thank you for your ideas and support in this homeschooling journey.

    April 5, 2023 at 6:42 pm Reply
  • Adell

    Even though I’ve been homeschooling for over 13 years, finding balance between a good schedule and flexibility is very difficult. Thank you for your reminders and tips!

    April 5, 2023 at 6:46 pm Reply
  • Sara S

    I’m new to homeschooling, but I love the resources I’ve found here. I love the thought of planning for interruptions!

    April 5, 2023 at 8:57 pm Reply
  • Tammie Parrish

    This is fantastic advice.
    Still learning daily

    April 5, 2023 at 9:56 pm Reply
  • Lisa Fetty

    It is so smart to protect your homeschooling time! I don’t answer my phone or look at my computer during the time set aside for school.

    April 5, 2023 at 10:18 pm Reply
  • Jaime Stone

    Great reminders of how to take the day into your own hands and while we plan for the best, we must roll with nature throws at us at any particular moment. Continued expectations help bring about routine.

    April 5, 2023 at 10:19 pm Reply
  • Katie Van Slooten

    Good Information

    April 6, 2023 at 8:01 am Reply
  • Lesley H.

    I have had to tell our postal worker that we homeschool and appreciate it if we weren’t interrupted. Just as families whom go to work and children go to school (outside of the home) would not be home, during ‘normal’ business hours, I politely asked that she treat our situation with similar respect. We are unavailable during most of our day; we have so much more to do than just homeschool and our time is just as precious.

    April 6, 2023 at 8:25 am Reply
  • Denise K

    I have honestly turned off the ringer on my phone and/or turned on Do Not Disturb (allowing grown children & hubby through) each for certain parts of the day. Surprisingly people have not figured out these times at all over the past year. Even if I tell them, they still think that they will get through because “I thought it was only for that one day”. I now have a phone that only allows certain people through or is on silent 24/7/365 and it has been amazing for our schedule and rhythm. We may not be able to avoid interruptions but we can limit them.

    April 6, 2023 at 6:59 pm Reply
  • S. H.

    Good advice!

    April 6, 2023 at 10:33 pm Reply
  • Kylee Pearson

    I love all the suggestions of rules, with so the emphasis on flexibility!

    April 6, 2023 at 11:08 pm Reply
  • Gia Akbar

    Would like more info on facilitating independent work for preschool age. Thanks!

    April 7, 2023 at 6:25 am Reply
  • Courtney Q Edmond

    Such a beautiful bundle and so many informative ways to effectively homeschool. I highly recommend for any parent.

    April 7, 2023 at 3:02 pm Reply
  • Raiann O

    As easy as this should be, it helps to have more advice for interruptions.

    April 7, 2023 at 8:37 pm Reply
  • Leslie Saavedra

    Having a routine in the morning have help me with the “set a specific time for school”. Other times I decide to start at a certain time of day but feel guilty if we are not done with morning chores. So having that routine help me

    April 7, 2023 at 8:43 pm Reply
  • Heather

    The struggle is real.

    April 7, 2023 at 8:58 pm Reply
  • A. R.

    I needed this. Ending our third year of homeschooling (one previous non consecutive year before that), and I am terrible at setting the boundaries needed. This was a better year, but I am still learning. Neighbor kids have been a struggle as well as they are also homeschooled but don’t follow much of a schedule so they pop in all the time when I am trying to teach. It takes so much to reel mine back in after they have stopped by.

    April 7, 2023 at 9:42 pm Reply
  • Ariel shultz

    Great advice, I’m trying to get back in the swing of things with my 9th grader since having my son. He’s cute but loves to interrupt lol.

    April 7, 2023 at 10:12 pm Reply
  • Shari Spitzer

    Great advice! Thank you

    April 7, 2023 at 10:31 pm Reply
  • Elizabeth

    With 5 kids there are SO many interruptions and distractions. It’s great to plan but hold those plans loosely.

    April 7, 2023 at 11:11 pm Reply
  • Kassandra Brantner

    Thanks for the resources. As a newbie I’m always looking for ways to better this experience.

    April 7, 2023 at 11:15 pm Reply
  • katherine guttman

    It’s a delicate balance between adhering to a plan and allowing for rabbit trails and natural rhythms. Some days we rock it and some days we don’t. And that’s ok.

    April 8, 2023 at 3:07 am Reply
  • Erin Marshall Ayscue

    Good advice. I really appreciated the planner personality quite that was linked. It helped me a lot to see my strengths and weaknesses in planning and how to help myself more.

    April 8, 2023 at 4:32 am Reply
  • Marcia Elliott Ward

    I love planners!!!

    April 8, 2023 at 5:10 am Reply
  • Danielle Boxter

    Fantastic tips! I am always looking for ways to better structure our homeschool day and will definitely utilize some of these. Thank you!

    April 8, 2023 at 12:45 pm Reply
  • Leeza Kay-Critser

    Saying no has always been hard for me so I totally understand that point@

    April 8, 2023 at 1:48 pm Reply
  • Jessica1593728437

    Thank you for the helpful info! It took me a few years of homeschooling to realize how important it is to protect your schooling time. Another key way to do this is to be purposeful on scheduling haircut, doctor, dentist, orthodontist, etc appointments in the afternoon or outside of your school time. When all of my kids were still at home, I found that became a major interruption at times. Also, saying no, even to good things like church volunteer jobs, unless you can incorporate your kids, is necessary to maintain your ability to do a good job at home and with educating. Most people do tend to think homeschool/homemaker moms have more free time, but that is definitely not the case!
    For independent pre-school activity ideas, when my kids were that age they enjoyed playing with legos while listening to an audio book, forming letters with honey- peanut butter play dough or finger drawing them in a tray of sand, or for girls, having an age- appropriate workbook or coloring book to work along side us at the table.

    April 8, 2023 at 2:25 pm Reply
  • Elizabeth Eldridge

    Great ideas!

    April 8, 2023 at 2:31 pm Reply
  • Melissa Shrader

    I love these ideas! I use many of the ideas but learned how to use the ideas more efficiently. I also learned many new ideas!

    April 10, 2023 at 11:46 am Reply
  • Teisha Priest

    Awesome tips! Wish I’d had some of these when mine were little!

    April 10, 2023 at 1:25 pm Reply
  • Christina Cosgrove

    This looks awesome

    April 10, 2023 at 2:13 pm Reply
  • Angelina Sakowski

    Yes! Thank you! Such great reminders

    April 10, 2023 at 2:23 pm Reply
  • Makaela McKinley

    I appreciate all the information and tips in the post. I look forward to implementing some in the way we homeschool!!

    April 10, 2023 at 2:24 pm Reply
  • Afrika Jones

    I agree with going with the rhythm rather than forcing a routine. I notice that I can get more accomplished that way.

    April 10, 2023 at 2:54 pm Reply
  • Nadine Christie

    Thank you for this advice. We are struggling to find the balance in things right now. We are a military family, so our schedules are ever changing, plus I work on top of it. Hopefully we can put to good use your advice as we find our balance.

    April 10, 2023 at 3:37 pm Reply
  • Lisa Dorsett

    Wonderful information and tips! Thank you!

    April 10, 2023 at 4:02 pm Reply
  • Danielle Sloan

    Awesome tips. Will definitely be implementing some of them in the future!

    April 10, 2023 at 4:06 pm Reply
  • Evelyn

    I need to do better at turning my phone off first thing in the morning.

    April 10, 2023 at 4:21 pm Reply
  • Sarah Clark

    I recently switched from morning schooling to afternoon schooling so we wouldn’t get interrupted as much by baby. Now we get a lot more done!

    April 10, 2023 at 4:27 pm Reply
  • Sarah Mendoza

    Like someone said above, having a 4 year old with a 1 year old, I just might have to do some school work with the preschooler on the weekends when dad is home. Right now I’m still learning the ins and outs of getting started to homeschool my preschooler. Im buying masterbooks curriculum at the end of the month.

    April 10, 2023 at 5:55 pm Reply
  • Shannon Smith

    I work from home as well as homeschool, and these tips are great for both ventures!

    April 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm Reply
  • Beatriz Ortiz

    I love the fact that you included that rigid schedule adherence can be harmful. I 100% agree to this. I am working to find my sweet spot between over and under planning since my days are hit or miss. I know with time it will work out!

    April 10, 2023 at 7:08 pm Reply
  • Kira Johnston

    Keeping a set time is something I struggle with. It would probably help to set a very specific block so distractions can be better set around that time instead of working around the interruptions.

    April 10, 2023 at 9:12 pm Reply
  • Lorrin Ann Boxx

    I need to say no more often!

    April 10, 2023 at 9:42 pm Reply
  • Alina Vechar

    Great tips! Looking forward to implementing them!

    April 10, 2023 at 11:05 pm Reply
  • Kat Connor

    As an educator who left the public & private classroom to homeschool her own, I would add that you should embrace the notion that homeschooling allows for more freedom and flexibility and less rigidity in planning. Embrace it wholly and completely! Savor it. Grow with it. Flow with the ebb and tide of your children.

    April 11, 2023 at 1:16 am Reply
  • Amy M Knaul

    I definitely need to turn it off more! Great tips!

    April 11, 2023 at 9:22 pm Reply
  • Felicia Bullinger

    Definitely need to work on the independent time for my youngest while I school the oldest. Great tips!

    April 12, 2023 at 3:30 pm Reply
  • Cellina Robillard

    These are great ideas! It was tough but I have tried to let family members know when we generally do our sit down work to try to minimize distractions. I have a hard time setting boundaries

    April 12, 2023 at 6:19 pm Reply
  • Shelly R

    After many years of homeschooling, I have learned that saying yes can be just as hard as saying no.

    April 12, 2023 at 10:40 pm Reply
  • Sherry T

    I definitely need to abide to a lot of these most definitely good advice

    April 13, 2023 at 8:15 pm Reply
  • Shae Weyant

    As a new homeschooling mom, this was super helpful. Thank you!

    April 14, 2023 at 10:08 am Reply
  • Paige

    Love the tips this gives! Will definitely be putting these into action!

    April 14, 2023 at 11:00 am Reply
  • Danielle Bowyer

    We just made our move to homeschooling. I have been a teacher for over 15 years. So,there are many adjustments I amhaving to make this blog is great and I never thought to plan for interpretation. Thank you, I will be referring to your blog a great deal.

    April 15, 2023 at 6:44 am Reply
  • Suzzie S.

    Loving this Blog! Thank you for the time and effort you put into helping others, like myself, that sometimes struggle with homeschooling. I’m homeschooling three with a toddler, so there’s many interruptions daily.

    April 15, 2023 at 9:38 am Reply
  • Rebecca Neufeldt

    Great advice!

    April 15, 2023 at 12:29 pm Reply
  • Madeline Bostrom

    Loving all the tips as I begin this journey!

    April 15, 2023 at 9:32 pm Reply
  • Lily DeVault

    Making it a tech free time is so helpful! Notifications can be a huge distraction as well as the numerous topics I want to research. But staying focused on school during “school time” usually means we get efficiently get more done than just winging it.

    April 17, 2023 at 12:40 am Reply
  • Echo

    Great info! Thank you!

    April 17, 2023 at 6:51 pm Reply
  • Crystal Renner

    This is so helpful with time management and so much of the reason I want to homeschool. Between work and the business of home responsibilities I feel like I spend no time pouring into my kids when it comes to Jesus and moral compass lessons.

    April 17, 2023 at 8:44 pm Reply
  • Kirstie Kirkeeng

    Coming from a teaching background I think my biggest challenge is realizing the flexibility that homeschooling brings to my child’s education and that it’s okay if it isn’t a rigid schedule every single day. That’s the beauty of homeschooling and it’s something I have to remind myself a lot of the time!

    April 18, 2023 at 9:52 am Reply
  • Sherri Kelley

    Love this post!
    Knowing ahead of time that the plan doesn’t alway go as planned is good.

    April 18, 2023 at 4:26 pm Reply
  • Janet Stroud

    I need to not try to keep to a rigorous schedule

    April 18, 2023 at 8:37 pm Reply
  • Abigail

    Love the sign! Great ideas

    April 19, 2023 at 7:20 am Reply
  • Bethany Young

    These are great ideas! I’m just starting my family’s homeschool journey and need good resources like this!

    April 19, 2023 at 12:16 pm Reply
  • Jennifer Nelson

    Great advice. I’ll be starting kindergarten with my oldest, but I have three other younger kids.

    April 19, 2023 at 1:48 pm Reply
  • Cassidy Jordan

    Thank you for the tips! We always have a “power hour” where we get the most important stuff done!

    April 20, 2023 at 8:21 am Reply
  • Shelby Riley

    Such helpful info! Even something as simple as a sign!

    April 20, 2023 at 2:46 pm Reply
  • Mary Cook

    This is amazing thank you for sharing.

    April 20, 2023 at 10:53 pm Reply
  • Tara Kelley

    I’m having a hard time coping with the last two years, and it has nothing to do with homeschooling. As a matter of fact, the silver lining in this all is the fact I’m with my beloved littles as we all journey through the tough stuff.

    April 21, 2023 at 2:53 am Reply
  • Kelly Ledford

    Awesome advise

    April 23, 2023 at 9:56 am Reply
  • Brandy Barber

    I cant wait to get my order too. Your organizational skills are amazing and I need all the help I can get. I k ow were just schooling a preschooler but boy is it hard to keep focused. The both of us . Amazing interruption advice. Thank you

    April 23, 2023 at 9:39 pm Reply
  • Nikki Duncan

    This is so amazing and a bunch of very helpful info.

    April 24, 2023 at 6:44 pm Reply
  • Megan Munoz

    What a great blog post! New to homeschooling. This info helped. Never thought of a sign on the door.

    April 25, 2023 at 9:16 am Reply
  • Melinda Bennett

    I’ve been homeschooling for 14 years. I think these are definitely helpful ideas.

    April 25, 2023 at 10:10 pm Reply
  • Stephanie Kamps

    I absolutely needed this!! With 6 kids at home!!

    April 26, 2023 at 3:34 pm Reply
  • Katey Fredricks

    Ĺoved the article! Definitely things to take into account

    April 26, 2023 at 3:37 pm Reply
  • Monica Gonzalez

    I wish I could turn things off to do school work with my kids but I can’t because of health reasons. I do love this post recommendations and reminders.

    April 28, 2023 at 8:57 pm Reply
  • Hannah

    Good reminders! Any tips for interruptions from your own kids, such as toddlers or negative attitudes from the kids being schooled? 😉

    April 28, 2023 at 11:58 pm Reply
  • Rose walker

    Love the article! Amazing ideas

    April 29, 2023 at 12:25 pm Reply
  • Louise card

    This is good stuff

    April 29, 2023 at 6:55 pm Reply
  • Psy pruiett

    Distraction is inevitable especially with multiples. Gotta try and stay focused and keep a great Plan

    April 29, 2023 at 9:54 pm Reply
  • Ashley Walker

    I am new to homeschooling but this is very helpful and makes me so excited to start. I hope I can follow this and stick to it! Thank you for all the great advice.

    April 30, 2023 at 9:09 am Reply
  • Brandie Hutchens

    As a former teacher, it has taken some time to get away from so much structure and timing. We homeschool with rhythm rather than a schedule and it’s saved my sanity. I prioritize the things we need to do first then go from there and never pay much kind to deadlines or clocks. This post is great advice!

    April 30, 2023 at 3:20 pm Reply
  • Stephanie Lyles

    I struggle with boundaries. This is an amazing blog.
    I plan to utilize this to help my ADHD self and my ADHD child as well. This may help save my family and homeschooling journey!

    April 30, 2023 at 7:07 pm Reply
  • Sierra Hayes

    I’m still learning how our family schedule and homeschooling can flow together. This blog is very helpful! We’re about to wrap up kindergarten and I’m excited to implement some now things into next school year.

    May 1, 2023 at 5:57 pm Reply
  • Shari Herrington

    Great tips! We are new to homeschooling- planning on starting this fall!

    May 2, 2023 at 6:20 am Reply
  • Monica Gonzalez

    Need to try some of these tips.

    May 2, 2023 at 12:55 pm Reply
  • Monica Gonzalez

    I really like the tips and I need to try to do some.

    May 2, 2023 at 12:58 pm Reply
  • Nicole Litts

    Thank you

    May 2, 2023 at 5:05 pm Reply
  • Kianne Soto

    There were great, helpful tips here!

    May 3, 2023 at 1:53 pm Reply
  • Jessica Betz

    Great tips! Happy to find this page! Starting our homeschooling journey with our oldest this fall

    May 3, 2023 at 3:30 pm Reply
  • Ashley Sheppard

    Definitely using the do not disturb tip from now on! I have been struggling to stay on task lately, which ultimately affects my kids…

    May 3, 2023 at 10:12 pm Reply
  • Callie Lee

    Greats tips!

    May 5, 2023 at 7:54 pm Reply
  • Lisa Peterson

    Saying “no” has always been a struggle for me, but homeschooling is teaching me that it is necessary to set clear boundaries & an expectation of respect. Flexibility in a schedule makes things so much easier. Thank you for the wonderful strategies.

    May 6, 2023 at 8:54 am Reply
  • Lauren H Rasmussen

    I’m definitely guilty of being on my phone during school hours! I need to learn to put it down and focus on homeschool and nothing else.

    May 6, 2023 at 1:26 pm Reply
  • Tara Davis

    I love the Do Not Disturb tip! Thank you!

    May 7, 2023 at 1:12 am Reply
  • Laura Hawkins

    So much great advice in this post. Thanks!

    May 7, 2023 at 2:04 pm Reply
  • April Marois

    Great advice! Thank you!

    May 7, 2023 at 10:11 pm Reply
  • Haley Moore

    Lots of resources

    May 8, 2023 at 11:31 am Reply
  • Kim Johnson

    Saying no is the hardest part for me

    May 8, 2023 at 2:37 pm Reply
  • Natasha Wisler

    Thank you for all the wonderful information

    May 8, 2023 at 3:17 pm Reply
  • Cheyanne Murphy

    Im so interested in this to help me along my journey as a new homeschooling mom.

    May 8, 2023 at 3:49 pm Reply
  • Kari Webber

    I’m excited to learn more.

    May 8, 2023 at 5:21 pm Reply
  • MPayne

    These are all great tips!

    May 9, 2023 at 7:28 am Reply
  • Jamie K

    Making and keeping boundaries has been one of my biggest struggles every year! Definitely need to work on this…

    May 9, 2023 at 1:03 pm Reply
  • Mariah Mullet

    This is something I struggle with massively. Enjoying the freedom that homeschooling allows while not letting the freedom take over the actual school time.

    May 10, 2023 at 5:03 am Reply
  • Angel Basden

    Having a schedule but allowing for freedom and flexibility has been so helpful in our homeschool. I have young kids that cause interruptions sometimes, so I try to do my best by giving the toddler something fun to do unsupervised while I school and school while the infant is napping.

    May 10, 2023 at 7:54 am Reply
  • Kelly Postal

    This is perfect timing for a read!!! We’re just starting homeschool this year and we have 3!!! How to structure out time for learning has me a bit frazzled. We haven’t started yet but these tips are so helpful.

    May 10, 2023 at 3:44 pm Reply
  • Terra Marx

    Learning to say “no.” Why is that small, one-syllable word so hard to say…and so powerful?

    May 10, 2023 at 5:17 pm Reply
  • Gabrielle Henderson

    I am excited to have found this blog. We’re new to homeschooling and I am excited to start.

    May 10, 2023 at 6:46 pm Reply
  • Brittany Buchanan

    What an awesome giveaway! Still searching for the perfect planner!

    May 10, 2023 at 8:14 pm Reply
  • Trisha Eberly

    This was super informational. Thanks!

    May 10, 2023 at 9:31 pm Reply
  • Christina W

    This is great! It is good to have boundaries and a plan. I love the tip on putting up a “school in session” sign!

    May 10, 2023 at 10:47 pm Reply
  • K Sagiao

    I’m constantly disappointed in myself for my lack of consistency and frustrated with the constant distractions. These tips are so helpful. I’m also comforted in reading these comments that I’m not alone in the struggle.

    May 11, 2023 at 3:05 am Reply
  • Marie Gistinger

    ⁹Teaching independent time is challenging, but SO important! Especially with four boys 7 and under

    May 12, 2023 at 11:21 am Reply
  • Cassie Opel

    I’m new to homeschool this year and never even thought about these things! I’m so glad to have come across this page. Definitely some helpful tips. There’s so much to learn!!

    May 13, 2023 at 6:05 pm Reply
  • Amber Jacoby

    So happy to have found this page. So much helpful info for me as I’m just starting to homeschool our middle and high schoolers.

    May 13, 2023 at 9:50 pm Reply
  • Amanda Ecklund

    Thanks for the ideas!

    May 14, 2023 at 11:03 am Reply
  • Katie W

    As someone who’s just starting our Homeschool journey, I needed to read this. I love the idea of having a school in session sign.

    May 14, 2023 at 5:03 pm Reply
  • Lisa Dominy

    Great tips! I especially love the sign idea!

    May 14, 2023 at 8:56 pm Reply
  • Mickayla Huffner

    So excited for this!

    May 15, 2023 at 7:19 pm Reply
  • Jerrie Stevens

    This is great advice that I will be referring back to in the coming school year! I’m currently preparing to homeschool my oldest in kindergarten in the fall, while also having my 3 year old and (at the time of school starting) 3.5 month old. So excited to begin!

    May 16, 2023 at 5:50 pm Reply
  • Monique W

    Love that you can structure the day go minimize interruptions!

    May 16, 2023 at 6:17 pm Reply
  • Alex M

    Thanks for this!

    May 16, 2023 at 8:44 pm Reply
  • April Strode

    Thank you!

    May 16, 2023 at 9:25 pm Reply
  • Angelica Crockett

    These are awesome tips to keep in mind

    May 17, 2023 at 2:38 pm Reply
  • Kiesha Turner

    This is super informative! I’m new to homeschooling but I’m already enjoying it.

    May 18, 2023 at 1:15 pm Reply
  • Katie Sue Hoskins

    I love the “school in session” idea, as an interior decorator, I love incorporating -cute- into functional. And setting boundaries is certainly something I struggle with. Living in the same small town with the majority of my large family makes it hard to be private and protective of our time. Thank you for these tips, I can’t wait to put some into play.

    May 18, 2023 at 6:57 pm Reply
  • Taylor Medlen

    I’ll be honest in saying that I have a hard time getting back in the swing after an interruption, and they happen often with a 2 year old and 8 month old in tow. I needed the reminder that this is just a season and that my big kids can do independent work while I’m tending to the littles! Thank you!

    May 19, 2023 at 8:49 am Reply
  • Kimberly Smith

    I’m glad I found this blog! My main distraction, as a homeschool mom, can be my phone. I just place it on top of the refrigerator so it’s not easily accessible.

    May 19, 2023 at 10:10 am Reply
  • LeAnn Barr

    Thanks for the info.

    May 20, 2023 at 7:39 pm Reply
  • Tiffany Hedgpeth

    This was so good! I need to be better at navigating this.

    May 22, 2023 at 12:32 pm Reply
  • Justine Castiglioni

    Ugh this is such a struggle for me— but great advice!!!

    May 22, 2023 at 4:08 pm Reply
  • Leah

    Such great tips! Will definitely be utilizing the independent work since I have an 18 month old and a newborn.

    May 22, 2023 at 4:37 pm Reply
  • Anna Price

    Maintaining a schedule but being flexible to take adventures during the week is what is important to us. We plan our weeks based on what events are happening weekly or monthly. Sometimes we only have school a few days a week, other weeks we work on the weekends to accomplish what needs to be done to keep us on task through the year.

    May 22, 2023 at 6:08 pm Reply
  • Elizabeth Franco

    Such a good post!

    May 22, 2023 at 10:30 pm Reply
  • Samantha Nugent

    I’m glad this popped up on my Facebook! I’ve had so many issues with interruptions!

    May 22, 2023 at 10:30 pm Reply
  • Sarah Cole

    These were good reminders. I have been homeschooling for awhile now and I still struggle with keeping the younger ones busy or with the distraction of my husband being home some days.

    May 23, 2023 at 12:38 am Reply
  • Blair J

    Thanks

    May 23, 2023 at 8:07 am Reply
  • Nikki Ladner

    Hoping to learn more about homeschooling!! It’s our first year!

    May 23, 2023 at 7:57 pm Reply
  • Elisabeth Higginbotham

    My biggest issue is I have parents with health issues and our recent school year was full of so many phone calls in need of help or assistance. While I do put my phone on do not disturb, I leave it open for my parents and husband to be able to reach me, which left us with numerous interruptions, not all health related. So I gave up and just school where we can fit it in. I know it won’t be this way forever and I’m grateful to even still have my parents.

    May 23, 2023 at 9:56 pm Reply
  • Angela Klein

    Really had to simplify our homeschool this year because for the first part of the year we were traveling. Plus we have 3 that are 4 and under and can take up so much energy. Flexibility is always key.

    May 25, 2023 at 6:54 pm Reply
  • Marissa Spence

    Love reading any helpful tips!

    May 26, 2023 at 7:36 am Reply
  • Amanda Turner

    I cannot wait to start my homeschool journey. My two oldest children have had a tough year losing their dad and then their great grandmother exactly four months apart. I know homeschooling is our best option after feeling like public schools have failed them educational (but chose to keep pushing them on) and they are not where they need to be.

    May 26, 2023 at 5:27 pm Reply
  • Kenyada Williams-Key

    FT homeschooling after working in public schools and I would have never thought about being flexible with time. It’s difficult to break old habits but I’m learning.

    May 26, 2023 at 10:29 pm Reply
  • Alicia Faw Clary

    Some interesting thoughts and ideas to help. Like that

    May 27, 2023 at 10:51 pm Reply
  • Jessica Payne

    I love this advice! It’s so easy to give into every interruption that comes our way. I need to be more intentional about shutting most of those off during our main school hours. But also remembering to keep the balance and occasionally welcome interruptions to come up.

    May 27, 2023 at 11:03 pm Reply
  • Samantha

    Appreciate the pointers, definitely important to make the kids feel important and heard. Like the school is in session sign for the door idea.

    May 28, 2023 at 3:22 am Reply
  • Brittney Allen

    Hoping to learn more about homeschooling. This will be our first year.

    May 29, 2023 at 1:25 pm Reply
  • Angelia

    Great stuff.

    May 29, 2023 at 2:06 pm Reply
  • Jasmine Moede

    This is really helpful advice. I am going to schedule for my phone to be in work mode and only allow for my husband and other important contact to “disrupt” our learning time.

    I need to get better at saying no to certain things as well! Thank you for the advice.

    May 29, 2023 at 3:01 pm Reply
  • Madison Ledford

    Definitely need to teach my kid more about independent time with her having a baby sister!

    May 29, 2023 at 5:00 pm Reply
  • Caitlin McReynolds

    My daughter and myself both have adhd. Our off topic connecting brains is one of our biggest culprits for interruptions. One of my classroom rules that is hung up is no squirreling. Meaning if it’s not about the topic we are learning bout save it for after class. I will allow her to jot down a quick note to remind her to what she wanted to say.

    May 29, 2023 at 8:16 pm Reply
  • HEATHER TUCKER

    Good ideas!

    May 30, 2023 at 9:40 am Reply
  • Abigail stevenson

    Thank you

    May 30, 2023 at 12:44 pm Reply
  • Rachael Whitfield

    Awesome ideas! Can’t wait to use them this school year!

    May 30, 2023 at 3:27 pm Reply
  • Dawn hankins.

    I had no idea that there was a blog I’m so excited to find this. I needed to hear all of these things today.

    June 1, 2023 at 11:44 am Reply
  • stephineellerbe8787@gmail.com Ellerbe

    I love these tips. Interruptions come very often as we travel frequently for work as well as just the family dynamic in general. It’s almost always snack time haha. These are going to help me keep it more steady.

    June 2, 2023 at 6:22 pm Reply
  • Olga

    Yes! If it’s not my husband calling, I tap an automatic message saying I’ll call back later.

    June 2, 2023 at 7:44 pm Reply
  • Kristi H.

    Thanks for the tips-this past year we just fit school in where we could. Next year I’m hoping to be a little more scheduled.

    June 3, 2023 at 11:09 am Reply
  • Grissel Santos

    These are great tips even for thos of us homeschooling a fee years already. Thank you!

    June 3, 2023 at 1:13 pm Reply

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