Working with older kids when you have a leech (9m baby) attached to you?

[quaz]

I did the 'home-preschool' thing.

This year my dd misses the K cut-off, and decided to do the pre-school things, for a number of reason. I went with an entirely play-based pre-school. Any academic stuff, I expect she will continue to get from home.

Right now, the problem is I have a very, VERY clingy 9m old. If I try to do something for even 5 minutes with her, he starts screaming.

It's not like I need TONS of time, but listening to her reading a book, or playing cards/math game does take a bit of time.... today I had my 3 year old keep ds happy, while i had my 5 year old read to me for 5 minutes.

Any other suggestions? I know this phase will pass, but IT IS DRIVING ME NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahem.

Tammy

[umbrella]

Honestly, in that spot, I used naps, and evenings and weekends with dh home. I just gave up trying to get much done during the day, and then I felt a lot better for it, once I was no longer stressing myself out trying. We just had a nice day in other ways.

[teastaigh]

I read your post and feel wistful for those days.
I do long to hold a little baby again!

That said, yes, I do remember the frustration of
not being able to "get stuff done"! Personally, I
think homeschooling should be warm and good
for everyone at home. Feisty babies sometimes
like walks. This is a wonderful time to collect
leaves and learn about trees, seeds, hibernation, etc.
I'd try to include baby as much as possible -- have
the children run and walk words on the driveway or
make words with their bodies a letter at a time.
get "The Complete Book of Childrens' Theatre"
from the library -- kids learn so much from even
the basic improv exercises. Math at this age can
all be done with manipulables -- shoes work great.
I learned my times tables folding laundry while
my mom took care of my sisters.

I know it's hard; but today is the day to just
take joy. You've got everything you need right
in that house!

peace,
teastaigh