Help
With Your Rule
The 5 Ps, Homeschooling and a Home Business
Dear Holly,
Thank you so much for your book. I've read and re-read it several times and it has been a true gift and inspiration.
I have two children under 2 years old and have started a business from home. Although we live simply, we still need a second income to cover emergencies and a little savings. I work part-time, about 15-20 hours a week, in the early morning and during naptime, and if necessary, at night. I would like to homeschool as well. My question is, do you think it is possible to work from home part-time, be the primary caregiver of at least 2 children, and homeschool? I am wondering if this is realistic. How were you able to write your book and keep up with all your P's?
Labels: 5th P Provider, Homeschooling
posted by Holly at 11:08 PM
1 Comments:
I remember reading something Fulton Sheen once said - "Women have always worked" - and I agree - whether it is in the home, from the home or outside of the home. And of course, the number one big issue is keeping the work of the 5th P, in whatever form it takes, in 5th position!
For I believe that, sharing the provider role with my husband, he and I are both responsible for providing the income and maintaining & improving the home. Some years I help more, and some less. But nonetheless, I help.
So - do I think it is realistic to look at a home business 'and' homeschooling? Yes - I do - depending on one's talents, interests, temperament and family needs. I consider homeschooling my way of doing the 4th P, and a home business as part of the 5th P. And like I say, they have to stay in those positions.
Writing MROL and since, doing some freelance writing, has been challenging at times, but do-able in my present circumstances. But it wasn't always so - like when I had 5 small children under 8 - there wasn't much room for other things at that phase of my family life.
MROL was written from September to December 2003 Monday to Friday, between the hours of about 2:30 and 5:30 (give or take), while Anna (my eldest) took over most meal preps or assisted. I also worked occassionally on weekends or when a brainstorm hit. In reality, because I had to homeschool and do my other chores, I became exceptionally committed to my rule since I wanted to write the book. I also attended daily mass all thru the writing phase and that gave tons of grace.
Since then, I have worked at writing various things, maintaining my website, and responding to emails - all with various levels of success in maintaining balance. I also find there are many times when I simply cannot do it all - and I have to put my income-producing plans on hold while I meet the very real and time-consuming needs of my family. After all, this is a phase of my life too - and all too soon those children will leave my home, and I will have plenty of time for writing.
I also find difficulties can often revolve around balance issues in my heart, not time issues. I have to CHOOSE to put the computer away , even when I really want to get something done, so that I can go be with the kids. (Who relates to that?? :-) Or I have to put the work away - just like a home project or beautifying project - in order to relax for a Sunday or make supper or whatever.
So, I think the issue is training oneself in fidelity to one's rule in order to maintain the other Ps while working and homeschooling. I think it means realizing that the education of the children takes precedence in time and attention in my life over income. And I think it also means giving oneself time to 'discover' what balance means.
In regard to homeschooling, it means having an organized curriculum where one isn't changing all the time, as well as being knowledgeable enough to know what you are looking for (and for teacher training I recommend Kathryn Stout's stuff in Design-A-Study).
I also think that, if the 5 Ps are worked out in their purity, and superflous things are laid aside, that a moderate blend of God/husband/self/kids and work can be discovered - keeping the hierarchical nature of it all in mind.
Does that help?
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