Thoughts for Homeschooling Littles at the Start of the Year

 Here we are in the doldrums of winter.  Christmas has passed, and cold winter days lie before us.  As we're getting back into routine with my high schoolers, I'm reminded how quickly time flies.  I know some of you are homeschooling busy, active little ones.  And these days of being cooped up in the house can test everyone's patience.  But let me assure you, it's worth it.  The time in read alouds, explaining "why?" (AGAIN!), and cultivating deep heart to heart connection... it's all worth it!

So as a reminder, as you're heading into the winter days of January and February, and the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you're dreaming of dropping the them off at the nearest preschool school, all this togetherness is building toward a beautiful relationship with your children.  To help ease the transition, keep.a few of these practical tips in mind:

*Feed them well... a hungry child is a cranky child.  And a hungry mama is a cranky Mama.  Delve deep into cozy baked oatmeal breakfasts, eggs and toast, or Greek yogurt parfaits.  Start your morning with something healthy that will keep you all going.

*Get everyone outside early in the day... whether you're pulling on rain boots or bundling up for the snow, find a way to get outside... preferably early in the day.  Take a walk, throw some snowballs, race the kids.... get some fresh air and work out those wiggles.

*Give everyone some breathing room.  Family connections is one of the reasons we homeschool.  But everyone has their limits.  Make sure to create some margin in your day were everyone can have a little alone time to work on a special project, read a book, or just hear their own thoughts.

*Make eye contact.  Nothing show care and love like setting things aside and making that personal connection.  Eye contact is becoming a lost skill.  Teach your kids that they're more important than any task, any lesson, and definitely more important than your phone.

*Give a hug.  Looking for a small gesture that takes no time at all and makes a HUGE impact?  Hug your children!  In a world that's loosing personal touch, grab your kids for a hug... once, twice, 20x/day ... and you'll see how they relax and reset.

So as we come into the New Year, remember to cherish this time that you're pouring into your little ones. Make space to slow down and breathe.  The laundry will wait.  The dishes will get done eventually.  But now is the time to build a family.