'You've got your hands full!' Do you ever receive this comment from people when you go out and about with your children?
I seem to get it quite often when taking my children in public places. It’s usually when I’m trying to carry (too) many bags or drag a pram loaded up through the sand up off the beach. I haven’t quite worked out if it’s a compliment or criticism. ??? I try to smile and if I’m feeling particularly triumphant in my motherly ability in that moment, I reply, ‘yes, my hands and heart of full of good things.’
Having many children is a beautiful blessing. I just love watching the vibrant interactions and relationships between my children and my heart is full of love and thankfulness. However, when you are seeking to homeschool older child/ren, finding uninterrupted time with them can be a challenge with little ones around.
I have found that often (but perhaps not always), the youngest in the household demands a lot of my time and attention. As babies and toddlers are so dependent for their physical and emotional needs, it can seem like you are forever torn between caring for them and schooling older child/ren. It is a real struggle to be everything for all your children at once and can feel very overwhelming at times!
Once we choose the homeschool, we often feel that their needs are most important in the family and we put much pressure on ourselves to ‘school’ them often at the cost of younger children. Of course, this is never our intention, however it can easily happen. So how do we love ALL the children in our home and homeschool without losing our mind???
Something I have found helpful is to start the day focusing on the youngest child first.
After the usual morning jobs have been done, investing in my youngest with my undivided (as much as possible) attention can help them feel happy and valued in our family. Sitting with them, cuddling them, playing with them and reading to them help to satisfy their need for one-on-one attention.
I have found that after some sweet time connecting together, they are usually content to be without me for a little while. Then it may be time for a baby to nap, or you can set up a play space for toddlers and pre-schoolers to explore. Once I have spent time with the youngest, I then move to focus on the next eldest child and so on until I reach the eldest child to connect them in some intentional learning time.
Moving progressively through the children helps them each feel loved and valued. I also find that it means that our home is more peaceful and I can focus on each child and their needs. So, give it a go….put the youngest first.
Penny
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