This year we have been trying very hard to create and stick to a regular schedule for lessons. This can be very challenging at times when you consider the fact that Jon has a part time job (a great benefit of homeschooling are the flexible hours that the student is available to work), and the extracurricular activities that at times overlap our schedule.
   I have found that the easiest way around scheduling issues is to do lessons around the jobs and extracurricular activities instead of vice versa. This allows our family a stressless approach to learning without playing beat the clock with their education. Some days require earlier start times, some evening lessons, and others require teaching twice a day to accommodate two separate planned activities.
   I know some homeschool parents that would find this to be a bit of an annoyance or exhausting, but it really has proven to be a calm and peaceful way to mix school with the opportunities that teens need to help build their self-esteem, confidence, and understanding of the real world.