The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast
Education
Homeschool Roadblocks: What to Do When You Are Drowning
Homeschooling with small children in the home will, at times, push you to the end of your patience. But these times will pass.
For now, take a breath as Ginny and Mary Ellen discuss tips, insights, and lessons on turning trying times into life-shaping opportunities. Learn how to lighten your load while training the kids to be big helpers and prepare them to be better students and caring adults. You've got this.
Homeschool Roadblocks: What to Do When You Are Drowning
This may sound like a health and safety or first aid podcast, but don't be fooled. A podcast buddy, Meg Gan, contacted our hosts on social media.
Ginny explains, "Meg had seven kids in seven years and wanted to know how on earth she could homeschool. Essentially, her question was, 'How do I homeschool while drowning?'
She came to the right place. Although I didn't have seven kids in seven years, I did have five in six years, and lots of kids on either side of those five.
Mary Ellen had eight, including twins! I assure you we know something about drowning, and yet we survived. And our kids have thrived!"
First, here's a word of encouragement. This time is about as tough as your life will ever be.
Second, kids from big families learn to help relatively early and can make all the difference in the world. A 7-year-old's help may be limited, but 10-year-olds can set the table, do dishes, fold laundry, watch toddlers while you cook, and even help get breakfast on the table. Things should get MUCH better in a few short years.
To follow up on that, make sure that you are teaching your kids every household task as soon as they can help. You can find lists on the Internet of which ages to teach which tasks.
Naptime is the key to homeschooling when you have lots of small kids.
+ Babies, until 1 ½ or 2, should take two naps daily.
+ Children 2 to 4-ish, an afternoon nap.
+ Even 4 and 5-year-olds should have some quiet time after lunch. Maybe let them look at a book or listen to some quiet music, but they have to stay in bed (on the couch, etc.) until they hear the timer go off.
Homeschool: You can often complete early homeschool grades in an hour or two each day.
+ In the same way you teach your children to help with household chores, teach them to complete homeschool assignments independently.
+ Even the littlest students can practice handwriting on their own or practice their math facts.
+ Get the littles involved in homeschooling. Get some DUPLOS and finger paint and let them be part of the classroom.
+ Play revolving kids. Let school kids take turns playing with the littles.
+ When the weather allows, homeschool in the yard while the little guys run around.
Reinforcements:
+ Look for some outside help. The grandmas may give you an hour or two each week.
+ Nannies are expensive but look for a local teen to work as a mother's helper after school, allowing you to make dinner or clean. Double points if the kid is homeschooled and can give you some hours during the school day.
+ If your MIL asks what you want for Christmas, suggest an hour or two with a maid service.
+ Talk to your husband. If he can take the younger kids out for an hour on Saturday or Sunday, it will give you some time to homeschool.
Thanks to our sponsors, especially Seton Home Study School, check out their great resources:
Seton Home Study School
Seton Testing Services
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free