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We recently made the switch to HOD... My 8yo in Bigger, my 7yo in Little, and my 5yo and 3yo in LHTH.

Before this, my oldest did nearly everything independently. I really wasn't involved much at all. Now I read to her, sing with her, she sits on my lap some. It's just drawing us closer together. I'm thankful for that. Thank you, Carrie!

My 7yo wasn't independent at all, but he's requesting to sit on my lap while I read. He's very "selfish/protective" of his school and begs for it to be all his own and for the others to not be allowed to participate. I'm still struggling with how exactly to handle that. The others do (obviously) hear the reading, and truthfully, it's next to impossible for me to prevent them from joining in on the actions/rhymes. I like what this curriculum is doing for our relationship.

It is still a bit of a struggle to get my 5yo to participate (LHTH). The 3yo is beyond overly eager, but the 5yo wants to be outside in the snow, playing with tractors, or just doing something. I think it is really good that I'm starting him now with the LHTH rather than trying to do Little Hearts right away in the fall.

Anyhow, I just wanted to share how I see this is strengthening my relationships with my children. What a wonderful blessing!

I'm glad that you are being blessed through this curriculum. That is very encouraging to hear.

Julie,

I love to hear about your relationships growing with your children. I see it with mine too, and I know what you mean about allowing the oldest to be TOO independent. I have often let my own oldest son be too independent, and it is good to have that interaction with them.

My 6 year old is also VERY protective of his school time with me. He doesn't want the others to participate either.
So, what I've tried to do is to make sure that I do the left side of the guide with him all alone (which takes around 30 min.). Then, when he does his items on the right side of the guide, we allow the others to be nearby or right at the table with us. He doesn't seem to mind then, as he feels he's had his special time with me for the rest of his school.

Blessings,
Carrie

Julie - That is surely something to love. Our relationship with our dc drives the overall mood in our homes. HOD has helped me really spend time with each of our dc too - I think of homeschool time as our together time. HOD grows our relationships - as much as it expands our knowledge. I am so glad to hear of what's happening in your home. Strong family ties make for a strong family. Praising God with you for that!

In Christ ,
Julie