I can remember it like it was yesterday…  Hannah, then 18 mos., was crying on my hip doubled up with a tummy ache (a result of a birth defect), Noah (3 ½) was scribbling on the freshly painted hallway wall...  with a PERMANENT MARKER! Ian, (age 6) my reluctant reader, was struggling over 100 Easy Lessons.  He was sure t says DUH!  Jordan (then age 7 ½) was running around the room repeating some nonsense phrase over and over and over in his sing-song voice typical of his (at that time undiagnosed) Asperger’s Syndrome.  Kaitlyn, a dreamy almost 10 year old, sat with her head tilted to one side admiring her illustrations on her Spelling Power practice sheet!  I just wanted to QUIT!  

I know someone is reading this and nodding because while the names and ages and specific situations are different you know exactly what I am talking about…  the joys and frustrations of homeschooling a house full of children.  

Public School teachers do it everyday… with 4 to 5 times as many students. However, they usually teach one grade level at a time and are not required to make dinner while planning tomorrow’s lessons. They don’t have to field 23 phone calls, change 2 or 3 dirty diapers, scrape spit up from their shoulder and pay the bills all while singing the ABC song for the zillionth time SIMEOULTANEOUSLY!  Those teachers who do have families don’t usually take them to the classroom with them and they get BREAKS!  Sometimes I think someone should lock me up…  I am insane for trying to do this! 

But with time a few lessons have been learned.  The children are getting something out of it too, I think!  J  All of that was NOT yesterday…  it was about half a decade ago and while new challenges arise everyday, it is definitely NOT like it was then. 

Things I wish I’d known:

 

1. USE POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE to your benefit!  This is a little tip that came to me while contemplating how teachers do it.  When one child succeeds, EVERYONE cheers.  When one child is misbehaving try complimenting the other children before reprimanding the misguided child, when possible.
2. Try UNIT STUDIES for every subject possible!  This is a WONDERFUL invention and I wish I had learned it years earlier!
3. Consider implementing a PREDICTABLE ROUTINE!  Don’t be inflexible, but have a game plan.  Don’t forget to always have a PLAN B and C, as well!  You will be glad you did!
4. Become a LIST MAKER.  I had a list of what to pack in the diaper bag, for instance.  It was laminated and tied to the handle.  It saved me from having to try to remember what I needed when in a rush!  What a life saver!
5. Utilize your older children’s new skills…  not only will having them help teach their siblings lighten your load just a bit, it will reinforce what they have learned in a tangible and meaningful way.  Sometimes, this happens all by itself.  We call it “The Trickle Down Theory" in our house. It is amazing how much younger sibling learn from listening to each other learn!
6. AVOID OVER-COMMITMENT.  It is easy to feel that your children need to be involved in every wonderful class, co-op, and extra curricular activity available, but try to think it terms of not what is GOOD, but what is BEST.  Is it ETERNAL?  Will it have lasting benefits?  How does it fit into the big picture?
7. FIND SUPPORT.  If you don’t have time (or the energy) to attend a local MOPS group or similar organization, set aside an evening a week to check out great websites or blogs! You will be blessed as you are able to both GIVE and RECEIVE encouragement!  My favorite is MOMYS.COM.  You will usually find me there on Wednesday nights chatting with other Mothers Of Many Young Siblings!
8. PRAY.  God WILL give you strength and you’ll be amazed at what He does!  

Next time someone says, “Do you run a daycare?” or “You certainly have your hands full!” or “Are they all yours?”  Just remember that you are most definitely NOT alone and it CAN be done!

Lovingly and Prayerfully,

Christina 

Christina and her family are in their 11th year of homeschooling.  They believe that it CAN be done despite the many challenges of life! Every member of a family brings its own unique needs and blessings.  Maybe some of what they have learned can be a blessing to YOU!

Curious about The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine but not quite ready to commit to a subscription without seeing it first? Check it out for FREE! We're so certain you'll love our publication that we'll gladly send a FREE sample to anyone new to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine - we even cover the shipping!

... Click here for more information ...