Hi Ladies,
This is our first year using Heart of Dakota, and my children are really enjoying the program. I really love this program too, but I am feeling very overwhelmed with using two guides and trying to stay on top of a very busy two year old. I am doing Preparing with my 4th grader, and Beyond half-speed with my 1st grader. I am so busy trying to do their guides that I am not able to give my 2 year old the attention that she needs, and now it is starting to show with her behavior. I guess I want to know how all of you work a couple of guides and still give your younger children the attention they need. I would love to hear any suggestions at this point. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Maureen
How do you schedule everything?
-
Tree House Academy
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 7:40 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Re: How do you schedule everything?
My kids are 11 and 7; 6th grade and 2nd grade, respectively. My 11 year old is doing CTC and he is really independent. That helps...a lot! While he works on his independent work, I work with ds 7 on Beyond. Ds7 usually finishes beyond in 2-2.5 hours and then I finish up with ds 11 on the things he can not do by himself. I do not have a two year old to take care of, though, and I am sure that makes things much easier for me.
Can you try to do the majority of the one on one time during your younger child's nap? I know a 4th grader isn't going to be 100% independent yet, but I am sure there are some things he/she can do alone to free you to work with the 1st grader. Doing Beyond full speed, it takes us 2 hrs, so really just a good hour of work should be sufficient for half pace, correct? When my younger ds was 2, nap time was 2 hours...even if he played in his room for the last hour. We both needed the break.
Another option is to have your younger do "school" too. I have a friend who makes up all sorts of little activities for her youngers while she does school with her olders. She has a rice bin with little cups in it for the kids to scoop and pour, a water table, puzzles, markers and crayons with coloring sheets, dress up clothes, and I can't think of all the rest. She sets hers up like stations (kind of like you see in a ps preschool) and her youngers do the stations seperately (to keep down the noise). She only opens certain stations on certain days so the kids dont' have free run and then end up bored. She also sets a timer so the kids know how long to play there.
I would say between nap and some sort of center type stations, you could have your 2 year old occupied for 3-4 hours *happily* while you spend the time you need to educate your older kids!
Another thing I did when ds7 was little is let him do some things with is brother. If older ds was doing, say, a science experiment that younger ds could "help" with, then I let younger ds join in. When I read aloud, I let younger ds pull up a chair too. If older ds had to color something or make something, I let younger ds make the same thing (or something similar) too.
Hope some of this helps!
Can you try to do the majority of the one on one time during your younger child's nap? I know a 4th grader isn't going to be 100% independent yet, but I am sure there are some things he/she can do alone to free you to work with the 1st grader. Doing Beyond full speed, it takes us 2 hrs, so really just a good hour of work should be sufficient for half pace, correct? When my younger ds was 2, nap time was 2 hours...even if he played in his room for the last hour. We both needed the break.
Another option is to have your younger do "school" too. I have a friend who makes up all sorts of little activities for her youngers while she does school with her olders. She has a rice bin with little cups in it for the kids to scoop and pour, a water table, puzzles, markers and crayons with coloring sheets, dress up clothes, and I can't think of all the rest. She sets hers up like stations (kind of like you see in a ps preschool) and her youngers do the stations seperately (to keep down the noise). She only opens certain stations on certain days so the kids dont' have free run and then end up bored. She also sets a timer so the kids know how long to play there.
I would say between nap and some sort of center type stations, you could have your 2 year old occupied for 3-4 hours *happily* while you spend the time you need to educate your older kids!Another thing I did when ds7 was little is let him do some things with is brother. If older ds was doing, say, a science experiment that younger ds could "help" with, then I let younger ds join in. When I read aloud, I let younger ds pull up a chair too. If older ds had to color something or make something, I let younger ds make the same thing (or something similar) too.
Hope some of this helps!
~Rebecca~
ds13(8th) - Rev to Rev w/ TT Pre-Algebra, R&S English 6, CLE Reading 8, Rosetta Stone French
ds9 (4th) - Preparing Hearts, TT Math 4, R&S English 3, CLE Reading 4, & Writeshop Jr.
We have completed LHFHG, BLHFHG, Bigger, CTC, & RTR.
ds13(8th) - Rev to Rev w/ TT Pre-Algebra, R&S English 6, CLE Reading 8, Rosetta Stone French
ds9 (4th) - Preparing Hearts, TT Math 4, R&S English 3, CLE Reading 4, & Writeshop Jr.
We have completed LHFHG, BLHFHG, Bigger, CTC, & RTR.
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Welcome! I'd definitely start the school day doing 15 min of something with the 2yo - read books, playdoh, puzzles, etc. Hopefully that would "fill up his mommy tank", so to speak, for you to work with the older 2 for a bit while he's up. When my dd was 2, I put some of her toys into special "school time only" boxes, and bought a few things at the thrift store, and borrowed a few toys from friends, and started bringing those boxes out only during school time. Not all boxes everyday either, I rotated them on a weekly schedule as soon as I had enough boxes. That started us out with 15 min of time where she was occupied, and grew to 45 m after a bit of practice and maturity. I also started a list of sensory (ie, messy 
) activities I could set her up with for another 15-30m chunk of occupied time - playing with funnnels, cups, quirters in a sink or a small tub outside, playdoh, a bin of beans and cups/scoopers, shaving cream on a tray etc. If you're open to letting her watch a dvd, you can schedule one of those in as well. The library usually has the Leapfrog ones, or the baby einstein ones. HTH 
) activities I could set her up with for another 15-30m chunk of occupied time - playing with funnnels, cups, quirters in a sink or a small tub outside, playdoh, a bin of beans and cups/scoopers, shaving cream on a tray etc. If you're open to letting her watch a dvd, you can schedule one of those in as well. The library usually has the Leapfrog ones, or the baby einstein ones. HTH Kristen
Loved LHTH & LHFHG
DS8 (2nd) WWE1, HOD dictation, Sequential Spelling, SM 2B, VP OT/AE & SOTW1 history, Song School Latin, Getting Started With Spanish
DD6 (K) Saxon Math 1, VP Phonics Museum K
DD3 cutting, gluing, more cutting
Loved LHTH & LHFHG
DS8 (2nd) WWE1, HOD dictation, Sequential Spelling, SM 2B, VP OT/AE & SOTW1 history, Song School Latin, Getting Started With Spanish
DD6 (K) Saxon Math 1, VP Phonics Museum K
DD3 cutting, gluing, more cutting
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Hello and Welcome! I also have a very busy two year old. When we first started this school year I too was at a loss as to what to do. I would say spending time with my two year old first is vitally important. Also for my girl it is better for us to include her than try to have her occupied elsewhere. She colors, plays playdoh and picks stickers off of sheets to put on paper, LOVES this. I also include her in dd3 LHTH as much as possible and I have been surprised what she has been able to do. Each of my bigger girls helps one of the smaller girls with their crafts etc. so that helps too. I know a lot of people say to wait until nap time but unless you have a very predictable napper I wouldn't recommend this. Some days I have thought that it would just be easier to wait until nap time to do Beyond with my big girls and then those were the days dd2 wouldn't nap for whatever reason and so I wasted my whole morning waiting for nap time and had to scramble when I realized it wasn't going to happen that day. I still do sometimes save read aloud time for nap time but not all of our work as this is when I like to tidy up as well. Hope you figure out what works for your little lady and just remember it passes all too quickly really even though it doesnt't seem to when you're going through it.
for whatever reason and so I wasted my whole morning waiting for nap time and had to scramble when I realized it wasn't going to happen that day. I still do sometimes save read aloud time for nap time but not all of our work as this is when I like to tidy up as well. Hope you figure out what works for your little lady and just remember it passes all too quickly really even though it doesnt't seem to when you're going through it.Gina
married to dh 2000
dd 12/01 Bigger
dd 08/03 Bigger
dd 03/07 LHTH
dd 06/08 LHTH
married to dh 2000
dd 12/01 Bigger
dd 08/03 Bigger
dd 03/07 LHTH
dd 06/08 LHTH
Re: How do you schedule everything?
I too have a very busy AND loud 2yo. It helps a lot to do some school with her first, we have LHTH. Another thing that works well is doing story time and read aloud during meals. I will eat while I cook so when I get it to the table they can eat and listen. If you have a fenced in backyard, you could do school outside. I will sit with one boy and school while the other plays with the 2yo, and then we switch. I have also put them all in the tub and you could do copy work or narration on the wall with those bathtub crayons. My 2 yo loves to listen to the music and participate in art.
We all start with math, she sits with us and plays with counting frogs.
It helps a lot to do some school with her first, we have LHTH. Another thing that works well is doing story time and read aloud during meals. I will eat while I cook so when I get it to the table they can eat and listen. If you have a fenced in backyard, you could do school outside. I will sit with one boy and school while the other plays with the 2yo, and then we switch. I have also put them all in the tub and you could do copy work or narration on the wall with those bathtub crayons. My 2 yo loves to listen to the music and participate in art. We all start with math, she sits with us and plays with counting frogs.
Alexis- Firefighter wife and mom to 3
Blake 11
Ashton 7
Brynna 4
Blake 11
Ashton 7
Brynna 4
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Hi Maureen, and welcome to the HOD Board! You've gotten such good ideas here already. I know it is busy with a toddler in the mix - I have one myself, and he's a ball of fire. I agree it's important to fill up the toddler's love tank first. I started LHTH half-speed for this purpose, but for now you could just plan 15 minutes with him first thing in the day, maybe doing something active if he's a mover and a shaker. 
As far as doing 2 guides, I like blocks of time. We are doing RTR, Bigger half-speed, and LHTH now. I schedule blocks of time with each child, and that has been a real help for me. Your dc are old enough to each have a 30 minute (or more) playtime with your toddler. I do this, and while one is playing with our toddler, I am working with the other son. This not only gives us quiet work time 1:1, it also continues to fill the toddler's emotional tank. Here is a copy of our schedule this year, so you can see what I mean about blocks of teaching time:
While I am not always right on for times in our schedule, we keep the routine of it the same. This is so important for me, as it stops all of the constant onslaught of questions..."Mom, what's next?", "Do I play with toddler today?", "Can I do reading now?", etc.
Another thing that helps is to teach the older dc as much independence as possible. My oldest ds uses the HOD guide as his own. He is responsible for reading the boxes of plans, getting out the materials he needs, doing the "I" boxes on his own, checking off the boxes as he finishes them, putting away his own materials, handing in his things on the counter to be checked, etc. I realized he was interrupting me with questions like, "What do I do now?", "Where should I put this?", "Can you get my math book, Mom?", etc. Once we had a routine way of doing things, a routine place for materials, a routine place to hand things in, etc. life became so much e-a-s-i-e-r! We start working on this independence already in Bigger Hearts. Your child doing PHFHG should be ready for this level of independence too.
A few things that helped us with teaching independence...
*a copy of the schedule for everyone
*a rule of not interrupting mom when it's not your time with her (your time will be coming)
*2 sets of art supplies in a mobile container (so each child can have his own)
*2 places to work (so each child can spread out and have his own work space)
*2 plastic tubs for each child, one with books we are using right now, and one with the books we will use later in the year (i.e. one DITHOR book, 1 storytime book, etc. in the "now" tub; the other books in the "later" tub)
*hand things in to be corrected on the counter
If you get a chance to post your schedule, we can all help with ideas for that too! I hope something here helps, but here are some great links for things to do with the toddler too:
What to do with toddlers while schooling:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=198&p=33557
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4987&p=36744#p36744
Here is a current thread about a similar topic too:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7649
In Christ,
Julie
You've gotten such good ideas here already. I know it is busy with a toddler in the mix - I have one myself, and he's a ball of fire. I agree it's important to fill up the toddler's love tank first. I started LHTH half-speed for this purpose, but for now you could just plan 15 minutes with him first thing in the day, maybe doing something active if he's a mover and a shaker. As far as doing 2 guides, I like blocks of time. We are doing RTR, Bigger half-speed, and LHTH now. I schedule blocks of time with each child, and that has been a real help for me. Your dc are old enough to each have a 30 minute (or more) playtime with your toddler. I do this, and while one is playing with our toddler, I am working with the other son. This not only gives us quiet work time 1:1, it also continues to fill the toddler's emotional tank.
Here is a copy of our schedule this year, so you can see what I mean about blocks of teaching time:
While I am not always right on for times in our schedule, we keep the routine of it the same. This is so important for me, as it stops all of the constant onslaught of questions..."Mom, what's next?", "Do I play with toddler today?", "Can I do reading now?", etc.
Another thing that helps is to teach the older dc as much independence as possible. My oldest ds uses the HOD guide as his own. He is responsible for reading the boxes of plans, getting out the materials he needs, doing the "I" boxes on his own, checking off the boxes as he finishes them, putting away his own materials, handing in his things on the counter to be checked, etc. I realized he was interrupting me with questions like, "What do I do now?", "Where should I put this?", "Can you get my math book, Mom?", etc. Once we had a routine way of doing things, a routine place for materials, a routine place to hand things in, etc. life became so much e-a-s-i-e-r!
We start working on this independence already in Bigger Hearts. Your child doing PHFHG should be ready for this level of independence too. A few things that helped us with teaching independence...
*a copy of the schedule for everyone
*a rule of not interrupting mom when it's not your time with her (your time will be coming)
*2 sets of art supplies in a mobile container (so each child can have his own)
*2 places to work (so each child can spread out and have his own work space)
*2 plastic tubs for each child, one with books we are using right now, and one with the books we will use later in the year (i.e. one DITHOR book, 1 storytime book, etc. in the "now" tub; the other books in the "later" tub)
*hand things in to be corrected on the counter
If you get a chance to post your schedule, we can all help with ideas for that too! I hope something here helps, but here are some great links for things to do with the toddler too:
What to do with toddlers while schooling:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=198&p=33557
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4987&p=36744#p36744
Here is a current thread about a similar topic too:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7649
In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Thank you ladies so much for all of your help! I am still going back and forth with what to do with my school year. I am going to sit down and really figure out a schedule that will work for everyone in the family. This year just seems to be very challenging compared to past years. Part of me has been feeling like I can not do this anymore, and I want to give up. Another part of me is feeling like I really need to change my attitude about school. I know homeschooling takes work on our parts, but I feel like it is just too overwhelming to deal with. Then I feel like there will always be work to do, and we may not always like it, but we still need to strive to do our best. This is one thing I tell my kids all the time, and I guess I am learning this lesson right now. I really just need to depend on God and trust that he will give me the guidance and strength I need to work past this. You have really been wonderful in taking the time to share with me your suggestions, and I am honestly looking closely at everything that you have said. Thanks again!
Maureen
Maureen
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Oh Maureen - I think we are all such in such a very, very busy stage of life right now! I am so sorry you are feeling this way. I would like to try to help somehow if I can! It IS hard work to homeschool, you are so very right. But then again, it is hard work to parent whether you homeschool or not. I think homeschooling hopefully just gives us more time to try to get a handle on doing it the best we can. We have sheer time on our hands, right?!? I have had times when I am discouraged, and very tired. These are times when I get to the end of the day and think, "Where did today go?" In those times, one big thing that helps me is to jot down what's really happening in my day, and what is really making me feel exhausted. I have done this because I really sometimes could not say exactly what we did all day, or what exactly was making me tense. Do you think this may help you too? I just jot down the approximate time we did each thing, and any and all stressors throughout the day. One time I figured out what was really making my homeschooling hard was the noise level, and I had to find ways to move our toddler away from us during the "hard thinking" subjects. Another time I figured out my dc were wasting time with certain school subjects, and then setting the timer helped with that. Another time I realized I was trying to do chores throughout schooling because I was overwhelmed with them. I then made chore charts and had the kiddos learn how to help me. Still another time, I figured out I was answering the phone and getting side-tracked by talking on it too much during schooling, which made us all frustrated. This year I asked my dh not to call us until after lunch, as I love to talk to him but was soooo stressed as I did as after I talked to him, each of the children did, and he'd think of a few chores he wanted them to do right then - and before I knew it, our day was really long. Now that he calls after lunch, we all enjoy talking with him without getting behind, and he can have the boys do chores he wants without interrupting our school day. One time I realized I was exhausted, just plain exhausted. I went to the doctor as I had other symptoms too, and found my thyroid was not working properly. Getting on medication has helped, but I need to continue to really monitor it. Another time I realized that though I'd planned time to work individually with each child, it wasn't working out that way because the other children were always interrupting and asking for help or just asking questions in general. We now have a "no interrupting rule". Anyway, I just share all of this because I cannot tell you how many times I figured out that what is really bringing me stress is not necessarily school related. It's more how our overall day goes, health concerns, house concerns, attitudes of the heart, or financial worries. If you get a chance to figure out any specific stressors, I would love to help you brainstorm some things you could try to alleviate them! I bet other ladies would too, and I bet other ladies could benefit from the ideas as well - me included. It is truly empowering to pinpoint a few or even a handful of things to work on, as opposed to just feeling like the whole thing isn't working. Let me know if you'd like to do this - but regardless of whether this is something you're interested in or not, I hope something here helps, and I have prayed for you!
In Christ,
Julie
It IS hard work to homeschool, you are so very right. But then again, it is hard work to parent whether you homeschool or not. I think homeschooling hopefully just gives us more time to try to get a handle on doing it the best we can. We have sheer time on our hands, right?!? I have had times when I am discouraged, and very tired. These are times when I get to the end of the day and think, "Where did today go?" In those times, one big thing that helps me is to jot down what's really happening in my day, and what is really making me feel exhausted. I have done this because I really sometimes could not say exactly what we did all day, or what exactly was making me tense. Do you think this may help you too? I just jot down the approximate time we did each thing, and any and all stressors throughout the day. One time I figured out what was really making my homeschooling hard was the noise level, and I had to find ways to move our toddler away from us during the "hard thinking" subjects. Another time I figured out my dc were wasting time with certain school subjects, and then setting the timer helped with that. Another time I realized I was trying to do chores throughout schooling because I was overwhelmed with them. I then made chore charts and had the kiddos learn how to help me. Still another time, I figured out I was answering the phone and getting side-tracked by talking on it too much during schooling, which made us all frustrated. This year I asked my dh not to call us until after lunch, as I love to talk to him but was soooo stressed as I did as after I talked to him, each of the children did, and he'd think of a few chores he wanted them to do right then - and before I knew it, our day was really long. Now that he calls after lunch, we all enjoy talking with him without getting behind, and he can have the boys do chores he wants without interrupting our school day. One time I realized I was exhausted, just plain exhausted. I went to the doctor as I had other symptoms too, and found my thyroid was not working properly. Getting on medication has helped, but I need to continue to really monitor it. Another time I realized that though I'd planned time to work individually with each child, it wasn't working out that way because the other children were always interrupting and asking for help or just asking questions in general. We now have a "no interrupting rule". Anyway, I just share all of this because I cannot tell you how many times I figured out that what is really bringing me stress is not necessarily school related. It's more how our overall day goes, health concerns, house concerns, attitudes of the heart, or financial worries. If you get a chance to figure out any specific stressors, I would love to help you brainstorm some things you could try to alleviate them! I bet other ladies would too, and I bet other ladies could benefit from the ideas as well - me included. It is truly empowering to pinpoint a few or even a handful of things to work on, as opposed to just feeling like the whole thing isn't working. Let me know if you'd like to do this - but regardless of whether this is something you're interested in or not, I hope something here helps, and I have prayed for you! In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Wow, Julie, I needed to hear that! Hopefully it was encouraging to you also, Maureen . I took your advice lastnight, and began to make a list of the things that have been building up to discouragement for me these past several weeks. I noticed a common thread emerging, that I need to just get up an hour earlier to be able to have a few quiet minutes alone to pray through my day, and get things organized and ready for our schooling to begin. I must confess it is not going to be easy for me to stick with this decision! For starters, I've never been a morning person... 
. Furthermore, my husband's work schedule keeps me up until after midnight each night-unless I'm ready to give up those few minutes I get each day with just the two of us, and I'm not! Also, pregnancy is adding to my fatigue. So, prayerfully, I step ahead with this plan, trusting that God will grant me the strength to get through these next few months (and then the baby will be born and the tiredness will really begin 
!) with fewer hours at night, and hopefully fill in the gaps with some afternoon naps as I need them .
. I took your advice lastnight, and began to make a list of the things that have been building up to discouragement for me these past several weeks. I noticed a common thread emerging, that I need to just get up an hour earlier to be able to have a few quiet minutes alone to pray through my day, and get things organized and ready for our schooling to begin. I must confess it is not going to be easy for me to stick with this decision! For starters, I've never been a morning person... . Furthermore, my husband's work schedule keeps me up until after midnight each night-unless I'm ready to give up those few minutes I get each day with just the two of us, and I'm not! Also, pregnancy is adding to my fatigue. So, prayerfully, I step ahead with this plan, trusting that God will grant me the strength to get through these next few months (and then the baby will be born and the tiredness will really begin !) with fewer hours at night, and hopefully fill in the gaps with some afternoon naps as I need them .Becky, married to my preacher-man and raising:
DD 12-7th grade public school
DS 10-Preparing
DS 8-Beyond
DS 3-Just doin' his thing
DD 12-7th grade public school
DS 10-Preparing
DS 8-Beyond
DS 3-Just doin' his thing
Re: How do you schedule everything?
mom23 - I'm so glad you were able to figure out what you want to change to feel more at peace with your day! I'm glad I am not the only one who needs to reflect on my day and change things periodically. I am so proud of you that you pinpointed you want time alone with the Lord, as well as time to organize for your day. Those are excellent goals! As I was reading your post, I was remembering how very tired I was last time I was expecting, and also how I was often up until midnight because I could not fall asleep when my dh was gone. I do think you will need some naps - hugs to you!!! I actually am a morning person, but when I was expecting I just could not get up early. That got me to wondering, do you happen to have any time before dh comes home, maybe after dc are in bed, and before he's home? If so, maybe you could organize things for school then instead of getting up early? You could possibly do your devotions then too, though if you want to start your day with that (and that is a lovely refreshing way to start your day), then maybe just that could be what you get up a little early for. Last time I was expecting, I remember actually writing down everything I was doing in the morning, and making a list of which things could really be done the night before. I found my list from way back... it seems like this was so long ago now... but here it is...
THINGS TO BE DONE THE NIGHT BEFORE HOMESCHOOL
Earlier…
1. Pick up the downstairs.
2. Bring up the things on the steps.
3. Set Wyatt’s and Riley’s alarms.
Later…
1. Trade out the old kitchen washcloth and towel for clean ones.
2. Set out the breakfast things (2 vitamins, bowls/spoons or plates, food)
M/T/R = dry cereal/toast, W = pop tarts and dried fruit, F = oatmeal
3. Put 2 sippy cups of juice in the fridge.
4. Put coffee and water in the coffee pot.
5. Put snacks in two lidded cups on counter.
6. Take out any frozen meat needed for the next day.
7. Empty the kitchen garbages if they are full.
Anyway, I think if you are able to get up - HOORAY! But if it's really just too difficult right now, I just thought I'd throw out an alternative back-up plan. Thanks for responding here, and I pray however you choose to make changes in your day, that your results are what you desire them to be!
Love in Christ,
Julie
I'm glad I am not the only one who needs to reflect on my day and change things periodically. I am so proud of you that you pinpointed you want time alone with the Lord, as well as time to organize for your day. Those are excellent goals! As I was reading your post, I was remembering how very tired I was last time I was expecting, and also how I was often up until midnight because I could not fall asleep when my dh was gone. I do think you will need some naps - hugs to you!!! I actually am a morning person, but when I was expecting I just could not get up early. That got me to wondering, do you happen to have any time before dh comes home, maybe after dc are in bed, and before he's home? If so, maybe you could organize things for school then instead of getting up early? You could possibly do your devotions then too, though if you want to start your day with that (and that is a lovely refreshing way to start your day), then maybe just that could be what you get up a little early for. Last time I was expecting, I remember actually writing down everything I was doing in the morning, and making a list of which things could really be done the night before. I found my list from way back... it seems like this was so long ago now... but here it is...THINGS TO BE DONE THE NIGHT BEFORE HOMESCHOOL
Earlier…
1. Pick up the downstairs.
2. Bring up the things on the steps.
3. Set Wyatt’s and Riley’s alarms.
Later…
1. Trade out the old kitchen washcloth and towel for clean ones.
2. Set out the breakfast things (2 vitamins, bowls/spoons or plates, food)
M/T/R = dry cereal/toast, W = pop tarts and dried fruit, F = oatmeal
3. Put 2 sippy cups of juice in the fridge.
4. Put coffee and water in the coffee pot.
5. Put snacks in two lidded cups on counter.
6. Take out any frozen meat needed for the next day.
7. Empty the kitchen garbages if they are full.
Anyway, I think if you are able to get up - HOORAY! But if it's really just too difficult right now, I just thought I'd throw out an alternative back-up plan. Thanks for responding here, and I pray however you choose to make changes in your day, that your results are what you desire them to be!
Love in Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for your post. You are such an encouragement! I am happy to say that I sat down and came up with a solid schedule for all of us. I am so excited about this! It looks very doable. That is one stress that I feel is lifted from me. I also got to thinking about what you said about how a lot of the time it's not even school that causes the stress. Wow, I never really thought of it this way! I always point to school when I am overwhelmed, but now I realize that I am overwhelmed because of other things and basically take it out on school. I hope that makes sense. I have let so many things cloud my judgment and thoughts on homeschool. I also thought about the different things that bring on stress. One thing that I have found is that my husband works 2nd shift and is home sometimes during the day. It is so difficult to do school when I want to hang out with him. I'm not really sure how to schedule around that. Another BIG thing is my 2 year old daughter. Saying she is strong-willed would be an understatement. She tests me all day long and now even at bedtime for hours some nights. I just feel so exhausted dealing with her, that when my older children want my attention, I am too tired to think. Then I feel so guilty for giving them the time and attention they need and deserve. I also realized that I have serious issues with my attitude and outlook on my life. I have been approaching it far too long as a chore to raise my kids. I really struggle with being a joyful mom and wife. I so want to be that for my family. Lastly, I too struggle with some hormonal issues. I have every symptom for an underactive thyroid, but because the blood tests do not show that, the doctors will do nothing. Both my husband and I have seen many changes in both my physical and mental health. That is definitely one of the most frustrating things I deal with. So I guess I have many things to work on, but I trust that God will help me through this season in my life. I also wanted to say that my son had a memory verse from his Beyond guide a few weeks ago(Galatians 6:9) that really spoke to me. I really do feel that the way I am raising my children is the right way, and it can be tiring, but God's word is so wonderful and encouraging. I am trusting the Lord when he says, "Be not weary in well doing: for in due season you shall reap, if we faint not." His timing is just perfect. I needed to hear those words that week, and thanks to HOD not only my son, but I have memorized them. So, thanks again for taking the time to read this, and for offering to help me. Really hoping you don't think I'm crazy.
Thank you so much for your post. You are such an encouragement! I am happy to say that I sat down and came up with a solid schedule for all of us. I am so excited about this! It looks very doable. That is one stress that I feel is lifted from me. I also got to thinking about what you said about how a lot of the time it's not even school that causes the stress. Wow, I never really thought of it this way! I always point to school when I am overwhelmed, but now I realize that I am overwhelmed because of other things and basically take it out on school. I hope that makes sense. I have let so many things cloud my judgment and thoughts on homeschool. I also thought about the different things that bring on stress. One thing that I have found is that my husband works 2nd shift and is home sometimes during the day. It is so difficult to do school when I want to hang out with him. I'm not really sure how to schedule around that. Another BIG thing is my 2 year old daughter. Saying she is strong-willed would be an understatement. She tests me all day long and now even at bedtime for hours some nights. I just feel so exhausted dealing with her, that when my older children want my attention, I am too tired to think. Then I feel so guilty for giving them the time and attention they need and deserve. I also realized that I have serious issues with my attitude and outlook on my life. I have been approaching it far too long as a chore to raise my kids. I really struggle with being a joyful mom and wife. I so want to be that for my family. Lastly, I too struggle with some hormonal issues. I have every symptom for an underactive thyroid, but because the blood tests do not show that, the doctors will do nothing. Both my husband and I have seen many changes in both my physical and mental health. That is definitely one of the most frustrating things I deal with. So I guess I have many things to work on, but I trust that God will help me through this season in my life. I also wanted to say that my son had a memory verse from his Beyond guide a few weeks ago(Galatians 6:9) that really spoke to me. I really do feel that the way I am raising my children is the right way, and it can be tiring, but God's word is so wonderful and encouraging. I am trusting the Lord when he says, "Be not weary in well doing: for in due season you shall reap, if we faint not." His timing is just perfect. I needed to hear those words that week, and thanks to HOD not only my son, but I have memorized them. So, thanks again for taking the time to read this, and for offering to help me. Really hoping you don't think I'm crazy.
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Well, of course you are not crazy dear, you have a lot on your plate! Hugs to you first! You've done some great reflecting here. It looks like the first thing to consider is how you can spend time with your dh when he's home, and yet still get school done. I know other ladies on this board have dh's who are home during the day sometimes, or who have split shifts. Can any of you ladies share what works for you and your dh/family? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
Second, it sounds like 2 yo dd is in her terrible 2's. So sorry! They can be difficult, and for some more than others. When you made your schedule, did you schedule things for little 2 yo? If so, that will be good to try and see how it goes. One thing I've had to do is make the toddler's schedule first, and then fill in our older kids from that. Our little guy is L-O-U-D! And he's highly social, or in other words, doesn't play well by himself. If you get a chance to try your schedule and then share any struggles with 2 yo during it here, we'll all pitch in with ideas to try to get her under control!
Third, you sound like you are exhausted. I have thyroid troubles too, so I know how tiring that can be. Do you think you could get a second opinion? Could it be you are anemic? Are you taking a good multi-vitamin? I'm no doctor, but I had to go to 3 doctors before I got my thyroid problem under raps. Little 2 yo needs to get to bed and sleep at night too - so you can! What happens with little pumpkin at night? Maybe we could all chime in with ideas to help with that too. Maybe you could get your dh's advice on that - even though he's not there - maybe he'll have some good ideas.
I am praying for you, but I think it is awesome you've identified what is stressing you out, and that you have a schedule to try. I hope something here helps!
Love in Christ,
Julie
You've done some great reflecting here. It looks like the first thing to consider is how you can spend time with your dh when he's home, and yet still get school done. I know other ladies on this board have dh's who are home during the day sometimes, or who have split shifts. Can any of you ladies share what works for you and your dh/family? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.Second, it sounds like 2 yo dd is in her terrible 2's. So sorry! They can be difficult, and for some more than others. When you made your schedule, did you schedule things for little 2 yo? If so, that will be good to try and see how it goes. One thing I've had to do is make the toddler's schedule first, and then fill in our older kids from that. Our little guy is L-O-U-D! And he's highly social, or in other words, doesn't play well by himself.
If you get a chance to try your schedule and then share any struggles with 2 yo during it here, we'll all pitch in with ideas to try to get her under control! Third, you sound like you are exhausted. I have thyroid troubles too, so I know how tiring that can be. Do you think you could get a second opinion? Could it be you are anemic? Are you taking a good multi-vitamin? I'm no doctor, but I had to go to 3 doctors before I got my thyroid problem under raps. Little 2 yo needs to get to bed and sleep at night too - so you can! What happens with little pumpkin at night? Maybe we could all chime in with ideas to help with that too. Maybe you could get your dh's advice on that - even though he's not there - maybe he'll have some good ideas.
I am praying for you, but I think it is awesome you've identified what is stressing you out, and that you have a schedule to try. I hope something here helps!
Love in Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
Re: How do you schedule everything?
Maureen,
I feel for you! Don't know how much help I can offer, but I'll try to tell you some of the things we've tried to do.
My husband also works 2nd shift. When we first started homeschool I wanted to try to do school in the afternoons so that we could all enjoy our mornings with Daddy. That did not work at all! I found we definitely needed those morning hours for our brains to be fresh enough for school work. 9 seems to work for us-not too early for Mommy to function; but we're still fresh for the day! Once in a while I will ask dh to help one of the kids-today he listened to both of them read to him. He also started a PE class for them 3 days a week. Gives the kids some fun with Daddy, helps them burn off some energy, and gives me a much-enjoyed few minutes of quiet (our 3 yr. old loves to play along, or just do his own thing in the corner while they play catch with footballs or basketballs.) In general, my husband is a huge help with my 3 yr. old. Letting him just tag along with whatever he's doing that morning. I know not all men are so willing to be strapped to a toddler or help out with the school day...
I try to squeeze my time with dh into mornings before school, or late at night after he gets home from work. I know that may not be realistic with fatigue...praying that you'll be able to get to the bottom of whatever's contributing to this! I agree with Julie-try to get a 2nd, or 3rd opinion until you can find someone willing to help you out!
Bedtimes can be incredibly difficult when you're at the end of your own energy level, and the kiddos are fighting it! Mine had a terrible time adjusting to going to sleep without Daddy in the house when he first started this work schedule. Something about the security of knowing that Dad's home! For my youngest, I had to do quite a bit of experimenting with his nap times. I know sometimes little ones can't sleep at night because they are actually overly tired, and moving their bedtime ahead even 15 mins. can be a huge help. With ours, I had to cut out his afternoon naps for about a month and get him used to falling asleep right away at night, and then have gradually brought the naps back a few days a week, or he gets to be too whiny, and difficult in general. I also staggered the bed times for our kids. The two youngest share a room, so giving the three-yr-old a chance to fall asleep before big brother was in the room helped both boys sleep better, and me retain sanity by not having those battles for the next 1 1/2 hrs!
My oldest was more of the "terrible two" toddler that you might be dealing with. I don't know what I would have done if she was on the younger end of the family, and I was trying to do school at the same time! Hopefully, you'll be able to find something that works for your family! Hang in there...praying for you
I feel for you! Don't know how much help I can offer, but I'll try to tell you some of the things we've tried to do.
My husband also works 2nd shift. When we first started homeschool I wanted to try to do school in the afternoons so that we could all enjoy our mornings with Daddy. That did not work at all! I found we definitely needed those morning hours for our brains to be fresh enough for school work. 9 seems to work for us-not too early for Mommy to function; but we're still fresh for the day! Once in a while I will ask dh to help one of the kids-today he listened to both of them read to him. He also started a PE class for them 3 days a week. Gives the kids some fun with Daddy, helps them burn off some energy, and gives me a much-enjoyed few minutes of quiet (our 3 yr. old loves to play along, or just do his own thing in the corner while they play catch with footballs or basketballs.) In general, my husband is a huge help with my 3 yr. old. Letting him just tag along with whatever he's doing that morning. I know not all men are so willing to be strapped to a toddler or help out with the school day...
I try to squeeze my time with dh into mornings before school, or late at night after he gets home from work. I know that may not be realistic with fatigue...praying that you'll be able to get to the bottom of whatever's contributing to this! I agree with Julie-try to get a 2nd, or 3rd opinion until you can find someone willing to help you out!
Bedtimes can be incredibly difficult when you're at the end of your own energy level, and the kiddos are fighting it! Mine had a terrible time adjusting to going to sleep without Daddy in the house when he first started this work schedule. Something about the security of knowing that Dad's home! For my youngest, I had to do quite a bit of experimenting with his nap times. I know sometimes little ones can't sleep at night because they are actually overly tired, and moving their bedtime ahead even 15 mins. can be a huge help. With ours, I had to cut out his afternoon naps for about a month and get him used to falling asleep right away at night, and then have gradually brought the naps back a few days a week, or he gets to be too whiny, and difficult in general. I also staggered the bed times for our kids. The two youngest share a room, so giving the three-yr-old a chance to fall asleep before big brother was in the room helped both boys sleep better, and me retain sanity by not having those battles for the next 1 1/2 hrs!
My oldest was more of the "terrible two" toddler that you might be dealing with. I don't know what I would have done if she was on the younger end of the family, and I was trying to do school at the same time! Hopefully, you'll be able to find something that works for your family! Hang in there...praying for you
Becky, married to my preacher-man and raising:
DD 12-7th grade public school
DS 10-Preparing
DS 8-Beyond
DS 3-Just doin' his thing
DD 12-7th grade public school
DS 10-Preparing
DS 8-Beyond
DS 3-Just doin' his thing