What to do with Little Ones While Big Ones are Working
One of the best features of our collaborative model is being home with, and available to, all our children several days a week. We parents get to play an active role in our kids’ education, to know what they’re working on, what they’re struggling with, and we have time at home to help form and build not just their academic work, but their souls and habits as well.
But for many of us who have multiple children, the tricky part is coordinating the work and activities of them all – especially if they are younger and need greater oversight – and what to do with toddlers or non-school age kids who want interaction and something to do.
So, if that’s you, here are a few tips for you to think through that might help or give you a new idea.
- Do as much together as possible. At our house, even my non-school age kids did things like Recitation with my students. When I read books aloud to any student, my little ones always sat and listened too. Any experiment or activity, any video you watch for school, let your little ones join in! This builds excitement for them about school, and lets them start to get ready and understand what it’s like. It also gives them a little bit of a leg up for when it’s their turn – when they watch that same video, read that same book, or do the same activity, they’ll remember and enjoy it more, if you frame it that way for them. “Remember when we did this experiment when Tommy was in kindergarten? Guess what, now it’s your turn!”
- Have reserved time-specific toys or activities. If there’s a time where you and your student need focused attention and a longer time (like, Math), it’s always good to have a special toy or activity that is reserved for your little one for only that time. This could be something new, but doesn’t necessarily have to be. Get a toy or a set that maybe hasn’t been played with for a while, or is new, and introduce it as “Annie’s Math time activity.” “When Tommy and Mom are doing Math, you get to play with the Magna Tiles! These are only for Math time, and we’ll put them away when Tommy is finished, and tomorrow, when he does math again, you get to play with them again, but we save them as a special thing for just that time!” (said Mom cheerfully to Annie. !) I always find it’s best to rotate these out every few weeks with something else that hasn’t been played with for a while, to keep interest high.
- Prepare a similar activity. While Tommy is doing his handwriting or drawing something, have a special ‘school time’ individual whiteboard or sketchbook your little one can use to do a similar activity. Have them attempt letters, or drawing or coloring something similar to what the student is doing.
- Set timers. Just as I think it’s important to set timers for school kids as they do their work, it’s good for little ones too. Put the timer where everyone can see how much time is left. It builds their endurance to entertain themselves and patiently wait for a length of time, but also reminds them what they’re doing won’t last forever. Rather than framing them staying busy in something as pressure (“You don’t have much time left to play with Magna Tiles, you better play with them now because I’m going to put them away soon!”), help them see it as a treat (“Hasn’t it been fun to play with PlayDoh? In a few minutes, we’ll clean it up, so if there’s one more thing you want to make, get it ready to show me!”)
There will always be interruptions, sick children, dirty diapers, snacks and unexpected phone calls. Make a routine according to what you do, not what you aspire to, so it’s realistic and something you can actually live without stress and pressure. Note I said make a routine, not a schedule. Schedules are great when they bring structure and organization. But when they bring pressure and frustration, a routine is probably a better bet. Do things in a certain order, with a rough time limit associated, and then move on. I pray for our families every home day and ask God to bring structure, good cheer, compliant children and firm co-teachers to the tasks at hand. I’m thankful you’re part of our community and am thankful to be able to work together for your children. Happy home day!
