Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 13:32     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


You did not think your 7 year olds needed your help with the homework they received at whatever school you sent them to. This is one data point not a universal truth.


I already acknowledged that different kids have different needs. My oldest is an academic superstar. He is just an easy kid. He was always good at everything and did not need our help.

My youngest is now 8. She does get homework and can do everything on her own as well. Recently I heard parents complaining about study guides and tests. My kid(s) rarely even mention tests. I assume they always have at least one test per week. I do feel the need to monitor their homework or tests.

My kid had a midterm for AP classes in high school. Also did not monitor, help or do anything for him. I did get him an SAT tutor.


No one cares. This is irrelevant. OP already stated she needs to help him and he struggles. Your anecdotes about your superstar kids that never needed any help with homework are out of place in this conversation.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 13:22     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


Judging by the parent chat for my child’s second grade class, most parents are helping children with the homework routine at least to some degree.

There are also some parents who don’t help at all and their kids get in trouble for not doing work.


Didn’t mean to deny that some kids do great without parental involvement in their homework routine, but just saying that judging from my experience at our school most seven year olds do seem to need help with homework.

I’m sure different schools are different. Our teacher says the target time for homework is 20 minutes a night plus reading.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 12:40     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


Judging by the parent chat for my child’s second grade class, most parents are helping children with the homework routine at least to some degree.

There are also some parents who don’t help at all and their kids get in trouble for not doing work.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 12:18     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Pp here. Her 4yo and toddler will need more IMO than the 7yo’s homework. Young kids are very needy.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 11:52     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

*don’t feel the need to monitor their homework or tests.

It is just expected that they do this.

On the way to their various sports and activities, one or more kids may mention homework or a test they have the next day.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 11:51     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


You did not think your 7 year olds needed your help with the homework they received at whatever school you sent them to. This is one data point not a universal truth.


I already acknowledged that different kids have different needs. My oldest is an academic superstar. He is just an easy kid. He was always good at everything and did not need our help.

My youngest is now 8. She does get homework and can do everything on her own as well. Recently I heard parents complaining about study guides and tests. My kid(s) rarely even mention tests. I assume they always have at least one test per week. I do feel the need to monitor their homework or tests.

My kid had a midterm for AP classes in high school. Also did not monitor, help or do anything for him. I did get him an SAT tutor.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 11:24     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to think about is how you will build a social life for yourself. Part time preschool is good for this as there will be other sahms. Toddler music classes, playgroup, a mom’s group, a book club for yourself? You will want adult company.


I agree so much with this!
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 11:11     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


You did not think your 7 year olds needed your help with the homework they received at whatever school you sent them to. This is one data point not a universal truth.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 11:00     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


It was about how she can help with her child’s homework with a toddler. She wasn’t asking for your opinion on whether she should or shouldn’t be helping him- you don’t know her kid or what their homework is. Just bc your were not involved doesn’t mean that is the “right” way.



My kids are strong students. Just because I didn’t have to help them with their math worksheet doesn’t mean I’m not involved.

I fully acknowledge some kids struggle and need more help. Our struggle was always and still is juggling sports and conflicts having three very busy kids.


Some schools expect parents to be involved. Students need to read out loud to an adult every night or parents need to check over homework so that they can go over things that are incorrect. My child has to write multiple sentences about a book she is reading every week using three red words. She had a kenken the other night and I had no idea what it was (neither did she). Some kids want a parent close by to help if they don’t understand an instruction. I understand some kids get a simple addition worksheet a few nights a week in 1st grade and that’s the extent of their homework. My first grader has friends who never have homework. If homework is not an issue for you consider that your experience may be different not that you did things better or that parental involvement is unnecessary.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 10:20     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


It was about how she can help with her child’s homework with a toddler. She wasn’t asking for your opinion on whether she should or shouldn’t be helping him- you don’t know her kid or what their homework is. Just bc your were not involved doesn’t mean that is the “right” way.



My kids are strong students. Just because I didn’t have to help them with their math worksheet doesn’t mean I’m not involved.

I fully acknowledge some kids struggle and need more help. Our struggle was always and still is juggling sports and conflicts having three very busy kids.


Are you dense? No one cares how strong of students your kids were. You just said you were uninvolved with their homework. OP literally said she needs to help her kid with homework and your reply is “they shouldn’t need help, mine didn’t.” Not helpful. Just move along with your humble brag


My older kids were 5 and 7 when my third was born. My oldest helped a lot when he was 7 and still now at age 16. He became very independent when the baby was born helping his younger brother. He is such a good kid. How you parent at this crucial age is everything.

You can call me dense or whatever. I have raised three well adjusted children.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 10:04     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


It was about how she can help with her child’s homework with a toddler. She wasn’t asking for your opinion on whether she should or shouldn’t be helping him- you don’t know her kid or what their homework is. Just bc your were not involved doesn’t mean that is the “right” way.



My kids are strong students. Just because I didn’t have to help them with their math worksheet doesn’t mean I’m not involved.

I fully acknowledge some kids struggle and need more help. Our struggle was always and still is juggling sports and conflicts having three very busy kids.


Are you dense? No one cares how strong of students your kids were. You just said you were uninvolved with their homework. OP literally said she needs to help her kid with homework and your reply is “they shouldn’t need help, mine didn’t.” Not helpful. Just move along with your humble brag
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 09:59     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


It was about how she can help with her child’s homework with a toddler. She wasn’t asking for your opinion on whether she should or shouldn’t be helping him- you don’t know her kid or what their homework is. Just bc your were not involved doesn’t mean that is the “right” way.



My kids are strong students. Just because I didn’t have to help them with their math worksheet doesn’t mean I’m not involved.

I fully acknowledge some kids struggle and need more help. Our struggle was always and still is juggling sports and conflicts having three very busy kids.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 09:21     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.


It was about how she can help with her child’s homework with a toddler. She wasn’t asking for your opinion on whether she should or shouldn’t be helping him- you don’t know her kid or what their homework is. Just bc your were not involved doesn’t mean that is the “right” way.

Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 09:02     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I think once you start staying home, it won’t seem so overwhelming. Is your house baby-proofed? Your toddler doesn’t need an activity with you at all times. They can and should be able to move about the room/floor your on within sight of you with nothing crazy happening. Just let them be to play and explore. Doing homework with a 7 yr old can’t be more than 30 min per night. Surely your toddler can stay occupied, or on your lap, play with the dog, whatever. People homeschool older kids with toddlers at home. It’s not difficult and you’ll figure it out


My kids always did their homework by themselves. In elementary school, it was often a math worksheet and reading. I never helped my older 2 with homework. I was probably too busy with the baby/toddler. My youngest is in third grade now and I never helped her with her homework either. Her homework takes her 5 min. She now has study guides and tests. She does them by herself.

I was an immigrant kid and my parents never helped me with my homework.


Ok, well that’s irrelevant


It was about homework. 7 year olds don’t need help with homework.
Anonymous
Post 02/04/2026 08:39     Subject: Sahm with 3+ kids - would love to get advice

Another thing to think about is how you will build a social life for yourself. Part time preschool is good for this as there will be other sahms. Toddler music classes, playgroup, a mom’s group, a book club for yourself? You will want adult company.