Homeschooling with Little Kids

How do you homeschool with a toddler? 

Honestly- with a bit of juggling!

We have three kids - one teen, one tween and a toddler. Our first couple of years of homeschooling was about finding our rhythm as we adjusted from school. The next two years have been adjusting to and finding our new rhythm with a baby who’s now grown into a busy toddler.

When our third child came along, it changed how we homeschool. We leaned into the newborn stage and took things at a slower pace. Our routine of doing most activities from 9am till 12pm went out the window as we had another little one with needs we had to work around. 

He’s now an active toddler who likes to be involved in everything. So, we involve him as much as possible. If I am helping the older kids, he might be sitting alongside us drawing or playing with dough…and yes, sometimes he ends up drawing or sitting on the table.

Or he may be playing by himself if he’s already been busy outside and is quite happy playing independently. 

He may be helping in the kitchen as we make meals or do chores. 

Or he might be bouncing on the trampoline with his siblings.

If it’s been a busy morning, he might also chill for a bit watching a cartoon on TV.

If they nap, use that time for whatever the priority is that day - helping other kids while it’s quieter, catching up on housework, grabbing yourself a cuppa. Choose whatever is most important that day.

If you have any offers of help from family and friends, take them up. It’s gold.

The one thing that makes homeschooling with a toddler possible is making sure their cup is full. Involving them in activities where possible and making time to play with them means their cup is full so when you do need to help other kids, they are more likely to be content.

I know of many homeschooling mums who are juggling siblings of different ages, including babies and toddlers. It’s a whole new skill set! 

Of course, it doesn’t come without challenges. It’s never all plain sailing. You learn to put some things aside when you need to e.g. housework, bookwork…anything that can wait as other things take priority.

If you’re homeschooling with littlies, make sure you fill their cups as it helps the rest of the day go smoother (I can't promise they won't still climb on the table and draw on the furniture).