Many homeschool families look like ours, school-age children plus younger siblings tagging along. Sure, the numbers of children and range of ages can vary widely, but one thing remains the same. Chaos can ensue if there is not some sort of plan. Plan may not be the best word (especially with younger children *grin*). Options and ideas. Yes, that fits much better – at least in our family. I have found Preschoolers and Peace: Homeschooling older kids with success while loving the little ones at your feet and the website, Preschoolers and Peace, to be great resources. Not only for the aforementioned options and ideas, but a different perspective on the little one’s place in your day.
We are in our ninth year officially homeschooling. All of these years have included preschoolers (and often infants and toddlers, too). Our youngest is currently four. Our preschool days are sadly coming to an end. You may be in the midst of preschool fun, looking longingly forward to the days with no preschoolers. In the past 18 months, we’ve ditched the diaper bag. We’ve outgrown sippy cups and a miriad of other “little people” things. I am most sad to be leaving this stage behind. Preschoolers are such fun! They want to help, to learn and to just be with you. Accommodating these things has made our days less drama-filled.
This has been my favorite part of reading Preschoolers and Peace. I didn’t always feel this way. I often felt controlled by the little one’s sleeping patterns/schedule. We killed time until the precious one was sleeping, then the real work and/or fun could begin. What wasted time! Kendra has some great suggestions of things that you can do with your little ones – good productive things. Things that both you and your little one will be better for having done together.
There are times when you do need to just keep those little hands busy. There are plenty of ideas for keeping your younger children occupied, happy and learning – with or without your involvement. Plenty of play, but play with purpose. I love the idea of bringing bigger toys or themed sets on certain days of the week. Monday – Duplos, Tuesday – Blocks and cars, Wednesday – Farm, Thursday – Trains, Friday – Dolls/dollhouse. The latter has become play food/kitchen day in our house. My four year old son loves to “cook” and serve. I hate having those toys scattered all over and mixed in with each other. This not only saves my sanity, but he plays with these things longer.
There are many things we think our younger children are too little to do. Helps with chores and other little jobs that they are quite capable of doing. Preschoolers and Peace points out plenty of those things, too, in lists by age. My children at this stage are so willing to help. This is the perfect time to begin training and teaching them not just that certain tasks need doing, but that doing them cheerfully is best.
All told, Preschoolers and Peace is packed with a lot of help, encouragement and resources in just under 50 pages. Most of which, I wish I knew 10 years ago and some that I am still learning and figuring out. There are thirteen chapters with titles like “How Do I Get Any Preschooling Done?”, “When All of Your Kiddos Are Preschoolers” and “When Mama is Worn Out (or Pregnant)”. A chapter on Preschool Boys and another on Circle Time (which is even its own book). If you are at any stage in this homeschooling and preschooling journey, you need Preschoolers and Peace ($2.99).
