blanket in the yard , and certainly have time at the kitchen table , or even under the table if they focus for you !! What works for one , will not work for another . So stay flexible !!
3 ) Educate but don ’ t “ overschool ”. You know what I mean . I would recommend math first for many . Depending again on their ages ... let them READ , READ , READ . Read to them ... no
matter their grade !. Eat your lunch first and read aloud at lunchtime as they are captured naturally at the table while filling their tummies . Choose wonderful selections that everyone will enjoy . Be sure to include in your days the opportunity to let them run with what they love . If you have a science guy , let him do experiments in your kitchen . If you have an artist , let them paint away . If you have a writer , provide journals and prompts . Sounds messy ? Yes , often it is . The mess won ' t last forever and cleaning up together is good for everyone .
4 ) Let them play ... play , play , play !! They absolutely learn in their play . It ' s good for their minds , hearts , and souls ... and rarely do I think a child gets enough . This is your moment to gift them , even if they don ' t always feel gifted . Put them out in the back yard with the refrigerator box that your neighbor put on the curb . Once they are old enough to be safe , have small pieces of wood , nails , and a hammer in the garage . Legos , Play mobile , American Girl dolls , Lincoln Logs ... schedule play time with no other interruptions . Put some great music on and let them at it . If they have been in the building for years , it may be a re-learned skill . Limit electronics . When they think they have “ nothing to do ” their play will most likely flourish . Be patient and persevere . I believe in play for preteens / teens as well , it just looks different . Think musical instruments , photography , tooling around in the garage , cooking , even boarding .
5 ) Reach for their hearts . You already know this , parenting is not convenient . In fact , there are many days where it ' s downright exhausting . Don ' t put a bandaid on it and just want it to go away but be brave and wise while addressing the real issues and peel back the onion to get to the core . Use this time to navigate and influence who they are . They need your guidance !
6 ) In the end , it ’ s about teaching them to be curious , self-learners . Our main academic goal was to raise children who loved to read and loved to learn . If you throw solid math skills in there , the sky ' s the limit . Many children love reading naturally , but for others , it is something that needs to be cultivated . Plan rewards , let them help you choose to get buy in , and find ways to make it exciting . If reading is hard for your child , keep at it , as it often doesn ’ t get fun until they are skilled enough to be fun .
Take it one day at a time . One moment at a time . You are making an investment that is going to benefit your child for a lifetime . What you are doing , matters .
BABIEKINS MAGAZINE
17