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Keeping toddlers busy while you homeschool
Home | Christian Parenting Books | Keeping Toddlers Busy While You Homeschool

Keeping Toddlers Busy While You Homeschool

Christian Parenting Books, homeschool, Homeschool Preschool

One of the most common questions I get is about keeping toddlers busy while you homeschool. Over 20 years of homeschooling I’ve used lots of different ideas. I’ve even shared some of them here.

First of all, let me say this is a really GOOD question. Let me know when you figure it out!

Seriously though, how do you keep a toddler from disrupting ANYTHING??? There’s not a magic formula for toddlers. No two are the same. Boys and girls are different. Your house is different than your friend’s house.

So how do you teach your older children while a busy little beaver roams the halls?

A few suggestions:

– Toddler first. Start your school morning with an activity that includes the toddler, such as circle time with music on the floor, a story time geared to him, or helping him say his numbers or ABCs while the rest of the family cheers him on. Fill his emotional-needs tank and buy yourself some time.

– Naptime. When the toddler naps, focus on the most intense school subjects at that time.

– Inclusion. Create a few learning activities for someone his age, like simple puzzles, counting objects, or stickers and paper. Only pull these special items out during school time. (See my post on Activity Boxes here.)

– Rotation. Rotate siblings with the toddler for 20-or-30-minute periods. Give them ideas for playtime, such as looking at books together, building blocks, picture flash cards, or even a fun snack together. (See my post on Encouraging Sibling Interaction here.)

– Snack and Fun breaks. Toddlers have short attention spans for anything, including their own entertainment and needs. Take frequent breaks from school; alternate short spurts of time that include the toddler and times that teach him about independent play; get out some Goldfish or fruit and make a big deal out of snack time.

– Training. This is really the most important. Each day, spend a few minutes talking about “school” and reminding the toddler about the expected good behavior. He won’t learn it the first day (or maybe the first year!) but consistency is KEY. Talk about quiet voices, train him to play alone on a blanket for longer periods, and praise his efforts.

And mamas, remember that this time is so short. While teaching your older kids academics is important, so is loving on the babies while they are babies. Find a balance that works for them, and don’t just focus on getting them out of the way. One of the most beautiful benefits of homeschooling is family togetherness, and the sibling bonds that grow stronger through the years. Don’t set the example that baby is in the way; show baby and the older kids that every age and every stage is important.

My toddlers are all big kids (and adults) now, but I used to blog about our day with them. If you’re brave enough, read this post from 10 years ago: A Day in the Life of our Homeschool.

When you’re ready to “teach” these little ones, check out Homeschool 101: Preschool for a gentle approach to Preschool.

keeping toddlers busy while you homeschool

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August 17, 2011 · Leave a Comment

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I have two very different sons. One has been an extrovert since he could talk. The other has been an introvert for just as long. The thing about home education is that it doesn’t have to happen at home. What it really means is “not public school.” Not stuck in a classroom all day. Not confined to a government calendar. Not a slave to the system. 23 years ago I helped my aunt Kari start a homeschool co-op. At that time, I had one child and she was three years old. If you have a child that struggles to read, read to them. Read aloud every day. That’s the best advice I can give. New year. New house. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: How do I homeschool with babies and toddlers in the mix?? Don’t let people tell you that “you can’t shelter your children.” Yes, you can. And you absolutely should. Mothers have a crucial role to play in society, although their job doesn’t always feel very “crucial.” Wiping baby faces, repeating instructions, settling squabbles, and making food is repetitive and doesn’t always seem important. For 2023, I’ll be preaching the same ol’ message that I can’t stop saying: “education is discipleship,” and “you can do it” homeschooling encouragement. Not gonna make the message easier to swallow when the world is attacking children on a grander scale every day. I’m also not going to tell you that homeschooling is a breeze, but I will keep saying that it’s worth every minute.

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