This post is from contributor, Jenn Hoskins
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Every time I see a second line appear on a pregnancy test, a date pops in my mind. Roughly 36 weeks from that day a new baby will become part of our family! We are expecting baby #7 very soon.
Soon enough that both joy and panic have set in.
Since this is baby #7, it means 6 other children are about to meet a new normal when their brother is born. It also means our homeschool will look a bit different as their brother takes some of mommy’s attention and time from them. I know what is looming as we get closer to d-day: a short season of beautiful chaos.
Since I’ve done this a few times, I’ve learned things about homeschooling with a new baby.
Here are some of my survival tips for how to stay on track:
1. Let go of your schedule but cling to your routine. If you are anything like me, a schedule is a beautiful thing. But this isn’t the season for clock-following. Go through your daily tasks and make a list, in order of importance, of what needs to be done each day. For me, reading with little ones, laundry, dishes, and cleaning up the floor each day are my majors.
As you make your list, keep your priorities in order. Number one is to heal and rest.
2. School can look different for a few weeks. Let go of your full schedule and do the basics. I keep reading and math mandatory for each child. Beyond those, I have no goal!
I change life up a bit. Enrichment toys and books help keep things flowing. I add in a lot of audiobooks to keep kids entertained while my hands are busy. Coloring books, a few educational toys for little ones, a new Lego set for older ones and you have something to keep them busy and learning. We are surprising our big kids with Lego Mindstorms this time, which means lots of learning and less need for mommy to help
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3. Your house will be clean again. It may make you crazy to sit and look at the mess while you nurse a baby, but be okay with the mess. It will be clean again. This is a precious time with your new baby; enjoy it!
4. Remember, if momma doesn’t heal, nothing will get back on track. Give yourself 6-8 weeks until you are back in full mommy mode. Sit down. It’s okay!
5. Let people serve you! I know this is hard for some of us, but allow people to help. Tell them what you need done. A floor mopped, dinner made, watch the kids so you can nap, whatever it is, allow people to bless you! Don’t rob them of the blessing they want to give you.
Those are a few tips that I will likely refer back to as I ride the emotional roller coaster of new baby land.
What are your best tips? How have people helped you? Share with us in the comments!
Latest posts by Jenn Hoskins (see all)
- Confessions of a Recovering Curriculum Hoarder - February 28, 2018
- Igniting the Spirit of Adventure in Your Homeschool Using Missionary Stories - March 27, 2017
- How to Have Your Children Take Music Lessons for Free - August 14, 2014
- The Family that Serves Together Stays Together {including Family Service Project Ideas!} - July 10, 2014
- The Tale of Two Towers - June 16, 2014
