Are you a single parent? Share resources here.
At the 2004 conference, there was a session on single parent homeschooling, where single parents talked about what our needs are, and what would be one of the best ways of getting them met. This Wiki page comes out of that discussion.
This page is intended as a resource exchange. How about if people have time/resources they are willing to offer/donate to a single homeschooler, please list it here; if single parent homeschoolers (mostly single moms) have a need, please list it here. Common needs for single parents that came out of the meeting are:
- Driving, childcare for the children’s classes when mom is at work.
- Male mentors and role models for young & teenage boys. Obviously this would take a bit of commitment.
- Handyman help; pick up & drop off of large purchases (furniture, appliances).
- Driving or help with getting free/low cost food/articles, like farmer markets, yard sales, etc.
- Information on different public assistance/grants/private assistance financial programs that help single women with children.
If you or someone you know can help provide these things to single parent homeschoolers, please get in touch with someone listed below.
We are living proof that it can be done. We are parents who are trying really, really hard to provide for the needs of our children. We care enough to value the time and energy spent homeschooling our kids, and at the same time, have the added responsibility of financial support for our families. But it can be done, and thousands of “non-traditional” families across the country are choosing this educational option.
2007- Homeschooling Family in North St. Paul willing to help out parents without partners who are homeschooling in or around our area. We can provide a handyman and teens who can help out- no cost. Contact: Amy- 651-552-0753, amyjleinen@yahoo.com
2006 Part Time Day Care by Homeschooling Mom
Do any of these situations sound familiar:
Are you tired of losing an entire school day to appointments, field trips, or other scheduling glitches?
Have you taken advantage of your best homeschooling friend a few too many times when you needed last minute childcare?
Are you exhausted from the pressure of “creative scheduling” so you can juggle a job while teaching your kids?
Is your preschooler driving you crazy while you attempt to teach your older child? Are you feeling guilty about using the TV as a babysitter?
Do you just wish you could do something for yourself a few hours a week-maybe take a class or do some freelance work-and still homeschool your kids?
If so, please keep reading.
I am a single homeschooling mother of three who is looking for extra income. I’m looking for homeschoolers who need part time childcare in the west metro area. I prefer ages 3 and up (potty trained), but will consider younger siblings. I have 7 years of homeschooling experience, I have homeschooled children from two other families in the past, and I have 5 years of experience teaching in an academic homeschool co-op. I am also available for homeschool-friendly childcare/babysitting by appointment during the week for busy moms who need to do things without the whole gang such as take kids to appointments, attend field trips with older/younger siblings, or <gasp> get their Christmas shopping done early. You send the schoolwork and I make sure it gets done! I have 3 computers available for school use, so I can also accommodate MNVA students. My sister, who is living with me while she finishes her master’s degree in child and family studies (her degree is in early childhood development), has a happy 3.5 year old who would love to “do school” with your preschooler. If you would like more information, please contact me privately at kingsacademy@earthlink.net
I know of a handful of single parents in MN who are currently homeschooling children of all ages with this extra challenge. IT CAN BE DONE, and yes, it is legal in MN.
I highly recommend that if you are considering homeschooling and are a single parent, that you at least join an e-list. Some great e-lists for single parents can be found at the following site:
http://www.leapingfromthebox.com/hs/elists/misc.html
~AL 2006