ten things moms with littles need

Technically, this post is about the top ten things that I must have as a homeschool mom. Well, I'll tell you that all of these things that  I need as a homeschool mom are also the things that I must have when I have littles around in my home. Which, by the way, I have had for the last {almost} sixteen years so yes, in case you were wondering, I've had a little in my life for many years now. And I've homeschooled for almost just as long. So today, I'm sharing with you my --

Top 10 Things Moms With Littles Need 

1. Patience. Of course, I had to start with this, but it is entirely true. You know that saying don't pray for patience because then you'll be put to the test? Well, I do pray for patience. And I'm put to the test, but honestly, I'd rather pray for strength and patience then try to do this entire parenting journey on my own strength.

2. Excellent Books. Invest in books for those littles. Keep a book basket full, find a curriculum that you can use with them and then do it. Tomorrow ***note*** this will actually be Thursday, May 31. I'll be sharing with you {and giving away a copy} of Elemental Science's Intro to Science's program - I love it because it intentionally focuses me {and reminds me} to pay attention to those younger ones who live in this house with me. They are eager to learn - we as moms just need to make sure to cultivate those moments and to grab the time to sit and read with them.

3. Good DVDs or Netflix. I'm giving you grace, right now, moms to put a dvd in during the day. If you don't do any media, just ignore point three, but I can seriously tell you that there have been many times {like dinner prep time} where I absolutely need those little ones to sit still and not get into almost everything. Some of my favorites? Leap Frog Learning DVDs, Veggie Tales {love the original ones - from, sigh, about sixteen years ago}, and Curious George. It's okay moms if you use media wisely with them - use it as a tool, you control it, and you have set the times.

4. Simple Puzzles. Keep them in a box that you take out now and then. I don't always keep the puzzles out - for one the pieces get lost - but also I love to use them during times when I'm working with an older, or cooking, or cleaning up the kitchen and I need those littles to be safely occupied in my sight. The puzzle pictured below? It's one of our favorites - Elijah and Samuel have spent many hours working on those various puzzles. And fighting, of course, over the orange pieces. But, despite that, I can truly say this puzzle by Melissa and Doug is a favorite.  Here's the link if you're interested: Melissa & Doug Animal Pattern Blocks Set

5. Crayons, Markers, Paints {yes, sometimes}, and other Art Supplies. You probably don't need to many reasons why - but let me just tell you - keeping the supply of crafty stuff for them helps keep them busy. Busy = good. I keep all of the art supplies {minus the markers and paints} on our main floor with the rest of our curriculum and books. The littles have a cabinet shelf full of coloring books and paper - and they are free to draw and create at anytime. This gives them a sense of space and purpose within our very busy days. They're watching Grace paint {part of her Trail Guide to Learning Curriculum by Geography Matters} and she's using the Klutz Watercolor For The Artistically Undiscovered Book Kit- {link}. When she paints she'll teach them what she's learned.

6. A Good Friend. There have been many times where the day is overwhelming {see my posts dear overwhelmed mom and dear overworked mom} and I just need a friend to tell me that it will be okay.  And just so you know, it will be okay. Those days with littles can be long and draining and defeating {after all didn't you just put all those blocks in the box?} and exhausting. Your long day is not a reflection of you as a mother - it's just life - and no matter how hard and tiring the day you are still accomplishing a great deal and raising a new generation. So find that friend. And be that friend.

7. Some type of PlayDough item. We can't use playdough since it's made with wheat flour - I either make my own {using a rice flour blend} or have purchased some gluten free dough. There are many options online though they are a bit pricey. Playdough is like point five - creativity items - these are the things that you need when you are working with olders and need five minutes of stillness.

8. Laminator. I love mine. My kids joke? Watch out mom has the laminator fired up -- guard your papers and things! I might like laminating just a bit. I use my laminator to laminate file folder games, simple projects, and more for them. It's worth the investment. And of course here's the link to my favorite laminator ever Scotch Thermal Laminator  {it should be a staple in a mother's home}.  Beyond the stuff for littles {I'll laminate book pages or make stories with them or letter projects} I use it for chore charts, bookmarks, labels, and whatever else I can get my hands on to laminate. ;)

9. Coffee or tea or whatever you need during those days. You know I love my coffee. And that's okay. Busy moms, homeschooling moms, moms need our treat during the day. Maybe it isn't one of those, but have something set aside for you that's a calming go-to when the milk spills on the floor at 9am. I love to have my warm mug of coffee {or a latte from Starbucks or Caribou} with me in the morning. I'll read my Bible Study, or give spelling words, or look at the pile of laundry that was just dumped out by the four year old that used to be folded, and I'll smell that coffee and exhale.

10. Grace. And finally, you truly must have grace during these days. Patience with yourself, with your children, with your spouse, and with well, the needs of life. When they are little you are almost always in a state of catching up. So even though you've got your schedule made, and your olders working, those little ones can quickly tear apart everything that you patiently put together. Expect it. Embrace the moments of calm and clean houses and everyone getting their work done and then don't be surprised when chaos ensues ten minutes later. That's grace. It's the ability to sit, to be still, to be grateful, and joyful and loving in the midst of busy. {to read posts dedicated to grace hop over to grace it's needed and giving yourself grace}

And a note to the homeschool mom - I have learned beyond all things to devote intentional time to those littles every single day. Set aside some minutes in the morning, have them help you after lunch, and then later in the day. The more they are involved in what you're doing the better. And I incorporate lessons so that they can do activities - coloring, working through science, doing their school as they love to call it. There will come a day when you'll be teaching without the littles underfoot, and as I've written before, you'll probably miss them. Just a bit.

Ten things, moms, that can make those hanging on, with the preschooler hiding in the bushes along the side of the deck, days at home with the littles just a bit easier.

To read my letter to you, the mom with the littles, simply click dear moms with littles.

******
This Top Ten post if linked with Top Ten Tuesday at Many Little Blessings. It is also a part of the iHomeschool Network's Ten Weeks of Top Ten Tuesdays.

to subscribe simply click Subscribe to finding joy by Email
this post contains affiliate links. please read the disclosure tab for more info. and please also know that i only recommend products that I stand behind and that the profit goes to help fund this blog. thank you.