How to Manage Toddlers (or babies) While Homeschooling

See this dragon? He is a whirling dervish of destruction. Ya, he looks sweet enough but we all know that dragons will either burn you to a crisp with fire or eat you if you let them. Toddlers are a lot like dragons. Having a small dragon in your house while you are trying to each exponential math would be awfully distracting too. So, how do we handle dragons, or toddlers, or babies, while homeschooling?

Step 1. Train your dragon.

All peaceful households with children that you will ever visit have one thing in common the children have been trained and it took time and CONSISTENCY. I know this sounds like no fun and one would think that it would take a long time. Put those thoughts out of your head. They won't help you and are therefore a waste of time.

The training philosophy you hold to is your business but do pick something and go with it. During school hours I give my toddler things to do that are not a huge disruption (play dough, paper and pencil, paper with scissors, quiet toys, etc.). I keep my toddler with me. If my toddler is within arms reach than he is most likely not trying to flush something down the toilet, or pulling the cat's tail, or undoing all my housework. He sits on my lap. He plays by my side. He sits at the table and plays "school" while I help his older brothers. If he begins to misbehave, I handle things promptly. If he becomes a continual distraction ( and every child has their moments) then I set him in his bed for however long it takes me to get his brothers back cruising along on their lessons (typically about 5 minutes) and then I deal with him. I think it is important for the little people of the house to know that their disruptive behavior is not going to bring everything in the household to a screeching halt. That would be too much power for a toddler to handle.

Babies can be trained too. I have heard of people training babies to sit on a blanket and play with toys during school. I just wore my baby. It was simpler for me. I have always encouraged my babies to be cheerful. I do this by being cheerful with them myself and by holding them often. It works. :)

Step 2. Be Aware. You wouldn't turn your back on a fire-breathing dragon...don't turn your back on a toddler.

We all know the things that toddlers can do. I turned my back on my 3rd born once when he was a toddler only to turn back around and find him to have a mouth full of potting soil and my freshly planted flowers all dumped out of the pot. Cute. Cute and mildly annoying.

If a toddler doesn't have the opportunity to cause mischief then there will be no mischief to distract you or your other children from your studies. A problem prevented is a problem solved.

Step 3. Wear your armor. You wouldn't go into battle without wearing protection, or bringing a sword, or bringing provisions for the journey.

I know my toddler will want snacks, drinks, multiple things to do, a nap, and my attention. I prepare for these things.

It says in the Bible that we need to wear spiritual armor. Do this by praying and reading your Bible. When I run out of steam, God's word comes to me and keeps me going.

Step 4. Be patient. Dragons are unpredictable.

My toddler (baby) will be a toddler (baby). So, I try to keep myself flexible. I also try to be patient with myself. I cannot do it all and I will never be anywhere near perfect. I too will get grouchy, tired, and bored. Sometimes I also just need to cry. Moms and toddlers can be alike sometimes.

Happy dragon wrangling!

Keeping Boys Busy on Sunday

Now, I cannot claim to be the inventor of this idea. Nevertheless, it is a good idea. As most of my friends know, I keep my children with me during church. This has its drawbacks, especially with one of those children being a squirrely toddler. With the bigger boys we have kept this pretty simple, bringing a bag with notebooks and pens. Some parents I know have the children draw a picture of the sermon (how educational!) but we don't ask for a particular drawing.

I have been thinking lately that Nai is getting old enough that he can be entertained by something other than nursing, but how does one keep a toddler occupied without making that the point of church. My plan is thus: I am going to make a church bag. I was thinking that it would be great to have some Biblically themed felt prints and coloring book, some small snacks, and a couple board books.

Another idea, perhaps for slightly older than toddler (due to choking hazard): A friend of mine used to hand each of her children one piece of hard candy at the beginning of the sermon. She would remind of the verse that tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Isn't that cute?

So, after payday I will be trying to get this fun sack together and I will let you know how it goes.