What to Do With Toddlers

 Thanks for all the great responses to the homeschool question, "What do I do with the baby/toddler while I'm trying to teach school?"  You can read other mom's great ideas in the comments of the last post.  I'm hoping to get a few more on there pretty soon.

 While we're waiting...
I thought I'd show you a little snapshot of the last five years or so of our life.  Since Benjamin is the seventh baby, of course we've got lots more little helpers to choose from.  But we've also got lots more students in our school!  Six, to be exact.  This past school year ranged from preschool to a Senior in high school!  And to be perfectly honest with you, it has been totally do-able!

So, here we go...

  I am a firm believer in the playpen.  OK, you're right, it's called a pack-n-play.  But it's also a pen.  And that is what makes it so wonderful!

It's easiest if you start out young with this.  And only use it when you really need to.  Keep special toys in there that only stay in there.  And rotate them often so they don't get boring.

  Be sure to check every time for random things that might have gotten thrown in there by munchkins.  (Ben choked on a nickel once!)  Yikes!









I also advocate snacks... Lots of snacks!

And safe, hard-to-pick-up snacks that take a long time are best.

 And also teach hand-eye coordination.  So, it's sortof like schoolwork!

 Either hard-to-eat or delicious.  Both are good.

Keep in mind, your sanity is at stake here.



Take full advantage of the highchair.   Do school at the table.  That way baby doesn't feel left out.





Use lots of unconventional "toys."

They are cheaper.

They don't get boring as fast.

When they do, you can put them back where they belong.


Oh my gosh!  Is he cute or what??







           Back to the highchair.












Back to the playpen.

 Keep it in the "schoolroom,"  which at this house was in the dining room.  Include books for "school time."  That way baby feels included.


Praise God for nap time!

Use that time for the main part of your school with the older kids.  Do not take a nap!  (Unless you're pregnant... in that case it's pretty much unavoidable.)  Babies sleep at least 3-4 hours during the day.  Toddlers, 2-3.  Even my 5 year old takes a 1-2 hour nap.  Naps are a Godsend!

And here's that suggestion that really helps when all else fails...

Assign a bigger kid to babysit.

They learn lots of responsibility.  And have a break from their own schoolwork.
We usually did this in 30 min. "shifts" during quiet school time.  Big kids usually play outside or upstairs or read to the little one.  Puzzles or phonics games are great for this time, too.

Give "schoolwork" to toddlers.

Nothing hard or annoying.  Nothing that takes time for you to teach.  Just "busy work."  It's called that for a reason.  And little kids are so proud to have their "schoolwork" displayed on the fridge with everyone else's!

And when all else fails, and you're at the end of your rope... Last but not least...

Get an iPad.

Just kidding.  We were at the apple store.  But, dude, that thing was amazing!

OK, hope that helps...

Feel free to add any other suggestions that you come up with.

Just remember... you're not alone.  You can do this!  Homeschooling with toddlers running around is totally natural and part of the beauty of schooling at home.  Enjoy it!  : )