How To Balance Homeschooling With A Toddler: Overcome Stress

As a homeschooling mom with a toddler, each day can feel like a whirlwind of activities and finding a balance between teaching your older children and caring for your little one can be challenging. Learning how to balance homeschooling with a toddler and overcome stress is key to creating a peaceful and productive environment. Here are some practical tips that have helped me navigate this beautiful, busy season of life.

Have Planned Meals or a Well-Stocked Pantry!

One of the most helpful strategies I’ve found is to have meal plans in place or at least maintain a well-stocked pantry. When meals are planned out ahead of time, it takes a significant load off my shoulders. I know exactly what’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which means one less decision to make during the day. Having meals prepped or easy-to-prepare ingredients on hand ensures that I can quickly feed everyone without disrupting our homeschooling flow. A smooth meal plan helps the day run smoother, allowing us to focus on learning without the added stress of figuring out meals at the last minute.

Some important items to have on hand are:

• Rotisserie chickens: These to date are about $5 to $6 at your local Costco and Sams Club. Great for soup, tacos, rice meals, you name it, I have created it.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: Again, great for fast soups and gravy’s
• Ground turkey or beef: fast burritos or tacos, and spaghetti or hamburger helpers.
• Tortillas in either a chip or circle form allow for fast dinners with tacos and burritos.

Other Items To Consider

Pantry Staples

1. Canned Beans and Lentils: Great for soups, salads, and stews.
2. Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat pasta are versatile and filling.
3. Canned Tomatoes: Useful for sauces, soups, and stews.
4. Nuts and Seeds: Perfect for snacks, salads, and adding to dishes for extra protein and healthy fats.
5. Spices and Herbs: Basics like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs can elevate any dish.

Refrigerator Staples

1. Eggs: Quick to cook and can be used in a variety of dishes.
2. Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, and leafy greens are versatile and nutritious.
3. Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Milk, cheese, and yogurt can be used in many recipes.
4. Condiments: Mustard, soy sauce, and hot sauce can add flavor to meals.

Freezer Staples

1. Frozen Vegetables and Fruits: Just as nutritious as fresh and great for smoothies, stir-fries, and side dishes.
2. Frozen Meat or Fish: Handy for quick protein options.
3. Bread: Freezes well and can be used for sandwiches or toast.

Quick Meal Ideas

• Stir-fry: Use frozen veggies, a protein source, and a simple sauce.
• Pasta: Combine whole-wheat pasta with canned tomatoes, veggies, and some cheese.
• Salad: Mix fresh veggies, canned beans, nuts, and a simple dressing.

These staples can help the homeschooling parent create a variety of meals without any hassle. I often do a head check every two weeks and as much as possible, try to stock my freezer and pantry for the month so I don’t have to remember the small things.

Have a “Toddler Area” or a Preschool Plan

Creating a designated “toddler area” or having a preschool plan is a lifesaver when you’re trying to homeschool with a little one underfoot. In our home, I’ve set up a special corner with age-appropriate toys, books, and activities that my toddler can enjoy while I work with the older kids. If you’re up for it, a simple preschool plan can also help keep your toddler engaged and learning alongside their older siblings.

You can also set up busy bins. These are containers with toys or activities that are only available during school time. So many homeschooling mothers swear by these, and they work! By keeping the items just for during school times, it keeps things new. I put all my bins away when school is over.

Of course, there are times when your toddler will refuse to play alone or to keep engaged. Those days can be particularly difficult, but I find that if I sit with my toddler first, and give him attention, it makes the day run smoother. So, another tip is to give the youngest attention first.

Before starting your school day, make sure your toddler’s needs are met and spend some quality time with them. So, whether it’s coloring, playing with puzzles, or doing simple crafts, keeping your toddler occupied in a safe, fun environment allows you to focus on teaching the older children without constant interruptions.

Block School Subjects to Most Important

When it comes to homeschooling multiple children, blocking subjects by importance is key, especially when you have a toddler around. I’ve found that tackling the harder subjects, the ones where my kids need the most help, works best during my toddler’s nap time. This way, I can give my full attention to the older kids without being distracted. However, flexibility is crucial—sometimes, the needs of your students will dictate how you block subjects. If one of your children requires more assistance, you might adjust your schedule accordingly. Remember, this is your homeschool, and you can tailor it to fit your family’s needs.

This also includes choosing a curriculum that suits your family. There are many different teaching styles, learning styles, and educational approaches to homeschooling. One of my favorite ways to homeschool has always been to use unit studies.

These are perfect for large families or families that need a break from all the back-to-back textbooks. I find we have two-to-three-hour days with a great unit and there is flexibility! This is key to families with newborns, or chronic illnesses, or sicknesses. Because units are units, you can do how many or as little as your family likes.

Block Independent Learners and Helpers

If you’re blessed with a mix of independent learners and more dependent ones, you can use this to your advantage. Assign your most helpful students to work alongside those who need more guidance. This not only gives you a break but also fosters a sense of responsibility and teamwork among your children. They learn to help each other and work together, which is an invaluable life skill. However, be cautious of personality clashes—if you know that pairing certain children will lead to conflict, opt for other strategies like blocking subjects to manage difficult personalities. The goal is to create a peaceful, productive environment, not to add to the chaos.

Plan for Interruptions—They WILL Happen

No matter how well you plan, interruptions are inevitable, especially with a toddler in the house. The key is to plan for these disruptions. I like to map out our typical day, noting when my toddler usually naps or has quiet time, and then schedule our homeschooling around those times. But I also plan for the days when things don’t go as expected—like when my toddler’s nap is shorter than usual or doesn’t happen at all. On those days, we adapt, knowing that flexibility is essential. I’ve learned not to over-plan but to plan by season, understanding that each stage of my toddler’s life will bring new challenges and require different approaches.

Older students who are independent should not be affected by a toddler’s sleep schedule. If you have a jr. high or high school student, there are different items they can use to keep focused and their work never has to stop. Such as headphones to prevent background noise. Separate the space for independent learning students, as much as you can.

Be Okay with the Basics

Some days, you’ll accomplish everything on your homeschooling list, and other days, you won’t—and that’s okay. It’s important to give yourself grace and understand that some days will be more productive than others. If you’re also working from home, the balancing act becomes even more complex, and it’s essential to prioritize.

At one point, it took me a month to finish writing an article with my toddler. Between homeschooling, homemaking, and working online, I found myself swamped. But prioritizing, and asking for help, has helped me achieve what I needed. Again, every season is different, and help might not always come our way, but we can buckle down and ask the Lord for guidance.

Older, independent learners can continue with their work, especially if they’re enrolled in Dual Education courses, without requiring constant oversight. Don’t be hard on yourself if you must focus on just the basics some days. The important thing is that you’re showing up and doing your best!

Give Yourself Grace!

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, give yourself grace. This season of homeschooling with a toddler is just that—a season. Your little one won’t always need you as much as they do now, and this time will pass faster than you think. Embrace the chaos, enjoy your family, and allow for interruptions. Sometimes, it’s okay to set aside the formal lessons and head outside for a nature study or dive into a unit study that captures everyone’s interest. Incorporate creative play for younger students and take walks, watch educational films, or read aloud with the older ones.

Try to be flexible and realistic. Don’t expect to follow a rigid schedule or cover everything in your plan. Adjust your expectations and goals according to your situation and your children’s needs. Remember that learning can happen anytime and anywhere. The key is to do what works best for your family; you can plan but let go of unnecessary worries about the future.

I leave you with this encouraging scripture:

Matthew 6:27, 33-34

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

And for this I can say with confidence, Amen! Can you relate?

Remember, homeschooling with your toddler in tow is a unique and precious time. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and giving yourself grace, you can create a fulfilling and joyful learning environment for your entire family.

From Our Shop to Your Homeschool:

Recent Homeschool Articles: