Homeschooling With a Toddler: How to be Successful

Jen February 10, 2021 no Comments

I don’t know how to not be homeschooling with a toddler. I haven’t had a year of homeschooling where I didn’t also have a toddler, or a baby, or a toddler and a baby, or two toddlers. Next year will be my first year to experience homeschooling with all school aged kids, if you count preschool as school age. And honestly, I’m a little sad. Yes the toddler years are messy, loud and chaotic, toddlers color on walls, spill cereal and climb on counters, they demand our attention and will go to unpredictable lengths to get it. But, they are also magical and full of treasure- all wrapped up in the chaos. That treasure, of course, continues with our kids as they grow, it just looks different. That looking different part is bittersweet.

All that to say, if you are finding yourself stressed out with homeschooling with a toddler, try first looking for the treasure they carry in their toddler self, it will change your perspective once you find it. Then, implement these tried and true tips and watch your homeschool go from stressful to successful.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission.

Tip 1: Create a Toddler Space

While you are homeschooling you want your toddler close so you can keep an eye on them, but not too close or you run the risk of a toddler tornado hitting the homeschool table. Set up a toddler play area and fill it with books, toys and activities. They will think their set up is way cooler than your homeschool table anyway and everyone will be happy.

Toddler Friendly Activities

homemade playdoh– The recipe is from livingwellmom.com and it works every time! Don’t forget playdoh toys.
jumbo coloring books
water wow
wooden blocks
puzzles, puzzles and more puzzles
magnetic board
toy vehicles
stacking toy
flannel board and felt cutouts
Lego Duplo
imagination magnets
magnetic storyboard
realistic looking toy animals
baby dolls

The Best Books for Toddlers

Fun and Interactive Shows for Toddlers

Go Noodle (YouTube)
Daniel Tiger (PBS Kids)
Curious George (PBS Kids)
Doc McStuffins (Disney Plus)
Bubble Guppies (Amazon Prime)
Dinosaur Train (PBS Kids)
Tumble Leaf (Amazon Prime)
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Amazon Prime)
Busy World of Richard Scarry (Amazon Prime)
Adventures in Odyssey (Amazon Prime)
Guess How Much I Love You (Amazon Prime)
Magic School Bus (Netflix)

Tip 2: Spend Time with Your Toddler

Mommy and Me Activities for at Home

Your toddler wants your attention because they want to spend that quality mommy and me time with you. I try to fill up their love cup first thing before moving onto working with my older kids. Read books, sing songs, or play with toys together. I like to get outside in the morning and go for a walk or just play in the backyard. Besides, toddlers have endless energy so this is a great way to start their day. Everyone will benefit from being outside, not just your toddler.

Mommy and Me Date Ideas

Another way to fill your toddlers love cup is to schedule occasional one on one time outside of the house. Mommy and Me dates! Get a babysitter for your older kids, or drop them off at a friends house and take your toddler to story time at the library or to meet a friend for a playdate at the park.

Tip 3: Homeschool During Naptime… or Don’t

To School or Not to School

When I first started homeschooling and was searching for how to homeschool with a toddler, everything said to homeschool when your toddler naps. Ok, that makes sense I thought, so I tried it, and hated it. I didn’t like giving up my only free time during the day. So, I did the exact opposite of what everyone was saying and naptime in our house is quiet time for everyone, including mama. We do not homeschool during naptime. I am definitely not saying you can’t homeschool during naptime, if that works for you that is great! I am just saying it’s ok if you don’t want to (even though that’s what everyone says to do.)

Tip 4: Invite Your Toddler to Homeschool

The More the Merrier

I know I just told you to make a toddler space, but sometimes our toddlers want to be close. Invest in a comfortable carrier and wear your toddler while you homeschool. However, many times I would just bring the highchair over to the school table and let my toddler play with toys while buckled in. They feel like they are part of the action, but still in their own space.

Get Messy and Create a Masterpiece

We do an art project once a week and often times I will invite my toddler to create with us. Their art projects probably won’t look anything like the intended outcome, but that doesn’t matter. The important thing is it’s a small and fun way to include them in homeschooling.

Tip 5: Use Curriculum to Your Advantage

Delegate Teaching

Last year I was looking for a writing curriculum for my then 1st grader and in my research I found Essentials in Writing which comes with a DVD of lessons taught by an English teacher. You do not have to be the only teacher in your homeschool, so find someone to delegate to. Having my older kids watch the lesson and then complete their work has freed up some of my time which I can then direct towards my toddler.

READ: Homeschool for the Beginner: How to Start

Tip 6: Embrace Homeschooling with a Toddler

Evaluate Your Expectations

Right now, think about what your lowered expectations would look like, now go a little lower… lower…. there. Ultimately it comes down to just having lower expectations because toddlers are unpredictable and you really can’t set expectations for the unpredictable. Let me tell you- it’s ok that your expectations have to be lowered. Every single homeschooling mom with a toddler is right there with you.

To Your Future Self…

Embrace this stage your toddler is in. When you feel like crying, try laughing instead and see what happens. Treasure this chaotic time because in the near future you will look back on this and not necessarily want to go back to it, but you will miss it like crazy! I don’t know a mother of older kids who wouldn’t love to go back just for a minute and hug their 2 year old son or daughter again and hear their sweet little toddler voice! You will thank your future self if you take the time now to embrace homeschooling with a toddler.