Homeschooling With A Newborn

Posted by Cindy on January 30, 2007

I can finally say it………..Life’s not so bad with a newborn.

Yes, he’s almost 6 weeks old and I’m just now getting out to Walmart again.

Yes, I have to fix supper in stages throughout the day and eat most meals holding him.

Yes, we’ve only just begun a few “school” activities again and those happen “when they happen”.

BUT, I’m sleeping again!!  Anytime I get sleep, life is just easier to handle and doesn’t look quite so bleak.  How am I getting sleep already?  (If you are part of the baby sleep patrol, please read no further!)  Well, it seems this little guy is very comfortable on his belly.  I know, I know!  How can I do such a thing?  Well, I’ve finally decided I can either have 5-10 minutes to get something done before he wakes from a nap OR have 1-2 HOURS free during nap time.  Which would you choose?  Seriously, though, his reflux is much more calm when he’s on his belly.  I keep a close eye on him during naps just to be sure.

At night…..SHHHH…..he’s sleeping with us!!  Again, I know, I know!  Do you realize how nice it is to sleep seven hours straight as compared to being up every hour or two, though??  With two other children in the house during the day (who AREN’T tired), I simply have to get my sleep.  Since we started this arrangement, life is quickly getting back to normal.  Or at least, normal with a newborn.  Hey, I’m able to go to Walmart again – how much more normal can life get??

So, as each day goes on, I’m able to do a little more of the stuff I used to be able to do.  I say that like it’s been years since I was able!   But, as I think about getting back to the school routine, I wonder how much of that routine we’ll really jump back into.  I’ve seen AMAZING learning going on over the past six weeks!  Learning that I haven’t orchestrated.  Learning that wasn’t in the name of  “school”.  But learning that has been so real and so relevant.  Learning that has been led by my children themselves.  Something you don’t always give them credit for being able to do!

What have they been doing?  Creating blogs, cooking full meals from scratch, teaching each other lessons, doing their own science experiments, learning how to play new games on their own, making checklists for themselves, doing extra chores to help me out, making and taking treats to elderly neighbors……See what I mean.  No math lessons for sure, but real learning none the less.

Homeschooling with a newborn isn’t so bad!