Can a Single-Parent Homeschool? Part 2 (Finances)

Before I started homeschooling, there were soooo many obstacles that made it seem impossible.  

• How will I pay our bills?
• Will I do a good enough job to prepare her for life?
• Am I even qualified?
• Can we handle being around each other that much?
• What are the rules/laws?

I want to address the number one concern: Finances.

I live in a 2 bedroom house with just my child and I.  I do not have a significant other that takes any financial responsibility for me or my child.  I do receive lawful support from my child's biological father that is ordered through the Office of the Attorney General.  This is our only "consistent" income.  I am not on any government programs for food, housing, etc, although I do not see why you couldn't use these programs if need be.

As a believer in Christ, our homeschool venture has been mightily blessed by God.  I have money coming in all the time, unsolicited.  I tutor for no charge, but am often gifted money or items that make life a little easier.  I have had people that I don't know very well walk up and put $40-$100 in my hand for no reason and with no expectation of a return favor.  I also will pick up odd jobs that I can take my child with me.  We once spent a few days placing flyers on doors for a landscaping/Christmas light company.  She was able to go with me and we talked and walked the whole day.  Not only did we get to enjoy one another, but she also was being taught work ethic.  I made sure to give her some of our earnings for her to spend how she saw fit as payment for her hard work.  If your child is old enough to be left alone, or you have someone that can watch them, you could always find work through a temp agency a few days a week as well.

I do also have family support.  I grew up in a very dysfunctional home with all kinds of craziness.  But God has done so much with us!  My parents are divorced and my mom remarried when I was ten.  Both sets of parents have supported my decision to homeschool.  At first, their support was more in silence and not offering criticism.  But it has grown into so much more.  My mom may even be getting involved and giving my child cooking classes.  I could do it, but according to my daughter it is soooo much more fun with Mimi. :)  

They have began even financially contributing to homeschooling.  For Christmas, I just asked for supplies.  We were getting low and it would save me from having to budget for them out of our grocery money. I was overwhelmed by all that they gave.  We were blessed with a wireless printer, laminator, art supplies, construction paper, pens, pencils, dry erase markers, and so much more!  As I'm getting ready for my daughter's fifth grade I am hoping to make enough from our garage sale this weekend to pay for our trip and put some towards her curriculum.  My mom is going with me on our trip and is helping contribute to the garage sale.  She has already said that all left overs, including her money is for curriculum!  How amazing is that?!?! They also have hijacked my grocery list more than once and surprised me with a kitchen full of groceries.

For the record Miss Rosalinda has the best Mimi and Pawpaw and Grandpa ever!  

And I have the best parents ever!

Remember that where there is a will, there is a way!  Plus, with internet and a printer, you can do homeschool virtually free with all of the great stuff that other homeschool parents have posted and made available!

If you're thinking about homeschooling, my first piece of advice would be to pray!  Tell God what your desires are and ask him to permission it!  He knows the desires of your heart and loves to express His love!

Also, start seeking out Facebook or Google groups for single-homeschooling parents.  They have found creative ways that don't involve sifting through "work-at-home" programs trying to find the one that isn't a scam.

So to answer the big question...Can Single-Parents Homeschool?  Can they find ways to homeschool and support their families?

YES!

Tomorrow I'll talk about where to start, once you've decided that homeschool is best for your family!

Can a Single-Parent Homeschool? Part 1

Yes!!!

I know everyone has a different set of circumstances, but I want you to know that it IS possible.

For instance, imagine a seventeen year old girl who is the top of her class.  Has a loaded schedule every semester with advanced classes and has an extracurricular-schedule that would swim the head of most adults.

She is active in not only educational activities and organizations, but is a youth leader in her childhood church.    People rave about her maturity and intelligence.  Parents admit that they have asked their children why they can't meet the bar set by her.  She jumps from pedestal to pedestal, shined on with favor, and floats on the encouragement and amazement of others.

Sophomore year, she is infatuated with the new kid at school.  So many things in common, yet so many differences.  A source of fun and new experiences.  Months later, for many-a-reason, she calculatedly (is that word?) decides to hand over her most precious gift.

Immediately, regret and guilt removed the rose-colored glasses and changes were made.  Finally, her rouge train finally found comfort back on her fast-track to success and favor.

Six weeks later, her train is derailed.  The questions are asked and she faces the music of that fateful decision.  The mingling of these two lives for a single experience are now endowed with one of the greatest responsibilities life will ever give you---a child.

At seventeen, I gave birth to an amazing little girl, yet I determined to give my child the best.  Ten years later, we are chugging along on the peculiar, yet amazing path!

There have been many tunnels that seemed far too long, many unplanned detours, and many rays of sunshine.

Currently, I am a single-mom who homeschools her tween daughter.  How do I do it?

Try Number 3?!?!

I don't have any idea how many times I've attempted blogging, but here goes, I think #3 for this particular blog.  Now, in the blogs defense, I haven't advertised to any of the blogs that I follow and solicited anyone to follow.  So no surprise that I'm the single reader. *insert awkward laugh*

So where are we with the amazing Rosalinda today?  We're wrapping up our fourth grade year of homeschooling.  Year 2 of homeschooling for our family.  She's currently reading her final book study for English, we have our last math lesson tomorrow, before her final test and investigation, and we're trying to cram the remainder of science, history, virtue, and art in the newly released time slots.

This month is half over and I still have a ton to do!  We are having a garage sale this weekend to raise funds to go to her dad's wedding.  He lives six hours away and want Miss Rosalinda at the rehearsal dinner and wedding, which creates a need for two nights in a hotel.  I'm also creating a yearbook for her year of school to present at her showcase June 8th.  I'm really excited about the showcase because I always feel bad that she doesn't get to bring her work home and get additional accolades outside of her "classroom" environment.  Now, she'll be able to show our support community of friends and family all the hard work she's done.  We may even have some family make the 1,600 mile trip from Wisconsin!  *fingers crossed*

Hope everyone's May is progressing nicely!