Day In The Life As a Mother of 5 // Homemaking & Homeschooling

[@melissawilliams5394]

It's nice to see the schedule in action not just someone talking. X

[@creativereindeer]

Yes please for the weekend routine, it’s interesting to pick up ideas of what could be possible! Great to hear!

[@beccajo5213]

You inspire me… so much!!!!! I’m always taking notes and striving after a more intentional life because of your channel. 💕 and because of your influence I am now a homeschooling mother. (Who took her kids out of a wonderful school.)

[@user-pv6kl8qe8x]

Would love to see a video explaining how to make your yard conducive to so much outside play!

[@ruthmartinez9259]

You have a LOT of outside play with the kids. I would love for you to show us your outside layout where the kids play and how you accomplish things inside of the home while they play outside. How do you do it while your kids stay safe outside and keep an eye on them. Looking for ideas of outdoor play items, too. Thanks!

[@laurfred2742]

I really appreciate you taking the time to do these videos! I find it really helpful. I'm also a homeschooling mom. It's fun to see how others spend their time, and you certainly have it down pat!

[@mariannacoomes1094]

I would love to hear how you organize chores in the family and your viewpoint/opinion on allowances for chores? I would love to see a video on the family's weekend schedule! Enjoyed the video!

[@christinekoester2050]

I’d LOVE to hear about your Sabbath and Sunday routines!🍃🍂🧡🍃🍂☺️🍃🍂🧡🍂

[@taylormoore5475]

I’d love to know what your kids do outside. Mine love to go outside but I feel like I always need to be with them. The two year old likes our neighbors yards and the road better than ours. This is one of my favorite videos you have done yet. I’d love to try to add some of this flow to my own life.

[@andreascholten4913]

I'm wondering too if her backyard is completely fenced in. I unfortunately have to keep an eye on my kids (from an inside window) when they're outdoors. I'm tempted to put in fencing.

[@gigib4076]

Love the dedicated time blocks with hard stops for certain activities during the day/evening.

[@user-fx7sq1ud4l]

Curious as to how you teach them to play independently. Do they ask you to join, if they do, how often do you join if at all? Are there a lot of "Mom look!" requests while you read at the park?

[@andreascholten4913]

I'm curious about how she handles it too. For me, from a very young age I leave my kids alone if they're playing independently. I don't interrupt them with a comment, a question, or even a look, haha. I just let them be and it's amazing how long they'll play on their own if I don't walk by. But that's not to say that they never interrupt what I'm doing and want to show me things.

[@Laurenmefford]

We do something called "blanket time", where you train the toddler to sit on the blanket with a toy or books until you say for them to get up. Start with small time segments with you sitting close by. We teach "bottom on the blanket, toys on the blanket, no talk" and say it each time to get them used to it. When they disobey, negative consequence. When they obey or make it until the timer goes off, lots of praise and celebration. We reward with a cranberry when our toddler does well with something. Eventually you can lengthen the time and sit further away until you can be up doing things with the other kids or whatever. Its a tremendous help once they get it, and they do!

[@laurensklenars2608]

Following - have wondered this a lot too

[@haley2257]

@@LaurenmeffordWhat negative consequence do you use for a baby/toddler?

[@Laurenmefford]

Hey! I'll give a little pop on the leg (not enough to be uncomfortable, just enough to get his attention) and gently/kindly remind him what the instructions are. Usually that's enough. If there is a fit or bad attitude with a toddler (because we all have those days), i will discipline for that until he gets to a place where he will obey without a fit. If its a harder day for whatever reason, I'll make those training sessions pretty short. I'll set the timer for about a minute or two, sit with him on or near the blanket, and try to end on a good note so that he makes positive associations with it and knows he can do it. Try again the next day for longer and sit further away over time. The harder days may be more towards the beginning of trying something new...once they get the hang of it after a little training, they usually sit there pretty happily and do just fine. Another trick is doing it earlier in the day when theyre fresh and right after theyve eaten, so that theyre in a better mood :) greater chances of success@@haley2257

[@Veveve743]

I have 5 kids (7 mo- 11 yrs) and I homeschool too, and this routine is next to impossible. Maybe you can get yourself on a roll for a few weeks? But not regularly, unless you are a very impressive and unusual person. Which she might very well be. I’m sorry, this message is mainly for anyone out there who feels bad about themselves after watching this or gets anxious trying to implement something similar and not be able to. Kids are a constant distraction (when it comes to perfect routines), throwing wrenches in your plans all day long . If I woke up at 5 am to go to the gym, and then did everything else for the family just to survive the day, I’d be done by 5 pm, and I don’t think I’m the unusual one. Be careful with things like this you all good intending mothers out there.

[@thesupportiveenvironment]

Thank you for sharing your routine. This video was helpful. God bless you and your beautiful family.

[@jorplusfour]

Super helpful! Thank you!!!❤

[@mariedyangelina]

Loved this video Katie. It’s amazing you’re learning Spanish 💗 that’s my first language. I enjoy so much all your videos and podcasts, love that we share the same faith in Christ. May God continue to give you wisdom as a family, bless you and provides you.

[@eline1983BR]

Hi Katie, You and your family are so inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing. I admire your good choices and habits and it inspires me. Greetings and blessings from Holland! Eline

[@-living4jesus4ever-]

More of these videos, please! Our favorite!!❤❤❤

[@graceupongrace16]

I’m not an early riser by nature, but I see the benefits of doing so here in your routine. Thanks for sharing!

[@s.tolley7528]

I love the format of your videos! You guys structure it in a way that I understand quickly and is super informative. I for one prefer this over vlog style videos!

[@by159w]

I love your idea to read the Spanish Bible alongside the English Bible! Great motivation in learning a new language 🌟

[@RachaelDeBruin]

New to your channel 😊 mama of seven, now grandmother Watching your interview with your mom & loving it so far. I love that you are encouraging other moms out there.

[@phylissbrassey8431]

So glad you are teaching cursif

[@jjgems5909]

I really admire you’re discipline. It’s something I’m lacking and was never really taught outside of sports. 😩

[@fezaajayi192]

How have you been you able to read at the park, especially with the toddler? I have three boys (5,4, almost 2) and I find it impossible to look away for long periods of time, especially given the baby wanting to follow his brothers, who he can’t yet keep up with.

[@katiacleroux7376]

I don't know about Katie, but we let our 17 months old follow along, and the older (7, 5, 3) tend to try and keep her safe. I read as well or workout when we go to our park, and the 17 months old is able to go up in the structure and down the slide by herself. Because it's one she used too, it's less intense on my part to supervise her. I just look up every 30 seconds or so. I'm not immersed in the book and make sure to keep an ear out

[@leahophals4668]

Thank you for this practical wisdom! This new mama of littles needs it! I’d love to know your favorite activities and duties/chores by age. I also second the weekend routines/rhythm video!

[@Gabriella734]

Thank you so much for these videos! I am pregnant with my 3rd and would love to know what baby gear you are using this time around. You mentioned a bouncer and got my curious. Thank you!

[@suzanneclaiborne3265]

Wow your kids are outdoors like 3-5x a day- inspiring me to get out doors more

[@Laurenmefford]

I've been enjoying "Theres No Such Thing as Bad Weather" to inspire me to do this!

[@errikahorner2576]

This was great info! I'm curious as to when you do your house cleaning? Thanks

[@JA-vv8wy]

I’d love to hear about how your backyard is set up for outside enjoyment for the kids. I only have an only child and trying to think of how to keep him self-entertained outside while his friends on the street are at school

[@katiacleroux7376]

from what I remember they only have a trampoline in the back

[@danamarie9008]

It’s difficult with only one kiddo. Outside time has gotten much easier as we have added more kids. I have 6 now- 2.5-11 yrs. They entertain each other.

[@amymcminn2004]

Your kids have a lot of outside time which I think is great! What are some things that you have outside for them? What do you do if they don’t want to go outside to play?

[@katiechamberlain1739]

I'm not that Katie, but I am a Katie with 5 kids who play outside a lot. I have learned that it can be harder at first, but if you keep sending them out then they will eventually never want to come inside. My kids play with sticks and rocks. 😂 They catch bugs and skinks....my 9 year old caught a small rabbit with his bare hands a few weeks ago... They use their imagination and play games like "survival" and build "ecosystems". I also have 3 blankets in our mudroom that they are allowed to take outside for making forts or having picnics. If they don't want to go out, then I let them know that we are doing chores inside and they can choose which they would like to do. They usually choose to go play outside.

[@Kay-lt3wx]

I too am curious about these questions! Could you do a video on this?😊

[@homegrownbynicole9964]

​@@katiechamberlain1739your kids sound like mine! They spent 10.5 hours outside the other day. They are convinced they will eventually catch a squirrel. They find grass snakes and all manner of bugs, play "survival" and made a swing out of a sheet and a climbing dome. I just turn them out and bring them food and water. 🤣

[@katiechamberlain1739]

@@homegrownbynicole9964 That's awesome! They probably could catch a squirrel with a simple trap.

[@amymcminn2004]

@@katiechamberlain1739 sounds like you have some land! I’ll live in a neighborhood. We have a big fenced in backyard with the swingset, but that’s about it.

[@mycupofcocoa1125]

I want know weekend routine please

[@TheIAmAwakened]

Wow! Our schedules are nearly the exact same! Incredible. I have a planner I feel you’d love. I’d love to share it with you.

[@saraigomez9573]

Hey what’s the planner?

[@Veveve743]

Do you also have 5 kids, one of whom is an infant?

[@martinetmoi1]

I would like to know your Sunday routine. Thanks!

[@kellyjobloedel]

Hi Katie! When do you get ready for the day yourself (shower, make-up, etc)?

[@dailyoccasions9539]

Can you please do a specialized homeschool video on how to teach additional, subtraction sand narrowing??!! Please?

[@NowThatWereAFamilyPodcast]

I break this all down in my Homeschool Course :) Link is in the description.

[@brittanyjude647]

Would love to hear more about nap time and how you juggle the toddler babe and 4yo. Nap time is THE STRUGGLE for me. I’m usually in bed with our 18month old, 3yo & 4yo reading to them to get them to nap (and I’m about 30weeks pregnant with our 4th.). Would love to hear more about how you go about naps, what order you work in etc. ❤ thank you for this video. Love your content!

[@mackenziemeyer1937]

I think she sleep trains them

[@Veveve743]

I have 5 kids (7 mo- 11 yrs) and I homeschool too, and this routine is next to impossible. Maybe you can get yourself on a roll for a few weeks? But not regularly, unless you are a very impressive and unusual person. Which she might very well be. I’m sorry, this message is mainly for anyone out there who feels bad about themselves after watching this or gets anxious trying to implement something similar and not be able to. Kids are a constant distraction (when it comes to perfect routines), throwing wrenches in your plans all day long . If I woke up at 5 am to go to the gym, and then did everything else for the family just to survive the day, I’d be done by 5 pm, and I don’t think I’m the unusual one. Be careful with things like this you all good intending mothers out there.

[@hugsforlove]

❤❤

[@laurensklenars2608]

What do you do when your baby/ younger kids don't sleep when you put them down for naps? Keep them in the cot crying anyway and then keep the next nap the same? Or do you get them up and adjust the schedule to bring the next sleep time forward? Or something else.

[@teaheichler9735]

❤❤❤

[@franziskahausig-punke2563]

❤

[@emmyz340]

Do you have a resource you recommend for teaching logic for your kiddos? thanks so much

[@-living4jesus4ever-]

How do you go to the gym as a homeschool mama with 5 littles-is Elijah home at that time and waits to go to work until after you get back? ❤

[@MarfaPavlovna]

The YMCA has childcare that's included in the membership fee!

[@mama_knitter]

I’d love to know how the baby is sleeping for naps. My three month old is on a schedule and wakes once during the night for a feeding so I feel like we’re doing well, but naps are 45 mins tops and I have a third grader, kindergartner and jr K so school is not an hour tops for us. Between naps and trying to get school done, there is now a nursing strike and nothing feels like it’s getting done!

[@Hannah-bd4je]

Have you tried waiting a couple minutes before the baby gets up to see if he/she will connect sleep cycles? For me, my babies start doing those short naps around 3-4 months but they grow out of it eventually if I give them the opportunity to fall back asleep.

[@Sar1225]

Thank you for your video! What does your youngest baby do during all of the times you’re with the other four kids?

[@MarfaPavlovna]

I seem to be holding our baby while the older kids are doing lessons. I read aloud the history (Story of the World) and ask them questions as we go, then one on one with age appropriate math, the other does writing, copywork.

[@Veveve743]

I have 5 kids (7 mo- 11 yrs) and I homeschool too, and this routine is next to impossible. Maybe you can get yourself on a roll for a few weeks? But not regularly, unless you are a very impressive and unusual person. Which she might very well be. I’m sorry, this message is mainly for anyone out there who feels bad about themselves after watching this or gets anxious trying to implement something similar and not be able to. Kids are a constant distraction (when it comes to perfect routines), throwing wrenches in your plans all day long . If I woke up at 5 am to go to the gym, and then did everything else for the family just to survive the day, I’d be done by 5 pm, and I don’t think I’m the unusual one. Be careful with things like this you all good intending mothers out there.

[@janedoe-to2yc]

Question on breakfast, when do you make elishas breakfast? I wake up at 5 but make breakfast for my husband and then my sons wake up at 7 and i make it again. Curious as to that system

[@amandagorman7800]

🙋🏼‍♀️ same! It's new for me so no system yet. But I think I'm only going to do the morning dishes once. 😂

[@beccajo5213]

I think she has shared before that he doesn’t eat breakfast :)

[@allaboutacatholicfamily]

I love that you had such positive results from fasting while pregnant! Have you noticed if it affects your milk supply while nursing?

[@dorisdeal8729]

Very helpful ❤ how long does your toddler nap in order to be in bed by 7 pm?

[@Veveve743]

I’m sorry, but this is unrealistic. I’m getting an Influencer Red Flag over here

[@alexandramotsetdelices6138]

I'd love to know what you do with your baby when he's awake. I have a 9 months old and I find myself lacking ideas to keep him busy and worried Im not helping him in his development. I so want to be intentional raising him from the youngest age but past reading and singing a little, naps and meals of course and walk outside I'm out of ideas ^^ I work on housekeeping when needed and he follows me but should I be doing something more ?? What do you do alone with a baby all day long when he doesn't nap so long anymore? I like to listen to preachings and podcasts but I don't want him to see me always on youtube or hear background noise all day long...

[@shelbyray1740]

Engage him, Mama. When you're doing housework, sing, tell him what you're doing, tell him why it's important. Make silly noises that he can try to mimic, set aside time to look at a small picture book with him, something I also love doing is picking out a vintage baby quilt, they all have wonderful colors and prints that amuses the little ones. This same blanket will be used for blanket training once they start crawling.

[@kellynelson8337]

babies learn so much just through observing their environment! I remember someone saying once that there are classes that include teaching a baby to track balls with their eyes and this is completely unnecessary. Work on your own sense of peace and joy and your own personal development, try to trust the process, be around people a few times a week, enjoy your baby as much as you can. He will grow so fast and you'll see so much of it is beyond your control and in God's hands. He'll develop best if you're in a place of peace and trust (easier said than done sometimes I know!) (This is modern psychology though, babies are more content if we are; they sense if we're constantly worrying!)

[@kellynelson8337]

It's widely accepted in developmental and psychological research that babies are quite attuned to their caregivers' emotional states. Here are some ways in which infants might respond to a mother's (or primary caregiver's) emotional states: Emotional Contagion: Babies can pick up on and mimic the emotions of those around them, a phenomenon known as emotional contagion. If a mother is frequently anxious, worried, or stressed, her baby might exhibit signs of distress, fussiness, or agitation. Physiological Responses: There is evidence that when mothers experience stress or anxiety, their physiological changes (like increased heart rate) can influence the baby, especially when the baby is in close physical proximity, such as during breastfeeding. Behavioral Synchrony: Babies and their caregivers often engage in a dance of synchronized behaviors and emotions. When the caregiver is calm and responsive, the baby is more likely to be calm as well. Conversely, if a caregiver is consistently anxious, detached, or unresponsive, the baby might have a harder time self-regulating and calming down. Secure Attachment: A mother's emotional state can impact the development of attachment. Babies thrive on predictability and responsiveness. If a mother's worry prevents her from being consistently responsive to her baby's cues, it might interfere with the development of a secure attachment. Long-term Development: Chronic exposure to a caregiver's stress or anxiety can have long-term implications for a child's development. This doesn't mean that occasional worry or stress will harm the baby, but consistent, high levels of maternal stress might be associated with developmental and emotional challenges for the child later on. It's essential to note that everyone feels worried or stressed at times, and it's okay for babies to witness the full range of human emotions. What's crucial is how these emotions are managed and how consistently a baby's needs are met. If a mother is frequently worried or stressed, seeking support and resources to manage these feelings can be beneficial for both her well-being and her baby's development.

[@suzanne7668]

Do you shower after your workout in the morning?

[@mf3610]

How do you teach kids to stay in rooms until you’re okay with them coming out, would love to hear that

[@Laurenmefford]

Training with a mela clock and special little morning bags with a snack/activity. I think she has a video on this! Or its in her Get it all done club video.

[@Hopelb]

​@@Laurenmefford is her course worth the price?

[@Laurenmefford]

@@Hopelb I would say so, because once you get through the core course there is a clubhouse where she is constantly additing material, minicourses, interviews with her mom, etc. Its incredibly helpful!

[@Muninn801]

I don't understand. How do you have SO MUCH alone time in the morning!? What is the baby doing? When do older kids wake? What if one wakes early? PLEASE do a video on getting kids to eat at meal times. I can't believe how hard it is! Do they actually all eat the same thing? How much do you cater to their preferences? Do you have any difficult eaters? I'm absolutely baffled by big families. I was so stressed with 1 kid and I'm so stressed with 2 now - couldn't imagine 5! I was an only child with a working mom, so maybe I missed out on a lot of basics that you learned when you were a kid to help you parent?

[@kimmy9940]

I’m surprised at this too! I have two kids and I feel like the only way for moms of multiples to have alone time is to have someone else with the kids like a nanny.

[@kellynelson8337]

she wakes quite early! 5am

[@ninareis8131]

I have four kids under 6. I teach them to stay in their rooms before 7am (I wake up at 6). They also have to stay in their rooms during nap time ( btw 1 and 2:30). And they go to bed at 8pm. I sleep around 10pm. So that gives me around 4h30 by myself! Not bad. We don't have a nanny. 😜

[@Muninn801]

@ninareis8131 wow, how did you teach them? Is it because they entertain each other? Was it different when you just had a couple little ones?

[@Veveve743]

I have 5 kids (7 mo- 11 yrs) and I homeschool too, and this routine is next to impossible. Maybe you can get yourself on a roll for a few weeks? But not regularly, unless you are a very impressive and unusual person. Which she might very well be. I’m sorry, this message is mainly for anyone out there who feels bad about themselves after watching this or gets anxious trying to implement something similar and not be able to. Kids are a constant distraction (when it comes to perfect routines), throwing wrenches in your plans all day long . If I woke up at 5 am to go to the gym, and then did everything else for the family just to survive the day, I’d be done by 5 pm, and I don’t think I’m the unusual one. Be careful with things like this you all good intending mothers out there.

[@TheReukaufFamily]

Can you please link the Large Bible cards

[@Dom-jb3pi]

They are on the Abeka website

[@rachelbutler790]

How old was your baby when you started implementing this routine? Tried getting back in a routine but it feels almost impossible since he doesn’t nap independently yet, baby is 2 weeks old.

[@saraigomez9573]

Oh gosh no wait until baby is 6 weeks.

[@Veveve743]

I have 5 kids (7 mo- 11 yrs) and I homeschool too, and this routine is next to impossible. Maybe you can get yourself on a roll for a few weeks? But not regularly, unless you are a very impressive and unusual person. Which she might very well be. I’m sorry, this message is mainly for anyone out there who feels bad about themselves after watching this or gets anxious trying to implement something similar and not be able to. Kids are a constant distraction (when it comes to perfect routines), throwing wrenches in your plans all day long . If I woke up at 5 am to go to the gym, and then did everything else for the family just to survive the day, I’d be done by 5 pm, and I don’t think I’m the unusual one. Be careful with things like this you all good intending mothers out there.

[@Veveve743]

Love your baby, this is a special time.

[@marie777alyssa4]

When you’re working out or going to the gym where does the baby go? Or is your husband still home? Or maybe I should ask does your husband work or stay home for you to leave or work out without the baby?

[@Veveve743]

I have 5 kids (7 mo- 11 yrs) and I homeschool too, and this routine is next to impossible. Maybe you can get yourself on a roll for a few weeks? But not regularly, unless you are a very impressive and unusual person. Which she might very well be. I’m sorry, this message is mainly for anyone out there who feels bad about themselves after watching this or gets anxious trying to implement something similar and not be able to. Kids are a constant distraction (when it comes to perfect routines), throwing wrenches in your plans all day long . If I woke up at 5 am to go to the gym, and then did everything else for the family just to survive the day, I’d be done by 5 pm, and I don’t think I’m the unusual one. Be careful with things like this you all good intending mothers out there.

[@Buy_YouTube_Views_Gain_Fame180]

vids for life

[@laurens8623]

Do other mothers home-school in your area to do things together.

[@karunasidhu553]

What would change if your husband was working away long hours?

[@carissafitzgerald5351]

I just don’t understand how you don’t watch your kids outside. I wouldn’t trust my 2 year old outside…just wondering. Thanks for your videos!

[@teagranola]

I let my one year olds play outside independently. We live in a rural area, away from roads and neighbors. They have never wandered further than our yard and usually don't even wander further than the porch. I leave the screen door open so I can hear and open the curtains as well so it's easy to peak out every 5 minutes while I am doing dishes or folding laundry or cooking. Obviously make sure things aren't filled with pools of water from rain or there's no garden clippers left out or wasp nests they can disturb. I think it really just depends on where you live and how adventurous your kids are.

[@stephaniel678]

I’m with you on this. My 2 year old wants to be outside with his brothers, but I make him stay in unless I’m out too. Wondering if having a fence is the key. It’s still hard for me to imagine having peace of mind with my little one outside without me. It would make my work around the house a lot easier though!

[@mallorybell5359]

We have a fenced in yard and a lot of windows looking out into the yard. So if the kids are outside (my youngest is about 2) I’m near the windows so I can monitor. I also open up all the windows so I can hear them playing. My other boys are almost 6 and almost 4.

[@caitlinthomas6951]

If you have a completely fenced in area and nothing that is hazardous, I think it is fine for little ones to be out with minimal supervision. In AZ where I live, we have a 6ft cinder block fence completely around our back yard. I leave the back door open, so I can hear the kids when I am working in the kitchen and living room. My youngest is about to turn 2.

[@alumniadri8716]

Did you know that school for your 6 and 5 year old aren’t mandatory. School age doesn’t start until 7. “School age” meaning you don’t have to keep track of what you’re teaching them until then.

[@FbsDbJ]

What does it mean when you say you "visit" with people?

[@alliclymer744]

She must have a fenced in yard?

[@madlynchampion8081]

Yeah, their yard is fenced in! It's shown in other videos, can't remember which ones ❤

[@spencerwheeler6112]

So do you have a nanny to go pick up the toddlers when they are constantly falling over?

[@spencerwheeler6112]

And also who cleans the house?

[@Veveve743]

I have 5 kids (7 mo- 11 yrs) and I homeschool too, and this routine is next to impossible. Maybe you can get yourself on a roll for a few weeks? But not regularly, unless you are a very impressive and unusual person. Which she might very well be. I’m sorry, this message is mainly for anyone out there who feels bad about themselves after watching this or gets anxious trying to implement something similar and not be able to. Kids are a constant distraction (when it comes to perfect routines), throwing wrenches in your plans all day long . If I woke up at 5 am to go to the gym, and then did everything else for the family just to survive the day, I’d be done by 5 pm, and I don’t think I’m the unusual one. Be careful with things like this you all good intending parents out there.

[@whitneygalarce9837]

Would be nice if you actually filmed a day in the life rather then talk about a day in the life.