It’s another early morning, and the challenges of parenthood are instantly upon me:
“O boy, here comes the two-year-old who woke up on the wrong side of the bed!” “What’s for breakfast?” “What’s the plan today – homeschool, beach, work obligations?”
So here are few tips that I’ve learned on my journey of raising four children, working from home, and homeschooling!
1. Involve Your Children in Food Prep
This can be painstaking at times and takes some patience to watch your child splash eggs all over the stove, but believe me it pays off in the end! My eight-year-old and five-year-old can now make themselves “egg toast” for breakfast or a snack when they are hungry. It comes in clutch when Adam and I had a bad night with the baby because the boys can make us breakfast! It not only teaches them skills in the kitchen, it gives them some independence, and is great bonding time when you teach them.
2. Limit Screen Time
I know I talk about this a lot, but seriously I think it benefits our children immensely. We make a point to limit screens to watching maybe 1 to 2 movies or shows per week. When we do watch something, it’s something really innocent and sweet like nature shows or Swiss Family Robinson (: Too much screen time hinders the kids’ natural ability to play and takes away from their time to be creative. When we need the boys to play by themselves and give Adam and I time to work quietly, they have no problem at all spending hours playing with legos, building train tracks, or jumping on the trampoline.
3. Have Amazing Books Around
I can’t tell you how many times I’ll be wondering why it’s so quiet and think something naughty is happening. I’ll sneak downstairs to check and see if I can catch them, and then I’ll see the boys quietly flipping through books! Along with digital media, books can often be dangerous for children, especially with all the “woke” children’s books coming out and available in public libraries. We need to be intentional about what our children are reading and looking at. If you haven’t heard of Brave Books yet, you have to check them out! Our boys are constantly reading them or begging us to read the books to them. The Brave Books set is such an incredible series that teaches Bible-based values and includes fun family activities at the end. I feel so good knowing that our children are excited about reading and are reading something that is truly benefiting their character and faith!
I’m encouraging you to be intentional with your children!
Don’t make last minute decisions that could potentially expose your child. Set them up for success. Prepare them and give them tools to succeed that not only benefit their personal growth, but give you a peace of mind. I really recommend giving your children books that they are excited about.
Brave Books has become a staple in our household. Be sure to check them out here!
Use code BethanyHamilton for 20% off!
And if you’re around the Springfield, MO area, I’ll be at the public library to read my book to you and sign copies as well!
