Q&A with Veteran Homeschool Mothers: Part 3
/Homeschooling while trying to keep little ones occupied can be frustrating and overwhelming at times. Anita offers practical advice on this topic. Thank you Anita for sharing your heart and wise words with us.
Question: What did your days look like when you were trying to give instruction to the older children with the little ones constantly needing attention? What were some favorite ways to keep younger children occupied while you taught your older children?
"So many of those days looked very chaotic at best!! My agenda to get the assignments accomplished often clashed with God's greater agenda to sanctify my heart. We have to learn to remember who's agenda is the most important; ours, or God's which is to remind us that we are poor, weak, and in need of Him for parenting and home-educating. He wants us to recognize our need, boast in our weakness, and cry out to Him for strength, perseverance, wisdom, resourcefulness, and grace. In so doing, every achievement brings glory not to us or our children, but to God who may or may not have enabled us to complete our agenda! A good day isn't defined by a completed agenda, but by walking in the Spirit no matter what interruptions (trials) we may face.
My best days included remembering this big picture and knowing when to let go of my plans. When I held on too tightly, anger would often be the generator of completion. Man's anger might achieve completed lessons, but the Word says it will not bring about the righteousness of God. Every interruption should be viewed as opportunity to model patience and grace for your children. It's an opportunity to show the value of walking in the spirit over completed academics.
Some ideas [to occupy young children] are to rotate the older kids out to play with the younger, or save special toys for school hours, or school during naps, or train the baby to play happily in a play pen nearby, etc.. When the trial continues, stop and pray for wisdom and grace. In this, the children learn beyond academics, they learn about the humble Christian walk and God's faithfulness."
In case you've missed the other Q&A's, click below to hear from the other veteran homeschool mothers: