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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Thriving When Little Ones are Added to your Homeschool


It seems that we have been homeschooling for a while now:) This year my children will be: 8th grade, 6th grade, 3rd grade, age 3 and age 1. As I'm taking time out to plan this year's academics and our days, I'm not as worried about academics. They are important to us and we have strong opinions. The question upon my heart is how to balance the instruction of my "older" children with the care and nurture of my "littles." they are both important to me, yet there is only one of me.

This has been weighing heavy on my heart. I don't want to ask my older children to train and "raise" my younger.
There is alot that has to happen each day for this overflowing house of 7 to function. I don't want to miss out on the limited time I have with either...I came accross a ministry today that seems to understand the balance that I want to achieve.
Values Driven Family.com I am really excited about the book that they describe this way:

As a homeschool Mom, you've probably asked yourself some of these questions:

>> How do you homeschool older children and adequately nurture your little ones?

>> Is it possible to keep a clean house, raise infants and toddlers, homeschool--and more?

>> Can you successfully "do it all" and enjoy doing it?

As a homeschooling mom, your day is full . Juggling home management, family, ministry, often work-at-home, and your children’s education is a challenge. When you add infants and toddlers into the mix, things can get downright hectic. The Growing Homeschool can help you not only survive, but thrive!

You will discover the difference between balance and integration, and how to leverage both for maximum effectiveness. Learn from an experienced, but in-the-trenches homeschool mom of six how to prioritize, develop a workable routine, address the needs of different ages and stages of children, homeschool with greater ease, keep the little ones productively occupied during school time, and—most importantly—continually focus on the things that are of greatest value to God.

Click here to view more details
Will you check it out with me?







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23 comments:

Ms Cupcake said...

Boy you have your plate full!

Dropping in from sits. Make it a great day!

Ms Cupcake
Zen Cupcake

Helene said...

I'm impressed!! You're a mama to 7 AND you homeschool!!! I have two sets of twins (ages 2 and ages 4) and I readily admit that I do not have what it takes to homeschool. I have so much respect and admiration to those parents, like you, who do it and do it well!!!

Stopping by from SITS!

Kathy said...

Wait Helene! I have FIVE children. "overflowing house of 7" was including the grownups stuff and laundry and food too, maybe that was misleading :(

Thank you for visiitng my little space on the web :) I LOVE your blog, and attitude. You have a beautiful family!! YES! God has an incredible sense of humor and always knows what He's doing :)

Multiple personalities.. said...

I'm a fellow homeschooling mommy, but unlike you, I only have one. However I do still have challenges with balancing all the different parts of life, and wearing the different hats required of me. Planning this year's academics has been challenging, as we are doing things differently. So much love and luck to you!

Dreamgirl said...

Just stopping by from SITS to wish you a fabulous Monday and a great week

I'm amazed that you are homeschooling so many children. You are brave and must be very patient! Love the pictures.

Helene said...

Kathy, it was my mistake!! For some reason I saw "household of 7" and thought you had 7 kids!! Still, I'm impressed that you manage to homeschool while having little ones to care for at the same time!!!

Rachelle said...

Well, you might as well add 2 more to your class room for when I drive across country because daycare is too expensive here. :)

You can handle it Superwoman!

MaricrisG said...

I have a friend who also homeschool and her toughest challenge was dividing her time between her oldest and young baby. She's still struggling and it will be interesting how she does now that school is back. Wish you best!

crunkyjens said...

Popping in from SITS to say hello! Hope you will do the same! I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Jen :)

Genny said...

You have a full plate, but such a beautiful perspective. I saw you over at SITS and thought I'd stop by. So glad I did!

Heather @ Simple Wives said...

Fun pictures!

Helen Joy said...

I am the oldest of 7 and we homeschooled. Can I just say how nice it was to see that you didn't want your older children teaching and raising the younger ones. I love my mama so much, but I did raise the last 3 children and I had so much pressure on me to do a good job of it.
I really have no idea how my mom did it, as I am overwhelmed with just my six month old. I do know God gives us only what we can handle!
:-)
You're children are blessed to have you as a mother.

From Janes Oven said...

WOW THAT'S ALOT!

Stopping by from SITS

have a happy friday

Myra @ My Blessed Life said...

Hey Kathy! Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog! I love yours! You are doing a great work in homeschooling your children. You have a beautiful family!

Admin said...

I love your blog.

Bridgette said...

Just dropping in from SITS to say hi! :)

Gabrielle said...

That looks like a great book. We also HS and it can be a huge juggling act, but our fourth just entered the ranks of being "older" so I fell like this year will be a transition. We usually do not even start until October first, so I'm glad for the extra prep time. :) Hello from SITS!

Patty Reiser said...

Desert Greetings Kathy,

Stopping by from SITS. I hope that you are having a scent-sational day!

Summer said...

Homeschooling is such a commitment, and I admire anyone who is able to do it!!!

African American Mom said...

Wow, you have a handful of things going on....you go girl!

~visiting from SITS~

AP Mommy said...

Whew you've got quite the load, it's always wonderful when you find a resource with potential! Great photos!

Unknown said...

I am so glad you found a great book. It sounds like it is filled with wonderful ideas.

Happy New Year!

1grown2togo said...

Wow!! You sure do pull off everything being as overloaded as you are. You are blessed~New FB & GFC follower from Mom-Mondays~Shari

http://www.1grown2togo.blogspot.com