Homeschool Routine: How to Make It Work for You

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Homeschool Routine: How to Make It Work for You

Are you struggling to find a homeschool routine that sticks? Does your day go from smooth sailing to complete chaos? In today’s episode, Amy dives into creating a homeschool routine that works for you – not someone else’s idea of perfection.

Tune in to hear all about:

• What a homeschool routine is (and what it isn’t).
• The difference between a homeschool routine and a strict schedule.
• Why it’s so important to build a routine based on your family’s needs.
• Tips for adapting when routines no longer work and how to pivot.

🌟 What is a Homeschool Routine? A homeschool routine is a sequence of regular actions, but unlike a strict schedule, it has flexibility. It gives you structure and rhythm while allowing for adjustments based on your family’s needs. Whether you homeschool with set hours or a more relaxed flow, routines help you create consistency without the stress.

🌟 Why Your Routine Should Be Unique to You Stop trying to fit your homeschool life into a cookie-cutter mold! What works for one family might not work for yours. Amy shares how to identify your own family’s unique needs and develop a routine that’s flexible and realistic for your lifestyle.

🌟 The B.R.I.G.H.T. Approach to Creating Your Ideal Homeschool Routine Here’s a six-step system that helps you build a routine that’s truly your own:

• Brain Dump: Get all those ideas out of your head and onto paper.
• Relevant: Take a realistic look at what needs to be included in your routine.
• Individualize: Customize it to fit your family’s personalities and lifestyle.
• Game Plan: Map out a flexible structure for your day.
• Highlight: Identify the must-haves and priorities.
• Test & Tweak: Trial run your routine and make adjustments as needed.

🌟 Pivoting When Your Routine Needs Adjusting Life happens! Routines may need to shift due to kids’ changing needs or unexpected events. Amy gives you 10 tips for embracing flexibility and keeping your homeschool journey on track, including how to involve your kids in the process and keep your focus on the bigger picture.

Resources:

• Free printable relaxed routine planner (editable and customizable!)

If you have any questions or want to share your homeschool routine, email Amy at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com!

Let's Rock Your Homeschool Routine!

Are you craving a homeschool routine but really struggling to find one and stay consistent with it? Tired of feeling like you’re on some sort of homeschool roller coaster - with one day, things going super smooth and you’re checking everything off your to-do list, with only having the next day turning into utter chaos with nothing getting done and like you want to collapse before lunch?

Well, my friend, I’m so glad you’re here! Today, I’m talking all about homeschool routines. We’re going to explore what homeschool routines are (and what they aren’t), the difference between routine and schedule, why you need to find your own routine (and not try to shove yourself and your unique homeschool into someone else’s idea of what’s best), and how to create a homeschool routine that you can feel good about and works for you.

I’ll also be chatting about why homeschool routines are temporary - and why that’s okay - plus mindset tools to help you pivot when you outgrow your routine. My goal is to empower you to take back control of your homeschool routine and have the tools you need to tweak it whenever you need to.

Ready to rock your homeschool routine? Let’s go!

What Is a Homeschool Routine?

To better understand what I mean by “homeschool routine”, let’s first look at the definition of routine:

Routine --> noun a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.

From there, I think it helps to compare routine to schedule.

A homeschool schedule is based on specific dates and times. Using a homeschool schedule can be quite effective for people who lean towards more Type A tendencies. A schedule can definitely help you set clear expectations and plans. 

Schedules can work well if you or your kids need to know what's happening and when. This approach is also helpful if you're a work-at-home-mom or work outside of the home. If you only have certain times that you can homeschool, you may need to set a more firm schedule.

A homeschool routine has structure and rhythm. Instead of using specific times, you have an overall idea of how your day will flow.

Homeschool routines also have expectations and priorities. Routines allow for greater flexibility with when you may start your homeschool day, how long a subject takes, and what times of day you actually homeschool. Plans are loose and easily adaptable.

I share my thoughts on what a relaxed homeschool routine is over on the blog - you can find the link in the show notes. You’ll also find my free printable relaxed routine planner - that you can edit and customize. 

To me, there are about 10 things that help my boys and I enjoy a relaxed routine (you can find links in the show notes for these ideas):

• routine (not schedule)
• structure (not rigidity)
• rhythm and flow
• thinking outside the box
• growth mindset
• flexibility (willing to pivot - not being tied down to checklists or feeling like a robot)
• exercising intuitive skills 
• collaboration among adults and students
• positive communication skills
• openness to feedback

These descriptions fit our homeschooling approach. Not all relaxed homeschool routines will reflect these concepts. And that's the beauty of being relaxed with your homeschool routine - you can cultivate it to what is relaxed for your family!

I think it's important to also address what a relaxed homeschool routine is not. Being relaxed does not mean that learning may or may not happen that day. It doesn't mean that your kids get to do whatever they want, when they want - or have the option to do their work. A relaxed homeschool routine does not equal being lazy or apathetic.

On the contrary! You'll more than likely discover that your kids (and yourself) are more energized and eager to work!

If you're concerned that a relaxed homeschool routine sounds like fluff, let me assure you that it is most definitely not. It just might be different than a more traditional educational approach (like public school).

Why You Are The Best Person to Determine Your Routine

Cookie cutters are great - for making cookies. For putting together homeschool routines that work for you, not so much.

If you’ve been in the homeschool world for even a short amount of time, you’ve probably heard that you need a homeschool routine or schedule. And then seen about 53 different ways to have one.

And there’s a good reason for that…a routine that works for one family may not work for your family. Because your family is unique - with your own individuals, backgrounds, personalities, and so on. 

How often have you tried to force something on yourself or your family? Like a chore chart system that looks so cute and easy - but never really gets past Day One with your crew.

Or tried a sleeping method with your baby because “experts” raved about it and it was the “only” way - just to find out that your baby needed something quite different.

I’m sure you can add your own examples to how your family didn’t perfectly fit into a cookie cutter approach to _______. And that can feel so frustrating, disappointing, and troubling! Because if it works for all those other families, why can’t you make it work for yours? What’s wrong with you?!?

Let me share a lil’ secret...there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with you!

Just because something works for an expert or others does NOT mean that it will necessarily work for you. That’s why you can find SO many different approaches to helping your baby follow a sleep schedule or chore charts.

And that’s why I believe it’s essential to take a realistic look at YOUR life and cultivate routines based on YOU and YOUR FAMILY.

My approach to a homeschool routine is more of a flexible structure or framework. Something that you build and tweak based on your personality, needs, and responsibilities - not necessarily something that you set and forget OR write down one time and do the same way again and again.

What’s cool about working on discovering and enjoying your very own routine is that you can apply the exercises and skills to other areas of your life. I’m all about working smarter, not harder.

So, while having examples of homeschool routines to get inspiration from, please don’t feel that you have to follow someone else’s routine step-by-step. I feel like that leads to a lot of pressure, stress, and frustration - for your kids and you. 

For example, if you have three kids - let’s say  toddler, preschooler, and elementary ages. Well, your homeschool routine is going to look a lot different than mine (actively homeschooling three kids - upper elementary, middle school, and high school). My boys are pretty independent and don’t require as much of my time and energy. You are probably dealing with nap times, diaper changes, and shorter attention spans. 

There are just so many factors that can affect what your homeschool routine will look like. A few things to consider are:

• Natural sleep and wake times
• Nap times (for younger siblings)
• Work schedules
• Your homeschool calendar and how many hours in a day you’ll be homeschooling (like, will you follow a traditional school year? Homeschool a certain number of days or hours? Or stretch it out and do more of a year-round approach?)
• Your homeschool approach or style (traditional, eclectic, Charlotte Mason, Classical, etc.)
• How many children you’re actively homeschooling (and how many other children you are responsible for during that time)
• Other responsibilities (caring for older family members, volunteering, community or church)
• Appointments for things like medical and therapies (like occupational, physical, speech, mental health)

Only you know about all of these things. And, yes, that can feel overwhelming. But, by taking some time to sort all of this out, you’ll be able to come up with a homeschool routine that works for you now in the stage of life you’re in - and then be able to tweak and pivot when something changes.

A B.R.I.G.H.T Approach to Creating A Homeschool Routine You’ll Love

I’ve got a 6-step system to share with you so you can find a homeschool routine that works for you and your family. It uses the acronym B.R.I.G.H.T.

These steps can help you build a customizable framework or structure for optimizing family and homeschool life, even if you have an erratic schedule.

B.R.I.G.H.T. stands for:

• Brain dump
• Relevant 
• Individualize 
• Game plan 
• Highlight 

Test & tweak

BRAIN DUMP:

Brain dump has always seemed to me like a silly sort of name. And my boys think it’s hilarious. “So, you want us to unzipper our head & dump our brains out?” Um, no.

A brain dump is actually a simple exercise that allows you to take all those ideas, thoughts, and feelings scrambling around your head and get them out as they come.

You can use pencil and paper or a voice recording app. Some people prefer to do a brain dump by typing into a Google doc or something similar.

It’s really just about letting all that stuff out so you can focus on the task you’re currently working on.

RELEVANT:

This step takes a realistic look at your brain dump. You ask yourself - what REALLY needs to get done and be a part of your routine?

You can:

1. Describe 3 categories (must-do, would like to, common tasks) -- or Family, Homeschool, Work (Responsibilities)
2. Pan out - take a big picture view of your homeschool
3. Zoom in - get a closer look at your homeschool, focusing on details
4. Consider your current situation from a realistic lens -- number of kids, responsibilities, budget (if outsourcing, etc. is an option)
5. Determine what's important to you and your family (what are your priorities?)
6. What are your expectations and requirements? (What are your state's homeschool requirements?) 
7. How will your homeschool routine reflect your family's beliefs?

At this point, it's also beneficial to figure out your why. Listen to episode 5 about determining your homeschool vision and why.

• When you think of homeschool routine, what words come to mind? How does it feel? What would it look like? 
• What would your ideal homeschool routine look like now?

INDIVIDUALIZE:

For this step, you take the information gathered from Brain Dump and Relevant - and you personalize it. 

For example:

• What type of personality do you have? Your kids? (introverted, extroverted) For example, early bird or night owl? 
• Prefer doing lots of activities in a few days and then having time to chill OR spreading it out over the week for a more relaxed experience overall. (Might not have a preference - esp. If you work outside the home, have appointments, etc.)
• Also, any unique considerations? (significant other has erratic work schedule - days/nights OR extracurricular activities)  

This step is like taking inventory. It might seem basic but can be helpful.

Other things to list out (on paper or in a Google document):

• Your students
• Subjects to be taught
• Curriculum and resources to be used
• Activities to be included in your homeschool week
• Any other responsibilities that you or your kids have
• Work schedules (for adults in your home or teens)

GAME PLAN:

In this step, you’ll map out your flexible routine - give it a framework/structure.

As you work on your game plan, you can keep the process flexible when creating it by using:

• Post-it notes
• White board
• Erasable pen or pencil

Think about how you would like your homeschool day to flow. Now, jot that down. Is that vision realistic? What can you pull from it to include in your homeschool routine?

HIGHLIGHT:

After mapping out your ideal routine, it can be super helpful to highlight the major points and those things that mean the most to you.

I encourage you to focus on the most important and meaningful aspects of your routine.

Identify the parts of your homeschool day that are must-haves—the activities, subjects, and priorities that align with your family's goals, values, and interests.

To Define Priorities:

• Ask yourself: What matters most to me and my kids?
  For example:
  • Faith-based lessons or values?
  • Core academics like reading, writing, and math?
  • Hands-on projects or creative time?
  • Life skills like cooking, budgeting, or chores?
• Use this clarity to make sure these elements are never missed, even on tough days.

TEST & TWEAK

For this last step of B.R.I.G.H.T. approach to creating your own homeschool routine, it’s time to test drive your routine. Once you have your routine mapped out, give it a go.

Before you start, however, sit your kids down and explain (in an age-appropriate manner) why you want to give this routine a try.

You'll never know how it's going to work until you try. More than likely, you may have to tweak, pivot, and revisit your why. And that's totally okay. It's part of the process of learning and growing as a homeschooler.

How to Pivot in Your Routine

Life happens, kids grow, and what worked last year (or even last month) might not work now. Here are 10 ideas and tips to embrace flexibility while staying grounded in your homeschooling goals:

1. Embrace Change as Growth

• Remember: Adapting isn’t failing—it’s growing
• Tweaking your routine shows responsiveness to your family’s needs, which is a win in itself.

2. Recognize When It’s Time to Pivot

• Look for signs that the current routine isn’t working:
  • More meltdowns or resistance from kids.
  • You’re feeling overwhelmed or dreading homeschool time.
  • A lack of progress in certain areas.
• Instead of feeling like a flop at these times, look at these as opportunities to re-evaluate.

3. Reflect on What’s Working and What’s Not

• Use a simple “Stop, Start, Continue” exercise:
  • Stop: What isn’t serving your family anymore?
  • Start: What new habits or approaches could help?
  • Continue: What’s going well and should remain a priority?

4. Consider Your  Kids’ Ages and Stages - do they need more or less of…

• Younger Kids:
  • More hands-on, play-based learning.
  • Shorter lessons with lots of movement breaks.
• Older Kids:
  • Increased independence with subjects like online courses or project-based learning.
  • Involve them in setting their schedules to build ownership.

5. Consider Life Changes

• Big Changes: New baby, moving, illness, or family crisis.
  • Simplify the routine to focus on essentials and include lots of grace days.
  • Use "loop scheduling" for subjects—rotate through them rather than assigning specific days.
• Smaller Adjustments: Seasonal shifts, extracurriculars, or new interests.
  • Build flexibility into the routine to allow for exploring these changes without derailing everything.

6. Keep the Big Picture in Focus

• Focus on long-term goals, not daily perfection.
• Education is a marathon, not a sprint. 

7. Include Your Kids in the Conversation

• Sit down as a family to talk about what’s working and what’s not.
• Ask questions and strive to keep an open mind.

8. Be Open to Trying New Things

• Consider:
  • Switching subjects around (math after lunch instead of morning).
  • Add new methods (like unit studies or nature-based learning).
  • Test new tools (apps, curriculum, or co-op classes).
• And remember that it’s okay if something doesn’t work—it’s all part of the process.

9. Set Mini-Goals

• When life gets chaotic, focus on small wins:
  • “This week, we’ll focus on reading and one fun science experiment.”
  • Short-term focus reduces overwhelm while still making progress.

10. Practice Self-Compassion

• This is a time to give yourselves grace. Pivoting is part of the journey, not a sign of failure.
• Acknowledge that perfection isn’t the goal—progress and connection are.

It can take time to find a homeschool routine that works for you. I wish I had a magic wand that could make it instantly happen.

I hope this B.R.I.G.H.T. approach helps you find and enjoy a homeschool routine!

Time to wrap up this episode with a RECAP:

• I talked about what a homeschool routine is - and what it isn’t.
• I shared my approach for having a relaxed homeschool routine.
• Why I feel you are the best person to determine your routine.
• I shared my B.R.I.G.H.T. approach to creating a homeschool routine you’ll love.
• And I wrapped it up with 10 ideas and tips for how to pivot in your routine.

Well my friend, that does it for another episode of Positively Homeschooling. If you have any questions about what I’ve shared today (or would like to share your homeschool routine!), email me at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com

And if you enjoyed this podcast, I ask that you please share it with a friend or two. Your sharing means so much - thank you!

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