If you’re anything like me, you probably find that homeschooling often means juggling a ton of tasks at once, including lesson planning, cleaning, feeding hungry children, and, if we’re lucky, sneaking in a quick cup of coffee.
The truth is, though, that empowering our children to work on their own can actually lighten the workload.
Although it’s not always effortless, your child can learn independence with some time and useful skills. Aso you might even manage to finish that cup of coffee before it gets cold!
I know this because I’ve been there, making an effort to balance everything while keeping my kids on the right track. I hope that these ideas can help you as much as they helped me!
To help your child work independently, you’ll want to start with the basics. Small, simple tasks they enjoy can build the foundation for more complicated activities later.
When Clara was younger, I started by asking her to sort her toys by color or fold washcloths. These tasks were easy and manageable but gave her a sense of accomplishment. The key here is to begin with something they can handle without frustration. As they succeed, you can gradually introduce slightly more challenging tasks.
It’s a lot like stacking building blocks—start small, and they’ll grow taller in their abilities with each success. Set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes, and once the task is done, give them plenty of praise. Celebrating those early wins is so important for boosting their confidence.
Having a routine can be a game changer. If your child is able to understand when to expect independent work time, they will be better prepared to handle it. In our house, the kids understand that right after breakfast is “work time.”
This routine has been really helpful, specifically for James. He used to drag his feet every morning, refusing to get started with anything math related. But once we made it part of the routine of the day, he began to anticipate it.
Every morning at 9:30 am, he grabs his favorite pencil and walks to the kitchen table without being reminded. To make this work for you, set a consistent time each day—maybe after breakfast or during a sibling’s nap could work—and stick with it.
Start with just 10-20 minutes and gradually increase the time as they get used to it. It might also help to use a visual timer so they can see exactly how much time is left, giving them a clear sense of progress.
A dedicated workspace makes a noticeable difference in helping kids stay focused. You don’t need to remodel an entire room for it; a small table in the corner with a few supplies is plenty.
When Ellie was younger, she was thrilled to have a designated area for her coloring books and school supplies right in the playroom. I let her decorate the space with a few pieces of artwork and some stickers.
It was crazy how quickly it became “her” workspace. You could do something similar, whether in a kitchen corner or on a desk in their bedroom. A simple but comfortable setting can encourage them to sit down and get started on their own.
Plus, when the space feels personal, they’ll be more eager to spend time there.
Visual schedules have been a game changer for us. Kids, particularly younger ones, benefit from having a clear, visual representation of what comes next.
We made a little picture chart for James that illustrated each part of his independent work time. He like to begin with reading, move on to math work, and end with a snack break.
Then every time he finishes an assignment, he moves the related picture to the “done” section, giving him a huge sense of accomplishment. This type of system works wonders because they can physically track and see their progress.
It doesn’t have to be fancy; a few simple pictures on a whiteboard or a printed schedule will suffice. It helps alot to make them feel more in control and keeps them on track.
Giving your child options is one of the simplest ways to boost their motivation while working independently. Even asking, “Do you want to start with history or science today?” can make a significant difference in how they approach the task.
When children have the ability to make choices, they feel more empowered. Allowing Clara to choose between two or three activities sparks her interest tremendously.
It’s a minor adjustment, but giving them that little bit of control changes the situation from something that they have to do to something that they actually want to do.
Defining clear expectations is crucial for preventing anxiety and frustration. I quickly realized the value of giving specific instructions.
I’d say to James, “I need you to read two chapters of your book and then complete one page of math,” and I’d tell him how long I expected it to take.
For younger children, the instructions may need to be repeated or broken down into smaller, more manageable steps. However, once they understand exactly what is expected of them, they will be more likely to finish their tasks without you constantly reminding them.
It’s all about being precise and staying consistent.
Positive reinforcement has a very unique power. A little bit of encouragement can go a long way in my experience. Choosing to celebrate your child’s effort boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep up the good work.
Whether it’s with a high-five, a “Great job!” or a small reward like an extra 10 minutes of playtime. When Ellie began completing her worksheets on her own, I made sure to tell her how proud I was—and that simple recognition made her motivated to tackle the next task.
So be generous with praise, especially at first. It makes a huge difference, trust me.
Patience is not optional, it’s mandatory. And believe me, that’s a lesson I’ve had to repeatedly learn it over time. You know that each child is different, and what works for one may not work so well for another.
For example, James settled into independent work quickly, while Clara wanted a little more guidance before feeling comfortable going solo. It is okay if things don’t go according to plan.
Some days will be more difficult than others, but that’s all part of the process. If your child is struggling, take a step back and figure out whether the task is too difficult or if they just require more direction.
And if you need to change your strategy, that’s fine. The beauty of homeschooling is the amount of flexibility you truly have!
Teaching my children to reflect on their work has been extremely beneficial in the context of homeschooling. After James completes a task, I begin my line of questioning, “What did you like about this? Was anything particularly difficult?”
It allows him to think critically about what he does, and he usually does surprise me with his insights. And you can do the same with your kids!
Reflecting on the school day is a great way to connect with them on a deeper level and help them comprehend what they’ve actually learned. I also like to use it as a way for me to understand their likes and dislikes as well as teaching them to recognize that challenges are sometimes part of the learning process.
It’s also important that as your kiddo gets used to working independently, you gradually introduce more difficult tasks. Be careful not to pile too much on and overwhelm them.
Take Clara for example, after she mastered her basic first grade math assignments without my supervision, I introduced slightly more difficult problems and gradually added reading comprehension tasks into the mix.
The goal is to keep them interested and engaged while still challenging them just enough to keep learning new things. It’s a real balancing act, but watching them gain independence and useful life skills is all the more rewarding.
Helping your child become an independent learner is a process that will take some time. But let’s not forget to recognize and celebrate every win, no matter how small it may seem.
Remind yourself that it’s about progress, not perfection. Starting off with simple tasks, creating a routine, and providing plenty of encouragement is sure to help your child gain the confidence and life skills they need to succeed later on.
Who knows, maybe you’ll even find time to enjoy that hot cup of coffee you’ve been missing out on!
Now, ready to make your homeschooling routine even smoother? Sign up for our free Homeschool Essentials Bundle to get everything you need to streamline your days—from printable schedules to easy-to-use lesson planning tools.
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