The Working Parent’s Guide to Building Better Family Habits While Homeschooling
Building Better Family Habits
Homeschooling while working full-time requires strong family habits — and that’s where the ADKAR homeschool habits for working parents approach truly helps. As a homeschooling mom, full-time employee, and wife, I often find myself in the position of convincing someone to do something new — whether it’s a client learning a new system or one of my kids adjusting to a new routine. When your family starts homeschooling, your daily rhythm shifts in big ways. And even if everyone agrees on the change, creating habits that stick can feel overwhelming.
What’s helped me most is something I didn’t expect — blending strategies from my professional life into my home life (i.e., using the ADKAR Model) to build positive routines and make learning flow more smoothly.
If you’re navigating work, parenting, and homeschool schedules at the same time — you are absolutely not alone. And this simple model can make a huge difference.
What Is the ADKAR Model? (And Why It Works for Homeschool Families)
In my field, we use a powerful model to help people adopt change (i.e., help people to be able to do something differently from what they’re used to). It’s called the ADKAR Model, and it’s all about making change stick by focusing on why the change matters and how to support someone through it.
ADKAR is a change management model used in business settings, and it stands for:
- Awareness – understanding the need for change
- Desire – wanting to participate in the change
- Knowledge – knowing how to change
- Ability – being able to implement new skills or behaviors
- Reinforcement – making the change stick over time
While it’s often used for workplace transformation, I’ve found it incredibly helpful in everyday family routines, homeschooling habits, and household rhythm.
Let’s look at a few practical ways working parents can apply ADKAR at home.
ADKAR in Action: Habit Ideas for Working Homeschool Families
1. Establishing a Family Chore Routine
- Awareness: One person (usually you!) is overwhelmed — something needs to shift.
- Desire: Everyone sees the benefits of shared responsibility and a cleaner space.
- Knowledge: Kids learn age-appropriate chores like folding laundry or setting the table.
- Ability: With guidance and practice, they become more confident doing chores.
- Reinforcement: Use praise, sticker charts, or a weekly family reward to celebrate consistency.
Encourages independence + teamwork
2. Creating a Peaceful Morning Routine (Especially for Mom or Dad)
- Awareness: Mornings feel rushed and stressful.
- Desire: You want a calmer start with more control and energy.
- Knowledge: Choose simple steps like prep the night before or gentle wake-ups.
- Ability: Start with just one change (e.g., wake up 10 minutes earlier).
- Reinforcement: Track what’s working and reward consistency.
Sets the tone for successful homeschooling days
3. Building a Family Budget and Saving Plan
- Awareness: Overspending or financial stress is creeping in.
- Desire: A shared goal motivates everyone — a trip, a toy, or peace of mind.
- Knowledge: Learn and discuss budgeting basics as a family.
- Ability: Use a simple app or visual tracker.
- Reinforcement: Celebrate financial wins like paying off a credit card or sticking to a budget.
Teaches money management + teamwork
4. Transitioning to Healthier Family Meals
- Awareness: Low energy and not-so-great food choices are affecting everyone.
- Desire: You want to feel better, learn together, and build healthy habits.
- Knowledge: Explore easy recipes, meal plan as a family.
- Ability: Start with small changes like adding veggie sides or cooking together.
- Reinforcement: Add favorite meals to the regular rotation, and let each person choose a healthy dish.
Nourishes bodies and builds life skills
5. Reducing Screen Time for the Whole Family
- Awareness: You notice more irritability, distraction, or disconnection.
- Desire: Your family wants more meaningful time together — games, outdoor play, focused schoolwork.
- Knowledge: Learn about healthy screen-time boundaries and create a simple family agreement.
- Ability: Set limits, offer fun alternatives, and lead by example.
- Reinforcement: Reflect each week, and celebrate screen-free wins with a family activity.
Supports focus and connection
Real-Life ADKAR Example: Potty Training Made Easier
Yes — even potty training can benefit from the ADKAR model! Here’s how:
- Awareness:
Help your child understand what the potty is and why they’ll be using it.
Examples: Read books, watch videos, or say, “Diapers are for babies. You’re getting so big!” - Desire:
Make them want to try by making it exciting and rewarding.
Examples: Let them pick underwear, use fun songs or sticker charts, and talk about growing up. - Knowledge:
Teach them the steps — clearly and consistently.
Examples: Demonstrate or use a potty doll, and post a visual routine chart. - Ability:
Give them time and the tools to succeed.
Examples: Stay home for practice, use easy-off clothes, and celebrate tiny wins. - Reinforcement:
Keep it going with encouragement and calm support.
Examples: Offer praise, stay consistent with reminders, and remain patient through accidents.
Gives toddlers confidence + reduces stress for parents
Summary Example (Potty Training):
| ADKAR Step | Example |
| Awareness | “You’re growing up! Soon, no more diapers.” |
| Desire | Letting them choose their own fun underwear |
| Knowledge | Teaching the routine with visuals and stories |
| Ability | Practice sessions at home with your support |
| Reinforcement | Rewards, praise, and calm consistency |
How to Start Using ADKAR in Your Homeschool This Week
Try this simple 3-step plan:
- Pick ONE habit to improve — morning routine, chore chart, school start time
- Define each ADKAR step in one sentence
- Reinforce success with encouragement and celebration
Final Encouragement for Working Parents
Change is challenging — but with a plan in place, it’s definitely possible to create new homeschool routines for working parents. The ADKAR homeschool habits strategy helps your family understand why you’re building new routines and gives everyone the tools to sustain them.
Your home, your work, and your homeschool can all thrive together.
And you’re doing an amazing job — truly.
What habit are you excited to improve next? Comment below and I’d love to help you apply ADKAR to your family’s routine!
Small shifts lead to big transformations over time.
