So, you have kids you are homeschooling that are are multiple ages. You are here, because a great vacation in the Caribbean would be just what the Doctor ordered. Whoops sorry, I meant to say, you are here because you need some tips on how to homeschool different age groups. Well, I am sure we can help, so please have a chuckle while you learn from these tips for homeschooling children in multiple age groups.

Your toddler is coloring on everything except his coloring book while your 4 year old calls for you every twenty seconds saying, “Mom, look what I did! Mom, look at me!” Meanwhile, your 8 year old is struggling with his reading, needing your constant help with his first chapter book and your teenager wants you to go over his writing assignment he’s done on the computer.

To most families, the above scenario is stressful at best. To a homeschooling parent, it can be a daily event. Meeting the needs of your children who are at very different stages of their development is challenging enough; doing so while trying to homeschool presents a whole new dimension to juggling your parental duties. If you start feeling stressed while homeschooling multiple aged children, the following tips could help you find some relief:
 

1) Relax. Remember, you are a family first. Your children’s education IS important, but it is not more important than the family unit. So take a deep breath and remember that you are doing the best you can with what you have. Give yourself permission to request a break when you need it and you’ll be in better shape to help everyone else once you’re relaxed and feeling balanced.

2) Call in reinforcements if you feel overwhelmed. Request the help of your spouse, a family friend or another relative if that’s feasible. You can also enlist the help of your older children; they can be an invaluable asset! Depending on their ages and capabilities, it may be worthwhile to make your oldest two children “study buddies” so they can help each other with their work. And if they can accomplish their work while freeing you up to assist the younger kids, you can give them some much needed one-on-one time when the younger kids are down for naps or in bed for the night.

3) Step outside. As much as possible, consider taking your kids into the great outdoors. A nature hike can be more than fresh air and physical exercise – it’s an opportunity to explore biology, botany and weather. Tie your science lessons in with an outdoor trip and the whole family will benefit from both the change of scenery and the hands-on learning.

4) Get silly. Call a 15 minute silly break from school work, have all of the kids close their books and start something crazy. Water gun battle? How about some silly string? Maybe it’s a pillow fight (this is really great for your high energy kids), a silly song sung in a round, some jump roping (when did your kids last see you try to double-dutch?), or even taking the dog for a walk. Anything that is going to break up the day, make everyone ease the stress of studying (even you!) and will allow an outlet for energy while creating laughter and bonding is a good way to go.

5) Put it in perspective. Today’s two year old is tomorrows ten year old. Time flies and even when the stressful moments occur, you want to look back on these days as a cherished time when your oldest were still at home with you and your youngest were just starting to determine their own personalities and the mixed personalities of the multiple ages.

6) One on One time. Someone once said that the average child in public school receives an average of 15 minutes’ of one-on-one adult time per school day. If you’re homeschooling, anything you can give your children above and beyond 15 minutes is a huge favor to them! Be proud of the choice you’ve made and know that you’re doing a great job. Some day your children will thank you for investing so much of your time and energy into them and you will reap the rewards of your hard work.

And if you’re not feeling stressed but are simply seeking ideas on how to best educate children ranging in such a broad range, remember that homeschooling multiple ages equals the freedom to be as flexible as necessary. Just as each of your children is a unique individual, each of them probably has a learning style which works best for them. Strive to determine your child’s learning style and cater to it as much as possible in order to help them succeed.

If there is any way we can help you further, please see our Homeschool Multiple ages Support Link.

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