A Day in the Life of...

Working at home while homeschooling two kids (with two little ones running around at the same time) provides an interesting schedule for the life of SAHD, who is currently directing a play. So while this is not my typical schedule outside of a play, you can substitute rehearsal with more homeschooling or (cleaning, fixing something, washing dishes, playing with the kids, etc…).

7:00-8:00: I wake up. This time varies greatly throughout the week, but usually it falls in between the hour.

8:00-9:00: Many times this begins before 8:00, but for the purpose of the blog, I’ll put down 8:00. So during this time, I’m getting the 2 big girls and the 2 little ones something to eat while I grab my own cup of coffee, post my blog, check my email and the news, and usually begin the school day. But I’ll leave that for the next hour (for the purpose of the blog).

9:00-9:30: The littlest one usually begins her nap at this time. So while I am getting her to fall asleep, the older girls are beginning school by doing their reading. Meanwhile, the 3-year old is either still eating, running around, bothering the older girls while they start school, stealing the Nook so she can watch Netflix, pouring out cereal on the floor, letting the cat out while she feels how cold it is outside, taking the older girls Legos and taunting them by saying to them, “I’m playing with your stuff,” or… well, you get the drift.

9:30-11:30: During this time, we begin our lessons. Of course, I need another cup of coffee while I do this. I tell the little one to give me the Nook, which she reluctantly does (sometimes). Usually, I have to steal it back and hide it or place it out of reach. We work on lessons while I read the second youngest a book, build blocks, tell her not to pour water out on the floor, ask her why she is now naked, though she was dressed 30-seconds earlier, vacuum the cereal spilled earlier, get her a healthier snack while I steal the chips from her, tell her to get back into the house, or… well, you get the drift.

Two birds with one stone... art and geography.

(SIDENOTE) What I do during this time varies, for my attention is divided by three people. This can last until 12:00 or 12:30, or even 1:00. It is during this time, they play outside as well (sometimes).

11:30-12:30: At this time, the little one wakes up and my wife comes home for lunch. Unfortunately, since we homeschool and are in the middle of a play, we make this a working lunch. We eat while we do school work. It is usually during this time, the girls get their hair done (if they want more than a ponytail) and I get ready for the day.

12:30-1:45: My wife goes back to work and the kids finish (mostly) their lessons. If not, they have to take their work to rehearsal to finish it there.

1:45-2:15: I drop off the two little ones at their grammy’s house while I take the bigger ones to rehearsal. 

2:15-5:00: Rehearsal time. I direct a play I wrote for a group of teenagers (my daughters are in it as well.) Here, my older girls get their drama and theatre arts experience (and finish school if they didn’t finish it at home.) 

5:00-9:00: If it is a writing night, I work during this time by writing or editing, and sending queries to agents, or handling rejections by them. My wife picks up the girls and takes them home. Sometimes, school is finished at home, if we didn’t finish it earlier (or sometimes we save it for the weekend). If it isn’t a working night, I spend the time with my family or finish things at home.

9:00-9:30: I drive home.

9:30-10:00: The last girls are rounded up, prayed with, and kissed goodnight.

10:00-12:00: I usually talk to my wife about the day, about my writing time, about the play and what needs to be accomplished for it, about the kids, or whatever else comes to mind. Usually, if I haven’t eaten dinner, I eat at this time as well. I finally get to unwind and call it day.

12:00-1:00: I go to bed.

All of us live busy lives. This is how my weekday looks (right now)… sort of. Homeschooling is not easy and no two days look exactly alike. But this is a day in the life of a SAHD, one who is trying to get his books published while directing a play.