Home Schooling With Toddlers: 8 Things I’ve Learnt

Let’s face it, nobody wants to feel like they’re in the way - especially in their own home. However, sometimes when our to-do lists are long and we’re in a hurry, or the seven year old’s maths lesson seems most important, it’s hard to see the purpose in the playdough and the reason for one more picture book when you’re behind on the read aloud. Let me encourage you though. Slowing down and crouching down matters. Not just for your tiniest family member, but for you too. I’m sure you already know that though, but maybe you’re like me and can sometimes forget? Below are some things that have helped me navigate homeschool life with a very busy little person in the mix. 

1- Be flexible. When my children were all very little it helped to start the day with  three picture books altogether on the couch. My toddler’s cup was full from the snuggling and the togetherness, then she would often be happy to go and play for a little bit while the other two did their more formal work with me. Now at four however, she wants to feel like she’s a part of whatever they are doing. This can sometimes be really great, but other times Mama needs to be quite strategic. For my Miss 4, asking her to help me in the kitchen or giving her a project  (like making a card to post or picking flowers for a vase) can sometimes help the others learn in peace but also gives her the purpose, skills and independence she needs. I’m sure this will change again next year as she learns alongside them even more. 

2- Look them in the eyes.

We all know that friend who is listening to you but also has one eye on their phone or their thoughts on the next thing they want to say. Slow down. Crouch down. Look your little one in the eye. They’ll be less likely to be irritable and demanding of your attention if you take the time to connect. 

3 - Weave them into the routines of other children. My older children have little checklists for the day which they love. One of the things on there is always ‘Read to Miss 4’. This allows me to work 1:1 with the other child, helps with reading practise, and fills Miss 4’s cup with more great picture books and time with her siblings. They have also taught her her letters/sounds and how to do all kind of other things which has been very sweet to watch. 

4 - Rotate toys and activities. I’m sure you’ve heard it all before, but the more stuff you have out, the less of an invitation to play it can be. I have found that having the majority of our toys and books hidden in cupboards, and bringing just a few things out each week has boosted their imaginations and seriously diminished the “I don’t know what to do!” chats.

5 - Let them help. Yes, the little person’s help means more mess, more time, more chaos… but from someone with an eight year old boy who makes me an afternoon coffee and at times a lasagne or apple pie from scratch, stick at it. It seems like yesterday he was two and getting eggshell in the batter and flour all over the floor. In my experience, children want to feel employed. They want to feel like they are useful, that they belong and that they are intelligent enough to help. 

6 - Get outside. Grab your picnic mat. Grab your thermos and the books and take school to your favourite nature spot or park. Give your little one a basket to hunt for treasures, watercolours or their favourite toys to play with in the grass. 

7- Pause. If the day feels overwhelming, give the kids a quick fresh air break and wash your face, make yourself a tea or put on your favourite music and just breathe. Life is made up of all kids of days. In fact, as I write this I’m having a particularly hard day with my kids. I feel overstimulated by the noise and overwhelmed by my to-do list. It’s rainy which seems to make them all a bit wild and my beautiful plans for the day have turned a little pear-shaped. But I’ve had enough days to know that all kinds of days are ok, that tomorrow is a new day and it will probably be a much better kind of day that makes this one not seem quite so bad. 

8 - Invitation to play. If theres fifteen minutes that you know needs to be focused learning time for your other children, save the new playdough, toy, snack or new library books for that time. That way you know they will most likely be busy for a bit when you really need it. It may not be long, but hopefully it’s enough time to teach that new concept or listen to your child read with focus. Having little open-ended stations at their height such as a mud kitchen, dolls house, water play, blocks has been wonderful for our family too. 

If I may (I know I’ve used up my eight things) may I suggest one more? Speak the good things you see over your little ones. I definitely fell into the trap of labelling a stubborn toddler or saying “I can’t wait until nap time”. I get it. But, if I may, can I encourage you to point out the good things you see - their laugh, their willingness to help, their zest for life? It not only speaks life over them, but it helps you to see them as a gift, a helper, a joy… not a burden in this special (somewhat tiring) time of life.

You’ve got this, Mama. Well done. xxx