My Advice For Homeschooling Young Children

If you have young children that you are homeschooling, you know how hectic the days can be and it can feel overwhelming trying to make all the pieces come together. I have four kids of my own that I have homeschooled through the little years and today, I'm sharing some of my sanity saving tips for homeschooling when you have young kids.
What tips would you add??
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Hi friends! I’m Erin. I’m a homeschooling mom to 4 kids and we’re in our 8th year of this homeschool lifestyle. I love to share videos with tips about things we’ve learned along the way that have helped me out, as well as curriculum reviews and some heartfelt homeschool inspiration. I hope you leave here feeling encouraged that YOU CAN DO THIS!
Thanks for checking out my channel!
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[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I know there is so much more to share about this topic!! If you're an experienced homeschooler, what tips would you add?

[@alesjanosik1545]

"If You are a homeschooling mom..." Hey, hey! It's a dad here :) Nice tips, I figured these mostly on my own a while back but always worth checking other ideas.

[@tiagorafaelmendes767]

Haha.. I thought the same thing… “What about dad here??” :) Nice tips, thank you!

[@elizabethbrink476]

A year later but this video could not be more timely! I was SO ready to call my local district and enroll my 6 yr old in public school!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So glad to hear this helped! ❤️ Best wishes!!

[@ridahunsyiemiong9861]

Thank you so much. We'll be starting this January, our first year of homeschooling. My heart is set on Christ alone.

[@WildBison74]

I hope it’s going well for you!

[@ridahunsyiemiong9861]

@@WildBison74 Thank you so much for your concern, well yes we are doing great, though i missed here and there but i'm learning how to do much better for my kids. I love the Lord so much and He is guiding us through it all. We have all the time in the world to spend time in the Word of God. All glory to the Lord.

[@WildBison74]

@@ridahunsyiemiong9861 Amen, so happy to hear that!

[@Allyporter7]

My advice is be flexible and be willing to change things up if they don’t work. If you grew up in “traditional” school then be willing to throw all of your ideas of what homeschool should look like. We do the majority of our work in the mornings so afternoons can be crafts, exercise, or fun things because their concentration level goes down by afternoon. We focus on the basics of math and LA first and then the rest is extra. Both of kids learn very differently… so we try and be sensitive to their needs and their strengths. My son wants to get it done quickly, first thing and my daughter will take all day to complete her work but does a really good job so we let her if our day can cater to that. We do a majority of our reading at bed time. We bought them clip on reading lights and let them stay up a little later as long as they are reading and find books they enjoy reading. To help I have also found some educational apps like Timestables and Soraapp so the kids have something they can do if I happen to be busy with something else. Give yourself a year or two to figure it out. Don’t be hard on yourself or the kids, you will find a rhythm and a groove if you don’t feel stressed about meeting all your goals perfectly!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@Renewed85]

Be willing to throw your ideas out..... Yes!!!! My mind keeps going back to traditional schooling. And I don't want to do that with my kids. When I notice it, I start over

[@Renewed85]

Amen

[@emilymare5905]

Thank you very much for share this. I'm a new homeschooling mom with 2 little boys but in a south america country. I love your channel and all your tips you share with us. Thank you! God bless you!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Thanks so much! Blessings to you as well!

[@lotuschcago]

what about homeschooling Dads? lol. it's all good. Watched the whole thing. You're super kind and thoughtful. The consideration for all different types of people, children, learning styles and the like. I really dug this video. The grace piece and the relaxing approach you suggest is extra helpful. Raise them in the ways, and they will be fine.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Thanks for the kind words! Almost 90% of my viewers are homeschool moms, but I’m trying to get better at saying homeschool parent vs homeschool mom!

[@LightInTheDarkness]

Thank you SO much for this! I saved it at the beginning (or a little before the beginning) of this school year. First time homeschool mom of a just turned 8, 5 and 3 year old (she isn't technically homeschooling,but I let her learn, and wow she is SO SMART! Anyways, thank you for this and so glad I finally watched it. God bless you sister in Christ!

[@storybookschoolhouse]

This is such a beautiful message!

[@bakerbrewz]

I love this video! Such great tips you shared and overall vibe with homeschooling and how to approach it. It’s probably changing as your children grow and change and I love your style. I can’t wait for independent study! Haha mine are still very young and naptime is down time for mommy time LoL!

[@juliequates9529]

Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with us a bit further behind on the homeschool journey.

[@RavinSimone]

Thank you 💖

[@jillwallace9752]

Thank you so much! You are inspiring and encouraging!

[@MaritsaElena]

Amen!! 🥹🙏🏼 I need this today! Thank you! 💕 God Bless

[@SuperQueenV.]

Great video! Yes lots of breaks. Words to live by 🤩

[@Lovey101Dovey]

I'm a homeschooling mom of 8 kiddos(11years -15months + 1 on the way). So even after years of homeschooling with littles, your video was helpful, they always are! Thank you😊

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So glad to hear that! Thank you for the encouragement! ❤️

[@Ssr21940]

Wish we could be friends! You’re so cool 🤗🤗🤗

[@sarac9565]

This video is amazing and something I need to watch once a week I think. My kids are 8, 5, and 2 and I am slowly learning all of these things. My son and I have had lots of up and downs the last couple years with learning how to homeschool together. I absolutely love teaching my kids but the struggle of pushing through to get lessons done has caused a lot of stress for all of us. I am learning to be relaxed more and switch it up and enjoy it because that is why we homeschool!

[@anamikasharma537]

Cannot appreciate this video enough. A lot of wisdom here.

[@myvida1000]

I really loved everything you said. Thanks for this video!🥰

[@thetreasureinthefield]

I would love a video on your methods for habit training and discipline. I’m trying to teach my children (4.5 and 6) first time obedience and it’s so agonizing sometimes. We also have a 20 month old bouncing around the house all day. Haha so it’s a lot sometimes 😅

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Oh boy! Yes, that’s a challenging thing for sure! We still struggle in our house some days too… Thanks for the video suggestion, I’ll have to think on that one! 👍🏼

[@brandimonahan4721]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler I second her suggestion. I definitely didn't set myself up for this success you suggested 🙃 would love some tips!

[@adamcandacelanejames]

Erin at what age did you start independent study? Also, I too would love to know what methods you use for disciplining and what helps you maintain consistent so that they know what is expected? Do you recommend a certain curriculum for 10-11 year olds that struggle with focusing? Thank you 😊 Your channel is and has been a blessing 🙏

[@laina-brown]

Just what I needed! Thanks Erin!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@AccountabilityCorner]

I love your channel always a breath of fresh air! Thank you for this!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Aww, thank YOU! 🥰

[@owlbookworld5041]

I’m trying my best to find a community. There’s just not a whole lot here unfortunately and the one I have gone too seems very clicky. I wish there was a way to work around this.

[@cocoabean321ify]

I just stumbled upon your channel and videos and am so glad I did! Listening to your videos gives me such peace and inspiration that I so desperately needed.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So blessed to hear that! 🥰

[@MsZarate88]

Good habits... Good video

[@taylorowens4290]

Thanks for these tips!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You bet!

[@user-bn7dg2km2d]

Thank you for this!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

My pleasure!

[@LL-rh7mj]

Hi Erin! Will you please share the video that you referenced in this video? For some reason when I’m watching videos on my phone, it doesn’t show video links in the video. I would love to see the video about practical tips for homeschooling when you have very young children in the house, like a toddler and baby. Thank you! Your videos are so encouraging and helpful, and I love your joyful spirit.

[@mandydoerfler2909]

Thank you for these thoughts. I have already started to get a bit nervous about next year. This is our first year homeschooling and we have two babies. As they have become mobile, it’s hitting me that next year I will be trying to homeschool 2 with two toddlers running around 😬😬 I’m thinking lots of snack times 😅

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You are doing to do great! Just remember, it’s a season, this too shall pass… It feels really hard while you’re in it, but if you can keep these tips in mind, I believe it will help alleviate a lot of that pressure! Blessings!

[@gamjayhomeschoolmom2595]

Thanks for this video in Spanish ! Thanks for your tips ...

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

My pleasure!

[@christilile5952]

I just wanted to say that your make up and hair look absolutely beautiful! Thank you for all your great tips for us moms of littles🤗

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Aww, thank you! ☺️ So glad my videos are helpful!

[@mariabartoszuk2047]

I have three little kids - oldest is still preschool age so these tips are great, thank you. Did your kids ever ask why they're not going to "normal" school? We don't have many homeschooling friends yet, and my mom is a preschool teacher, so sometimes I feel anxious and guilty that my kids will think that they're "missing out" on going to school, like other kids do. I know the reasons my husband and I want to homeschool but sometimes it feel very much like us against the world.

[@karlyw.b.4125]

My kids naturally noticed the differences and if you even suggest public school they say no.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Honestly, my kids have never asked to go to regular school. They all enjoy the freedom they have to not have to be stuck at a desk all day! We just make sure we have regular meets ups or co-ops with friends so they can still be part of a group for that social aspect. They do sports and other activities as well. So many options out there that homeschool kids can participate in. We focus on all the things we get to do that kids who go to school can't! It helps offset that feeling of potentially missing out... Best wishes!

[@sandramontanez7767]

Would you share how you use gentle feast?

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I have this video about A Gentle Feast! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f33RgWR5frF2q6c

[@FLMegan]

I need your help. I am learning it takes 45 mins to a hour to do the new tgtb math. My daughter does TT but my son needs 1 on 1 and with the old tgtb that we do now. It's 20 to 30. I think 30 mins max is all we can do, so I need new ideas for him next year... HELP. ( I am looking at Apologia however doing their 4th instead of 5th bc it has skills he still needs and repeating some skills he may need as well. He will be 11 in May, so 4th does put him extra " behind " but I'm trying to think of him and not the number... throw your advice at me plz!! 🙏

[@nmatus27]

How would you know if your child is developmentally ready for something? Bc my 4 yr daughter is super clever at a lot of things but then has not interest in many things. what would do you think?

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

They will let you know by their behavior. Every child is born curious and naturally loves to learn. That’s why they ask a million questions and experiment with everything! When you try introducing something, they will be interested and try it if they’re ready for it. If you get a lot of push back or feel like it’s got to be forced, then they are not ready. Give it some time. Children all develop and are ready for new things at different times. There’s no right or wrong time to learn something when there’s an interest and excitement about it! The big thing is to keep it short and simple so as not to overwhelm them. Best wishes!

[@kristene.1602]

How long do you recommend schooling for a 5 year old? Any of your kids super strong willed and want to do everything their way? Power struggles are the worst.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I have this short video about common amounts of time for different ages. ☺️And yes, I’ve got one! Strong wills are a challenge, but what an amazing trait to have when wielded the right way! Non-conformist in the making, less apt to worry about other people’s opinions, and less likely to fall prey to peer pressure! Natural born leader! Best wishes!💪🏼 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpa2iZaohcqSjrs

[@thisisamandagoins]

I want to know how to teach the different ages at one time. Do you have one topic and then give "assignments" based on age? Do you teach them all different things? How do you make sure you teach them things you don't understand yourself...like algebra?!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I talk about all that in this video! 😄 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6awgqyKn7Ggbck I don’t really teach anything. They read great books for their subjects and we discuss together. They use math curriculum that teaches them for me. 👍🏻

[@sarahbulcher8688]

What are some of your favorite independent curriculums? :-)

[@oneblessedmommy4024]

I have a reluctant learner.. 🤷‍♀️

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I’m sorry you’re struggling with that! It’s a challenge for all of us at times! If you child transitioned from public schooling, it’s often necessary to go through a period of “deschooling” (lots of resources online or on YT). Finding things that your child is interested in and spending time digging into those topics rather than a traditional curriculum for a time can also be helpful. Sometimes it’s an issue of the lessons being either too hard or too easy as well. It can take a little effort, and some conversation, to determine what’s at the core of the issue so you can figure out how to address it… Best wishes!

[@oneblessedmommy4024]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler Thank you!