Homeschooling with a newborn

Discussion in 'Homeschooling' started by boomerang, Sep 23, 2013.

  1. boomerang

    boomerang Member

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    Any tips? I have a 4th and 2nd grader plus a two year old. Our new little blessing is 3 weeks old. I'm feeling so overwhelmed!
     
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  3. Meg2006

    Meg2006 New Member

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    There is no doubt it's tough!! How wonderful to have a new baby though!

    almost 3 years ago when my last boy was born, I felt like I had to homeschool the older boys to the fulest extent that I had been, even though they were small. However, Pat had to have therapy and he was doing PECS at the time, so I couldn't slack on that. On top of it, I had my first cesarean section and found it very painful to get up and move. Our 4th baby is due in a month and this is what I will be doing:

    Don't feel like you have to do EVERYTHING. The urge might be there, but don't give in (take it from me, I busted 3 stitches trying to do everything). Have the kids read to you for reading, orally dictate some math problems for them to write down, watch a Bil Nye or other informative show on youtube or TV for a science time thing. If grandparents or Dad can take them to the grocery store, this easily counts as life skills or math. Just try and take things down a notch!
     
  4. pecangrove

    pecangrove New Member

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    I am here with you. We had a new baby in June. It took a little while to get things somewhat figured out, but we are still working on it to be honest. I just try to remember that there are plenty of years to teach them everything they need to know, so on tough days it is ok if we only cover the most important few subjects (for us that is bible, math and reading). Relax, take a breath, and do what you can, when you can.
    And congrats on the new addition! <3
     
  5. MagnoliaHoney

    MagnoliaHoney New Member

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    personally this is one reason I wanted to homeschool. Remember you don't have to stick to the public school schedule.

    Personally I would homeschool VERY lightly, or not at all till baby is at least 3 months old....it's hard enough just doing regular stuff, and breastfeeding, and then to add a full homeschool schedule too? No way! lol
     
  6. JaniceEckenroth

    JaniceEckenroth New Member

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    "Personally I would homeschool VERY lightly"

    I agree with the others that you have every reason to take it easy with the coursework for a few months. You can utilize printables, educational videos, and online tools during this time - no guilt! Try to take walks with the baby in the stroller, and just talk about anything and everything you encounter. Ask them questions that get their minds active and absorbing all that's around them. A critical part of teaching/learning is generating excitement of it and a love for future investigation.
    Another thought: do you have any relatives - mom, sister, niece, best friend, neighbor, who you could invite to be a "guest" teacher for a day or even just a class? I would wager they would love to help you out (esp. being that it's not a permanent position).
    As your little one gets older, you will have all the time you need to focus in on core/fundamentals. Right now, focus on your family bond, being together as a unit, and enjoying the new addition. Love and togetherness teaches the most valuable lesson of all.
    ~Jan
     
  7. Embassy

    Embassy New Member

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    I took 6 months off :p I was only schooling a 5/6 year old at the time though. I would take it easy, if possible.
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2013
  8. CrazyMom

    CrazyMom Banned

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    That's a FULL plate! Everyone's advice is great. Do what you can, and don't feel guilty about the rest. If the baby is one of those little people who conks out when you go for a stroll, it might be a great time to incorporate some local museums, nature areas, zoos, botanical gardens, etc.... The big siblings will have plenty to engage them. You can give them the responsibility of leading the discoveries, and you can stroll along behind with the new little one and just watch. Don't forget to take time for you! When dad comes home, hand the baby off for thirty minutes...just to breathe. Make a point to escape your brood at least once a month with an empathetic girlfriend who makes you laugh. It's good for your sanity, and good for the soul. Good luck!
     
  9. Samantha

    Samantha New Member

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    Our newest is 9 days old and on the one hand I look forward to getting back into routine with the kids and their schoolwork but we will only be doing math and language arts when we start back up. I won't be stressing about science/history etc. I hope to try to start again next week but if its another week or two I'm not going to stress. We got about five weeks in before the baby was born so I don't feel too behind. From previous experience schooling from about 1 mo old until about 12 mo old is much easier than schooling when the baby hits the mobile toddler stage. lol
     
  10. mykidsrock

    mykidsrock New Member

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    I have a 4 month old. We are back on to the schedule.

    Tips

    1. Always give them their lesson or current task after showing them a task for later that will require no adult assistance (like a worksheet on something or freewriting...) That way if you are interrupted by a baby or toddler, your homeschoolers can move to another task instead of running off to play.

    2. It's okay to do less or finish early, but teach the kids that on those days you need them to help you pick up the slack with chores. Learn which chores each child can handle on their own, so that on tough 'baby' days you can give them a few extra ways to help you. (And always reward great attitudes!)

    3. It's okay - no it's a must - to say no to things others ask you to do if they are the least bit stressful. You'll be focusing on your family this year, not being volunteer of the year!

    4. You ARE Super Mom!! You are the mom your kids need. God put you there for a reason (even with your flaws). Focus on the ways you and your kids are growing, not on the things you don't do well. You will get through this, and hopefully be happy your older kids were around to share the time with you!

    :)
     
  11. Maybe

    Maybe New Member

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    Congratulations!!!!

    I say just take it easy. When I had a baby, my children's ITBS test scores went up because I stuck to the bare minimum. We still did math and spelling and grammar. After that, they read.
     
  12. M_Higgs

    M_Higgs New Member

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    This is all perfect advice! *applause*
     

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