Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I need help

This is for all you moms out there that have school kids and little kids at home. What do you do with your little kids while working on homework with the big kids? Between homework and dinner my little guys are neglected and all that I have worked towards all day gets undone in a matter of minutes. A movie doesn't work because the big kids can see the tv from the table. Letting them do "homework" or color doesn't work either because then I post blogs like the one I posted 3 blogs ago. They go to their rooms to play, but really they are just destroying and then that always turns into fighting. On top of it all I am trying to put dinner together and I can't seem to get it done fast enough because their is always a problem. So what works for you or are you in my same rutt??? I feel like I could just explode every day at this time. Tonight I am actually grateful that I get to leave for an hour to go to cub scouts! Help, please!!!!

11 comments:

Becky said...

Well, we are just starting this process and it is frustrating. His homework doesn't take that much time, but what seems to work for us is to send the kids outside and play. Big, secured backyards with lots of grass help...if you don't have that, try a scavenger hunt. Give them a list of things that you need for dinner or from their room or something to make for daddy. It doesn't have to be long, but just something to keep them focused. It will take longer if you give them one item at a time. That way they think they are playing a game with mom at the same time you are focusing on your other homework kids.
Just an idea...I have no idea if it works...mine are still entertained by Blue's clues. Good Luck though!

Fausett Family said...

If the tv is on for the little kids then the older ones are not paying attention to their homework. I know your pain! Actually the dinner making time is worse than the homework time. I'm sorry I have no lifesaving suggestions. The outside thing works for me only if it is not 110 degrees. But then I get a really grumpy kid that can see all the others having fun.

Greg and Shellie Lomenick said...

I love the scavenger hunt idea. Very smart and creative!

Brian and Abby said...

I think I must have responded to the wrong blog last time I thought I was leavig a message. Your children were on it, but there were some I didn't know. Anyway. YOur blog is very cute and the kids look like they had fun washing the car. Precious moments. Sorry your struggling with the homework situation. I hope you figure it out so you can let me in on the secret for when mine are old enough for that.

The Snow Queen said...

You're wierd. My kids never fight, or make messes, or write on stuff, or sneak food into their beds where the ants can attack them. We don't watch tv that's not educational either. We all sing songs and stare lovingly at each other, but only after we have said our family prayers where no one has farted, bitten, giggled, poked, or guffawed. I repeat you're wierd.
YOu could tie them up and tell them that the gypsies are going to come get them if they tell their teachers at school or any other state mandated reporter. That always works at my house.

The Snow Queen said...

I am just kidding. I farted tonight during the family prayer. The kids thought it was hilarious. The spirit was so strong.

Ranisa said...

You might not remember me....but I came across your blog....I LOVE IT! Great family!
We have this same prob at our house. I will have to keep checking into see what other people come up with. We eat at 5, not 5:30 or even 5:15 but 5 on the dot. My oldest (Elaine) gets home at 3:20, primetime for dinner cooking. Our rule is that you come in the door, grab a snack and sit down and do your homework. Other kids are normally watching TV but homework childs sits with her back to the TV. Or Kris (husband)helps with homework while I cook, or he cooks and I do homework. Lately I lay on the couch and he does both. Bedrest will do that to you. He works nights and so he gets up at 3...making it possible to eat at 5 and have homework done too. We do really early bedtimes too.

The Taylor Family said...

Hey what the heck, I thought you were miss dinner in the freezer? Pull it out and warm it??? At our house it is utter craziness everyday! We also only have like 2 more weeks till basketball season starts, YIKES! What to do then? You are totally way more organized than me, so when you figure it out which I am sure you will before me, will you let me know what to do!?!?!?! Love ya!!!!

just us said...

HI Nicole.
I feel your pain. I have soccer practice three days a week too. UGH! I'm sorry I have no advice for you. . in fact I'm stealing some of the advice from your comments. :o)
Good Luck!
~Missy

The Reed Family said...

I don't have the answer but I know you're not alone!! Tricia tells me she has a hard time figuring out the homework thing too! Good luck and I hope you find something that works!! I like the tying them to the chair idea! :)

The Fisher Family said...

When are you going to post a new blog, I did.