Homeschool Hustle - Learning to homeschool and run your biz in the middle of a pandemic

Osada Family shares their experiences with homeschooling

Hi world, how are you? At the beginning of the Bay Area’s Shelter In Place order, we hosted a webinar for #parentsthathustle who are transitioning into distance learning/homeschooling under the current COVID-19 pandemic, while still managing their business and daily lives.

We featured Whipt Bakery owners and parents Krizy and Dave Osada who have 3 children, and have been formally homeschooling for 3 years now.

We discussed:
- Krizy and Dave's personal account /experience with transitioning into homeschool.
- The “evolution” of their approach throughout their journey so far.
- Juggling health, work/bizz, life as homeschooling parents.

The conversation was insightful and also reassuring that yes, we can make sure our kids are learning and growing, and still manage our day to day lives, and business. You can watch a recording of the discussion HERE.

If you don’t have time to watch the video, here are the takeaways:

Let’s be real, we’re dealing with a pandemic! Be kind to yourself and don’t put yourself through unnecessary stress. Take breaks, nap, meditate, don’t stick to the schedule, dance! Here’s a great article to refer to “Homeschooling is NOT the Same as Crisis Schooling: advice during coronavirus COVID -19 shut downs”
Find a rhythm/schedule that works for your family. Everyone’s household is different, maybe you’re early risers or like to sleep in, there’s no commuting or school bell to rush for, so take advantage of these new circumstances! Communicate what the new schedule/routine is going to look like as a family so everyone is on the same page. You’ll be surprised how your kids will hold you accountable to it!
Lead the learning with your family’s values in mind. Does your family have a set of values that you follow? Here are a few from the Osada family that they shared.
- Freedom, Flexibility, Faith, Responsibility, Respect, Community, Commitment, Creativity, Cross trained, Character, Culture, Team
Set learning goals (with your children depending on their age), to accomplish for the day or week. This includes completing the worksheet packet your child has taken home for distance learning.
Lean on your community to supplement lessons and learning activities. Who do you know that offers dance lessons? Is there a friend that can help teach your child how to play the guitar? (of course all of this has to happen virtually for now.)
Set up learning stations that your child can explore themselves throughout the day. Set up activities or stations the night before or in the am before they wake up.
Enjoy the time you have with your kids! Their childhood is short in the grand scheme of things, cherish these days ahead where the world is slowing down. It’s a gift to have children, be present with them and learn to create a new way of learning and living together.

“Dave and I want to encourage parents that any anxiety they might be going through is normal, understandable but in retrospect is mostly based on pressures imposed by state standards or what is considered “normal”. We’re here to testify that we made it out of the worry, tears, and doubt that came with our first year, and so can you! We can’t emphasize enough that practicing grace towards your kids, yourselves and your spouse/partner during this time of transition. Know that if something doesn’t work for your kids, it’s ok to scrap it and try something else.”

— Krizy Osada