People often ask how I manage a full-time job while homeschooling three children under six. The truth? I don’t do it alone.
My husband is the difference maker. His daily commitment to being home with our kids and supporting our family is the reason this lifestyle works at all. And to be clear, this isn’t one of those cutesy “my husband is so wonderful” posts (though if you’re reading this – you are so wonderful!).
It’s just the truth: without his full partnership, I couldn’t fulfill the demands of my job, let alone homeschool our children.
This is a topic I wish we talked about more: the silent, powerful support systems that make things possible — especially when they challenge traditional roles. I’ve been fortunate to know several women whose husbands stay home with the kids. Each family had its own reasons, but the core decision was always the same: choosing to invest in the career that would most benefit the family financially, emotionally, and practically.
The Decision to Keep Our Children Home
From the beginning, the idea of sending our first baby to daycare just didn’t feel right. The thought never settled in our hearts. As she got older, the feeling only deepened — we knew we wanted to raise and teach her ourselves. We wanted to be her comfort, her guides, her foundation.
When my husband was laid off during my third trimester, we were forced to take a hard look at daycare costs and whether we were truly comfortable with that route.
That moment became a turning point.
We decided to rearrange everything to keep our daughter home.
But truthfully, even before she was born, I knew I wanted to homeschool. I’ve always had a love for teaching, and the desire to give her an education rooted in connection and curiosity only grew stronger.
As Our Family Grew, So Did My Career
Over the last five years, I’ve nearly doubled my salary. As my role expanded, so did our conviction to continue homeschooling — and our family grew to include three little ones.
We’ve stayed committed to our roles: I work full-time, and my husband stays home to homeschool and care for our kids. It’s not always easy, but it works — because we both choose, every day, to make it work.
Five Things That Make Our Lifestyle Possible
1. A Partner Committed to What’s Best for the Family
Let me be clear — this isn’t about having a partner who magically anticipates everyone’s needs or makes it all look effortless. This is about shared commitment, not perfection.
Like any couple, we have our challenges and moments of friction. But what keeps us grounded is his daily decision to show up and lead with love. He carries out a significant portion of the homeschool instruction and keeps our kids engaged with questions, ideas, and creative conversations throughout the day.
It’s not easy. But for us, we stay focused on our “why”.
2. A Natural Knack and Love for Teaching
As I mention on my welcome page, teaching has been a lifelong thread for me. It’s something I’ve done professionally for nearly 15 years — and something I’d do even if money weren’t a factor. (If I could build my dream school like Jo March from Little Women, I would.)
Because I know how to adapt teaching strategies on the fly, it’s easier to keep my kids engaged even on hard days. If a lesson falls flat or someone isn’t into it, I can pivot — because I understand different learning styles and how to connect through play, conversation, and exploration.
Note: You do NOT need years of experience to teach your children. I truly believe YOU are best equipped to appeal to your children’s learning style, inherently.
3. Working from Home
I’m deeply grateful for the flexibility that comes with remote work. I’ve worked in offices before, and there’s no comparison. Working from home allows me to:
- Squeeze in a morning lesson if one of the kids wakes up early,
- Break the day into focused work blocks and short homeschool moments,
- Stretch my work hours if needed without the stress of a commute.
Yes, it means my workday often extends beyond the typical 9–5. But I’m okay with that, because the ability to pour into my children during my own workday, means so much to me.
4. Community
As an introvert, I’ve had to learn the value of community. Now I can’t imagine doing this without one.
My support system includes a small group of homeschooling friends, online communities, and most notably — my mom. She’s genuinely excited about our homeschooling life. She’s recommended resources, helped us plan field trips, and brings a sense of joy and energy to our experience.
Having just a few people who “get it” and cheer us on makes all the difference.
5. A Dedicated Workspace
We’re lucky to have a bonus room — tucked away from the main living areas — that serves as my office. It’s my space to close the door, focus on work, and take important calls.
We’re a tight-knit family, and my kids are very social. If my desk were in the kitchen or living room, I’d constantly have little hands tugging on me or tapping the keyboard. I couldn’t do what I do without a separate, quiet place to work.
At the end of the day, closing the office door and rejoining family life helps me shift gears and stay present.
A Note to Other Parents
I’m not suggesting that our exact setup is the only way to successfully work full-time and homeschool.
Every family has unique needs, values, and rhythms.
But I hope sharing our story encourages someone else. Maybe your version of this life means homeschooling on weekends, or creating weekly lesson plans your child can complete independently. There are many ways to homeschool well — and it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s version.
For me, the combination of a supportive partner, love for teaching, remote work, community, and boundaries makes it possible to thrive both as a professional and a parent.
Whatever your path, I truly hope you feel empowered to make choices that reflect what matters most to your family.