Moms of many dc please tell me about how you got better at fitting your school in.

[M in Canada]

I have 5 kids now and they are 7 and under. This is my second year schooling and both my students are hands on. They do independent work in math, but the other subjects are mom intensive. I do what I can together. I know things will change and get better, but I would love to hear how they got better over the years for you and also how it didn't take that long for it to get better.

[JudoMom]

One that maximizes how I use my time with them. We don't follow the times to the minutes, but when we follow it fairly closely we're all happier, and we get everything done. I have it posted on my blog (http://larsonboysacademy.blogspot.com/2007/08/our-revised-schedule.html) (the dark gray boxes are where I'm supposed to be, the light gray boxes are times when we're not doing school).

I can't answer the easier question. It's always a juggling act. Everytime I think it must get easier, something changes. Someone needs to start school, someone needs to be taught not to play in the potty, someone needs to learn to use the potty. But--the things that were hard last year aren't as hard this year (but there are new things that are hard)....does that help :rolleyes:?

[Julie in Austin]

Well, I only have three, but I have found that having a set time to let my 3yo do United Streaming means that I have 30 minutes to read or whatever with the older boys. If you don't want to pay for it, Starfall or something might work. I've also staggered meals (usually I inhale my food early) and then I can read to three quiet boys. I also have lots of stuff that only comes out during school time for the 3yo to play with. Another thing I have done is "assign" the oldest to play with the youngest in another room so I could work with the middle child. I have also, on desperate days, put the 3yo in the bath and done school with the other ones in the bathroom.:o

[kdeno]

I do everyone's "together" subjects first. Then starting with the youngest I do their 1 on 1. I find that the youngers play nicer after they have had their special time with Mom. Feel free to pm me, I need to be off the boards more :-)

Kari

[M in Canada]

But--the things that were hard last year aren't as hard this year (but there are new things that are hard)....does that help :rolleyes:?

it helps a little.

Life will never be under control and perfect: Get used to it honey!!! Right?

ANyways, I did look at your scedule on your blog and it looks good. But when do the kids go outside? My problem is that I want to do school and get outside and do the odd after school sport, and bake bread and relaz and go to bed by a decent hour.

I am sure you have similar goals in life. How does this happen? Does it happen?