Homeschooling when a new baby arrives is just like homeschooling itself … there are curves!
It was the smack dab middle of summer when we were getting ready to add our third kiddo (which wasn’t exactly the worst predicament to be in). We were already anticipating taking things easy because we were already in “break mode” from formal school shenanigans.
{psst. Even if you aren’t conveniently due in the middle of summer break, you can set up your own break schedule and pick back up when it works best for you. Homeschooling is kinda awesome like that, and homeschooling when a new baby arrives is just the same.}
At times, though, all I could think about was that the beginning of the next year was definitely barreling right around that break time corner (even though it didn’t have to be). My oldest was soon heading into the realm of first grade, and my now made middle kiddo heading full steam ahead with pre-k.
So, how did we fare adding a new baby to all the fun? We didn’t fare terribly, thankfully. Could have fared a bit better..but that’s how that tends to go, right? There are things I am extremely thankful I chose to do, and things I definitely could’ve not done (like fretting over starting the school year at a very specific time). We’re gonna dive into those extremely thankful things I did!
Easing into it.
At the time, my oldest had been practicing handwriting, learning to read, basic elementary math, and getting ready to add in science and history readings. My middle kiddo had been doing just a little bit of handwriting here and there (most everything else for the preschool age we stick to hands-on learning with all the basics through life and play). We also try to do nature and art study together as a group here and there.
When I decided it was time to start picking formal(ish) homeschooling life back up, I knew I didn’t want to try to do it all at once. Life with a new baby can be overwhelming as it is, yes? Yes! So, for a week or two, we only added in reading stories and poems together on a more regular basis. Then, in the next couple of weeks following, we started doing handwriting and copy work practice, and so forth, so on. Until eventually, we were covering all of our bases again.
Overall, the gradual process of getting everything added back into our day was upwards of six months. Doing this definitely tapered off some of the stress of doing all the things.
Remembering the basics.
Now, if we’re realistic, sometimes things get crazy or go off the rails with this homeschooling when a new baby arrives business. Even so, you still have those days you want to get something done.
Time to remember the basics. For me, that’s reading, writing, math in the elementary years. Some days we only practiced reading, covered a few minutes of handwriting, and practiced a bit of math facts at lunch. Then they were sent outside. It helps to remember a lot of learning at these young ages happens through hands-on experiences. They are always learning.
Willing to be flexible.
Next, realizing flexibility makes a great friend, and, in the words of Elsa, learning to “let it go” was amazingly helpful. I particularly struggle with things not going how I want them to go in my head, and I get upset, and then get upset with myself for getting upset. It’s not a fun cycle!
Learning to bend and to simply let it go every now and then has served me greatly! For example, some days, I was utterly exhausted, baby wasn’t having it (anything), and my older two were going plum wild. On those days, we would cuddle in my bed or on the couch and read stories together, watch The Magic School Bus or PBS Kids, and/or they would simply play all day (remember not to discredit learning in open-ended play!).
Since bringing a new one on board with us, I have grown to appreciate a loose routine to hang off with just enough structure to keep us grounded. Having built-in flexibility is a game-changer for us!
Mostly, adding a new baby to the homeschooling mix is one of those learn-as-you-go things. We eventually find our way and learn we’re capable of much more than we think sometimes. I hope I have been able to offer you some encouraging and tangible advice along the way!
Another similar post I love on this topic is from Simple Homeschool: Homeschooling with Little Ones Underfoot (& keeping your sanity)
Please feel free to add any of your tips or questions in the comments.
More articles I think you’ll like:
Why We Love a Later Start to the Homeschool Day
Tips for Creating a Homeschool Routine
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