One of the main challenges of homeschooling your children is the fact that there is just no way that you can monitor them all of the time. You need some time for other tasks like preparing lessons, cooking, household chores, errands and the like. So how can you help ensure that your children are engaged when you’re otherwise occupied?
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Independence is the name of the game
If you insist on helping them with every activity, then they will be unable to function by themselves. You should ensure that they are able to do at least a couple of age appropriate activities on their own. Don’t think that they are too young to manage things without giving them the chance to try. Just give them a task they should be able to handle with thier age and skill set, then make yourself scarce from their immediate area. You can still be in the same room, but encourage them to do the task on their own. Initially you may have to help out a bit with ideas, but eventually they will master it and look forward to doing more things on their own.
Save up the ‘screen time’ for when you are busy
Due to concerns about eyesight and time management most parents tend to limit the screen time that their children get. This includes the television screen, the computer screen, the video game screen, and the tablet screen. But you can download games and apps that have some learning value, then hand over the screen when you have other tasks to accomplish. This way you know that they are getting some quality screen while you finish up what you need to do.
Take time for arts, crafts, and imagination
Give them creative projects to make using your family’s arts and crafts supplies. This could be a painting, a photo frame, or just about anything else they like. It will give them something to keep their hands and minds busy with while you finish other tasks. Do ensure that they understand the concept of tidying up after they finish working on their project. That will help keep the room clean and teach them to pick up after themselves.
Article Inspiration: About Homeschooling
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