Hi Amy, and welcome to the HOD Board!
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Thank you for sharing about each of your dc. "How many programs are too many" is a good question, and one with layers of answers. We are doing 3 HOD guides now, and I find it very manageable. However, I only have 3 dc and no baby in the mix - I do have a dh that travels a lot and a part time job - but still, a smaller family and no baby
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. I do believe that the size of the family and whether there is a baby in the mix makes a difference. I also have used HOD for many years, and I added 1 child at a time to my teaching days. So, in general, to answer your question, I'd say I would probably not
begin with more than 3 HOD programs. Once you have a year under your belt, 4 is probably doable.
LHTH is a breeze, and often fills a need in a simple way - we began it early with our last son as it was the easiest, happiest, most fun way to get in my "mommy time" with him.
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The younger HOD guides require more teaching - rightly so - as dc are learning very important skills and cannot work well independently yet. So, Beyond and Bigger especially make sure to give us the opportunity as teachers to lay the groundwork in learning for years to come by having us teaching more. PHFHG on up slowly eases dc into more independent skills - again rightly so - which in turn lessens our teaching time. This progression of skills and recognition of our role as a teacher changing as our dc mature is what makes it very manageable for me to do 3 HOD guides.
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So, let me ask you a question - let's say it would be a good idea to consider starting HOD with 3 guides? Which of your dc could most likely be combined together? Keeping in mind HOD's rich teaching methods - it's usually a good idea to choose the younger of 2 programs and beef up for the olders by using extensions or by upping LA and math. When you get the chance could you try to share your thoughts on that? HOD is such an amazing way to teach dc - I do think you'll find a good fit here - it's just really worth the time to figure out placement. Looking forward to getting to know you here!
In Christ,
Julie