Really struggling...need fresh ideas

[Anonymous]

I have 6.5 and 2.5 year old kids.

I've wanted to homeschool my older since they were 8 months old.

But I'm really struggling. I don't feel as though I can give my older the time and attention that is due. My younger is very demanding with a much more challenging personality than my first.

I do math, reading/grammar, anatomy, geography while my younger is napping. But it's very regimented because I went to public school and I cannot let go of the concept of just sitting down and doing work. I know it's not fun for either of us.

Sometimes we supplement with Miacademy and we do like that. We've tried some online co-ops but it didn't stick. I'd ideally find an in-person co-op, but we'll see.

My husband and I have talked about enrolling in the Fall. I thought I was okay with it because the school is pretty good with good teachers and administration.

But I'm feeling extreme guilt and last night it all hit me. I'm not ready to let my kids go - I know I can be doing so much more. But I don't know where to start or how to improve.

I'm constantly tired and don't feel like I have the energy. But I don't think I'm ready to just walk away from my dream.

I also never feel like my two kids can do any academic learning together because of the four year age difference. My older already knows basic things and gets too bored, and my younger cannot focus long enough so I feel stuck.

I need ideas and suggestions on how I can improve and make homeschooling more engaging and interesting for all.

[Anonymous]

Put the younger one in pre school. Many homeschool parents do that to have blocks of time to teach their older kids without disruption.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Put the younger one in pre school. Many homeschool parents do that to have blocks of time to teach their older kids without disruption.[/quote

OP here. With all due respect, I want to keep my younger one home, too.

I'm sure there are folks out there who are much better planners than I, who are able to teach multiple ages concurrently!

Hopefully I can get some ideas from others so I can do that!

[Anonymous]

You might not be a good personality fit for homeschooling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might not be a good personality fit for homeschooling.

OP here. Why do you say that?

I'm teaching my older child various academics. And my younger with age appropriate things.

I just need some help trying to do learning activities with both of them.

If there are other programs or just suggestions on things to do to improve, that's what I'm looking for.

[Anonymous]

Definitely agree with part time Reggio or outdoor preschool for youngest. That type of programming doesn’t have the drawbacks/rigidity of elementary and you’ll get time for oldest

[Anonymous]

Lots of Montessori type activities for the younger child that they can do independently. Themed trays with matching, felt boards, sorting, etc. Work on increasing their ability to work or play quietly. Save new skills for older during littlest nap time. Set up play outside for younger with a table for older to do some work. Focus more on activities than 1:1 instruction at this age. Make the most of 1:1 instruction time you do have by planning well and using good instruction materials. Focus on math, reading, handwriting. Vary materials so there are direct instruction items as well as independent work items they can move to when you have to divide attention. Use a routine so they both know what’s expected of them day to day. You shouldn’t need more than 2-3 hours of 1:1 time at that age if it’s intensive and well-planned. Use rest of day to reinforce concepts naturally through play and activities. Lots of planning and preparation will help you most.

https://homeschoolden.com/2019/01/17/a-huge-list-of-activities-for-ages-2-5/

[Anonymous]

Prioritize math and reading/grammar while the youngest is asleep. Anatomy, geography, and other "elective" subjects can be learned by reading books independently.

[Anonymous]

Preschool for the younger is a good idea. My 3 yo will go for 4 hours a day, a couple of days a week.

But what works best? Try to INCLUDE the younger in the lessons! My 3 yo loves to try and spell with his older brother. Older brother learns some patience, and younger brother gets to pretend he is spelling with the letter tiles and magnets. Win-win.

[Anonymous]

2.5 yo needs a lot of time and attention so that’s why PPs suggest preschool for them. HD nature preschool is very much aligned with homeschooling, and you will have uninterrupted time with the 6.5 yo. I believe that’s what you need is the uninterrupted time.

Or you could put the 6.5 yo in the co-op. I have not found any good ones in this area but that’s good you found one that you’re comfortable with.

For homeschooling altogether you could do nature-based projects in almost all subjects and educational field trips.

[Anonymous]

Teachers and schools have trained, educated professionals to do this.

Most people arent qualified to homeschool. Get your kids a proper education... at a real school.

[Anonymous]

You sound unstable and not someone who should homeschool. Nobody dreams of homeschooling their kid and not at 8 months.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'd just say forgive yourself. It might be that what you're really dreaming of is being your kids' mentor as they discover things about the world, and you don't have to homeschool to make that happen. You can be their teacher in lots of other ways and places, and even if they do attend school outside your home, you will still be the 'teacher' they look to for all of the really important things about life. You're not a failure if you don't feel your creativity or their passions being awakened right now, and you're no less a parent, either.

[Anonymous]

So far, it seems like you may be trying this all on your own. It’s really helpful to have other homeschooling families walking alongside you. It’s fun for the kids and a gift for the homeschooling parents. You can learn a lot, may be able to share schooling (as in a co-op or homeschool community), and can support each other during rough spots. Kids are always growing, and so are parents. If you’re in the DC area, there are homeschoolers everywhere. Keep looking, and you can find your people.

And your kids are so young. It’s okay to concentrate on reading together / learning to read and explore the rest through games, play, exploration, and outdoor time. Best wishes on your adventure together!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Put the younger one in pre school. Many homeschool parents do that to have blocks of time to teach their older kids without disruption.

This is a really good suggestion. Do this with younger child 5 days a week for at least half-day. It will help provide the younger child the early socialization which is really needed at preschool ages, and also give you a bigger block of time for the older child. Depending on the preschool, the younger child also might learn colors, numbers, letters, and other preliminary knowledge. Once the younger child is older, maybe in K or 1st grade, then it is more likely you will be able to homeschool both of them.