Here are our best tips to help you be successful when it comes to how to homeschool with an infant. Hang in there; you can do it!
You Got This, Mama!
Whew! Deciding to homeschool with an infant is not an easy choice. There is sure to be doubt creeping in, especially if the baby was up all night.
The good news is that preschoolers are natural learners. Letting them play and interact with you and the baby is a beautiful experience they can learn from.
I know it may seem daunting, but I promise you, it gets easier as you go.
This article may contain affiliate links to products that may help you when homeschooling preschool.
Tips to Homeschool with an Infant
Be Flexible
Being flexible is the key to success when it comes to being able to homeschool with an infant. Babies and preschoolers are both unpredictable.
What works one day won’t always work the next. Someone will be cranky, hungry, or need sleep (Mom included). 😉
Have a plan of what you want to accomplish, but try to be okay with changing plans.
Create a Routine
Having a daily routine isn’t quite the same as having a schedule.
A routine is a typical order in which things are accomplished without a set time.
So waking up, brushing your teeth, and changing may be a routine. You do things in the same order, but the times you do them may differ.
Create a homeschool routine. Will you eat breakfast and then get dressed for the day?
By having a predictable order to your day, your preschooler will be able to know what is coming next. This will help you flow to the next activity, even if the baby is fussy.
Multitask When You Can
While feeding the baby, try reading or looking at a book with your preschooler. If it’s a book you have read a hundred times before, encourage your preschooler to read it to you and baby.
Not only does this instill confidence in your preschooler, but they are in charge, which they love. They can choose when to say the words and when to turn the page.
It also allows you to see if they can hold the book in the correct orientation and flip the pages correctly.
Embrace Child-Led Learning
Let your little one take the lead on their learning. Consider their interests- whether it be trucks, kitties, or outer space- when developing activities or themes for your preschool. It will make your preschooler feel that you took the time to make something they would like.
As a bonus, they will be more willing to do the task if it pertains to their interests.
Let Them PLAY!
It’s no secret that we are huge advocates for play around here. Preschoolers learn best through play, so let them play!
There is no need to set up play spaces for them all the time. See what your little one will do if you let them use their curiosity and imagination as their guide.
While they are doing their thing, you can catch up on the million and one other things you want to do.
Feel no guilt when it comes to letting your preschooler play. They are still learning!
Lower Your Expectations
Don’t expect to get through hours and hours of curriculum with your preschooler each day. Even if you aren’t trying to homeschool with an infant, it isn’t practical.
Add a baby to the mix, and you are sure to wind up disappointed if you place all these expectations on yourself and your preschooler.
Use Nap Time– But Not How You May Think
People will tell you to do all your main work while the baby sleeps. I’m convinced these people either never have been around babies or have forgotten what it is like.
The last thing you want to do while the baby is napping is rush in to work with your preschooler.
So, instead of telling you to cram in preschool lessons, I will gently suggest you lay low.
Let your preschooler have quiet time, too. This doesn’t have to be sleeping, but playing quietly. This allows your preschooler to have independent play and allows you to do what you need to do.
You can still do crafts and lessons or make things in the kitchen together during the baby’s nap. But try not to put pressure on yourself that it has to happen.
Homeschool with an Infant
Trying to homeschool with an infant is an entirely different beast than homeschooling preschool without one. You are capable, and we believe that you can do it!