This school year started for us on September 1st this year.  Things started off just fine and I feel have gone down hill fast.  I have an 8th grader and High Schooler and then my two youngest--Pre-Schoolers.  I have found it hard to juggle both sets--as I do "teach" my two older girls for Botany and Health this year.  I try and set aside time with the little ones, but my 8th grader needs a lot of direction and help for almost every subject.  She is very kinestetic learner and so I try and give her hands on activities or lessons and then let her on her own to finish the pages or whatever, but even then she seems to need her "hand holding" the whole rest of the page.  She is not motivated on her own to do anything.  I have to stay in the same room with her or nothing gets done.  I find this very difficult.  She would rather watch Barney or Seasame street with the younger kids then do her work.  I am frustrated.

I have asked from friends on yahoo homeschooling groups for suggestions---my older daughter work with little ones while I work with my 8th grader, preschool bags or boxes of educational things to do, but they do need hands on stuff with mom.  My 8th grader seems to take up all of my time, leaving nothing left of my energy to work with the little ones.

I am at a loss of what to do.

Debra