Quitting My Job Soon and Need Help with Schedule

My best advice is this:

1. Work on creating a home routine. Set regular times to wake up, eat, nap, go to bed, and maybe potty training. Once you have those basics down then you can really allow your days to go well and orderly.

2. Remember the more time you spend in the house the more housekeeping you'll have to do. Most mom's forget that. It is good for children to be outdoors for fresh air, for sunshine, for free imaginative play and room to run and be loud. Your two are still little but it is good to get them out every day even if it is just for a walk around the block or some time in the yard watching bird.

3. Try to have one outing each week. Parents go both ways on this one too much and they are always running around or too little and they start to get cabin fever. Pick a library day or park day (picnic in the park is my daughter's favorite). Look for free activities at either Dallas Child or Fort Worth Child magazine.

4. You can't go wrong teaching your kids to pray and reading them bible stories in the morning, naptime, bedtime. One thing I wish I had done earlier was fill my house with time with the Lord. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in teaching them life skills that we forget to teach them how to pray and to listen to God's word. There are some great little one devotionals that tell stories or get a good children's bible and just read them one whenever they want cuddle time. Also fill your home with music during free play. It will help your attitude and theirs.

5. Don't forget to ask God what He wants you to do during this time. I too am a creature of routine, but I found that God was calling me to show my daughter the value of relationship and well as you know relationships require meeting of two different personalities and souls. So my very outgoing daughter's idea of time together is not usually on the schedule she wants to have a picnic for breakfast or play trains before bed. So just go with it and habit train secondary to building that relationship with your little ones. Observe and listen more than you instruct and they will surprise you how much more they will absorb from your actions than your words.

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Congratulations on your decision to stay home and raise your children. It will be the most rewarding and the most difficult job you will ever have. My best advice to you is to find a local MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) group to join. Check out their website mops.org. They are a Christian based group that usually meets in a local church. They have weekly or monthly meetings for the Moms and activities for the kids. They usually organize play groups and other activities. The hardest thing is to keep yourself from going crazy. It is sometimes mind numbing to spend every day with preschoolers. After having been in a working environment, you will miss the adult interaction. MOPS will help you to connect with other stay at home MOMS to do things with. Also, check out your local library for preschool story times. These are usually great and another way to meet stay at home MOMS. Parks, McDonald playlands and Mall soft playgrounds are also a popular meeting place for kids and Moms. Plan to have at least one outting a week (two or three would be better, depending on how social you are) or opportunity for you to be around other adults.

I believe that you are giving your kids one of the best gift that you can give - yourself. But be careful and take care of YOU, so you have more to give. Hopefully your husband will be supportive and realize that you will need some breaks in the evening and on weekends. Sometimes men have trouble understanding this, since they think you are at home and you don't have a job. Remind him that you have the most important job of all, but he needs to be involved with his kids also. Good luck and enjoy your kids!

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As a stay at home mother of ten, and a homeschool mom for eighteen years, let me tell you, you do NOT want to run your home like a day care, and even if you tried, it won't work. Children are not meant to be so regimented.
Make your home a learning place. Buy learning toys, buy good character building books to read to them. Let them watch you and imitate you and learn that way. Hold them, play with them, take walks, go to the zoo and the museum. Make the most of all the opprotunities your going to have now that you are home with your children and you have the time.
It's going to be great!!

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Congratulations on becoming a stay at home mom. I became one 4 years ago and it has been the best 4 years of my life! I understand your thinking on wanting a schedule coming from a working mom environment, but staying home is a whole other ball-game. Make a loose schedule but plan on being very flexible. Some of the best parts of staying home include teaching kids home stuff, cooking, how to fold clothes, and just playing with them. You can always have a time of day you do a lesson for your 2 year old on preschool type activities and something Christ-centered. There are probably some good lesson plans or books that are age appropriate at Mardels. I highly advise you to join a moms group. Your kids will get to play with others and you will have some invaluable Mommy friends too. Good Luck!

Contact the CLC (Christian Learning Center) at Prestonwood Baptist Church or at The Heights, and both of them will tell you what "cirriculum" they use for the little ones that is Christian based-- both are wonderful teaching facilities!!

You may look at Becka not sure how you spell it. I keep getting these things in the mail for my day care too. get them in the mail and considering them too. Activities but some are really expensive and per child. Some are not. Give me your phone number or e-mail so when I get them I can shoot them to you. GingerW

Day Care

Schedule

Big Breakfast at 10
This is the time for teaching but I start a big lunch at 11.
Lunch at noon
nap from about 12:30-1 til when they wake about 3:30
snack

God Bless and I think why let someone else raise kids if you can. G. W
play time or or outside til parents come. If it is hot we go out in the early morning.

Congratulations! I'm so proud of you! It'll be hard work, but so worth it--now and in the long run!

It's a little early for homeschooling formally, but you can still find great resources for your situation through AmblesideOnline.org It's a free curriculum based on the late but great Charlotte Mason--read up on her ideals for child training--she's all about giving kids the world and helping them blossom and thrive.

Also, for the schedule, I fould this cute site of a daycare that laid it all out there as far as what they do, when, and why. Only, now I can't remember where I found it. :(

Oh, well. I'm sure you'll do fine, and have fun getting to know your babies!

~A.

Make sure you find a really good MOMS/MOPS group to join to help you make friends with other Stay home moms. It can be a challenging transition. I have done it twice. Also go to the library and look for books in the parenting section about scheduling and also in the education area on toddler/preschool planning. Also lots of resources on the web. Just search terms like preschool activites or preschool schedule.

My MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) group meets at FBC McKinney on Friday mornings 2x a month. We have activities for the moms & speakers and childcare for the kids. If you want more info email me at ____@____.com.

S. F.
Coordinator
Hopeful Heart MOPS
FBC Mckinney

homeschoolhelper.com or .org. Never too early to start.
I think you are making the right decision in doing what is best for your family.

Blessings

A great website is www.dltk.com. They have fun coloring pages and projects for all preschool ages. It is both Christian and secular (i.e. fairy tales, nursury rhymes). There are also alphabet pages, etc.

I also have a great time baking with my toddlers (2 & 3). We make cookies, bread, and anything we feel like. It is a blast!

I have a blog designed specifically for toddlers 1 - 4yrs. I update every weekday with a new craft project or activity. My aim for each project is quick and cheap! I was also looking for things to do with my kids (a 1yr old and 3yr old) and didn't really find any good websites out there, so I made my own! Hope it helps - http://toddlerplaylearn.blogspot.com
(Thanks Jennifer for recommending my blog too!!).
I started life as a stay-at-home Mom trying to duplicate a day care schedule and it is almost impossible - it's exhausting and you end up not getting anything else done. Just concentrate on spending quality time with your kids (aim for 1 hour to start with) - the rest of the time is consumed with chores, eating, napping, and then you'll wonder where the day went. Also, join a MOMS group. I'm part of the HEB group and love it. We have playdates and other activities so the kids get to socialize, and so do I! Being at home can be hard, isolating, so make sure you get out and do things too! But, with all that said it is the most rewarding experience and I wouldn't change it for the world! Best of luck.

I am not sure if they are still hiring, BUT Bally's Health Club is the perfect place for you to work WITH your children. Barbie Walsh used to run the nurseries staffing, not sure if she is still there, but can't imagine why she wouldn't be. Benefit would be you make money while watching your own children along w/other children that come & go every 2-3 hours. It help my husband & I several years ago when I was young & had young children but wanted a structured schedule and a little extra income. You can work out your schedule to suit yourself with Barbie. Go into any Bally's and ask for Barbie Walsh or talk to the nursery person working at the time for information. Once hired, you can stay & work out afterwards to allow you some time to yourself!

Just wanted to say that is awesome. I don't have any books or websites; however, I think that is a great idea to structure your home time with them like school. They probably will learn more from you than at school b/c you have a vested interest! Anyway, good luck.

I schedule is a great idea but try to keep it flexible. Kids usually do very well with some sort of structure, which is different than regimentation. My kids have always been on somewhat of a schedule as far as the big stuff goes: breakfast, lunch, naps, dinner, and bedtime. What we do in between varies quite a bit.

Also, just remember in what ever you do that whether they go to day care or you stay home with them, it isn't going to guarantee your kids to be better kids or people into adult life. It all comes down to the relationship you have with them. And what they see in you. While being a stay at home mom might give you a better chance at having your kids turn out - I hate to say better - I know plenty of adults who grew up in day care and love the lord more than those raised w/ mom s at home. And it goes the other way, too.

Enjoy your kiddos, because as everyone will tell you, they do grow up fast and this time you have with them is a short season. Parenting responsibly is a lot of pressure but the Lord will give you wisdom as you seek it and knowing he is with you and leading you - that helps quite a bit!

Take care,
M.

God bless you for your desire to stay home with your kids. I made that decision after the birth of my first. I have truly been blessed to be able to do so. With the exception of a few part-time jobs, at day cares, etc... I have been at home for the past 25 years. Even now I only consider part-time jobs that allow me to support my teenage daughters activities. After saying that, I was a very scheduled Mom when the kids were young. I feel that it is important for the kids to have routine. They need and you need plenty of rest and at home time and play dates with friends. Check out Bible Study Fellowship, it is a non-denominational Bible study that will allow you to bring your 2 year old, and it was free the last time I heard. I had a great Bible story book that we read out of at bed-time or whenever. Children soak up information like a sponge. I had a Little Tikes table that I kept in the dining area and on it I had crayons, paper, etc..., it was their art table and where I would feed them lunch. Enjoy your children and allow for flexibility. It is awesome to watch them grow, mature, discover their strengths and come to know Christ as their personal Savior. Enjoy your children and allow time for your husband, remember he needs your love and attention too and visa-vis. God Bless!
J. W.

That sounds like a great idea! I've been thinking about doing something like that myself while we've been on break over the summer but never got around to it because I work from home a lot. But my son went to preschool for a couple of months before the summer and THRIVEd on that structured environment. He even would take naps (which he'd given up at home a long time ago!). It was great. They even sent home a "schedule" if you'd like it I can type it out. They'd choose a theme for the day and work on it all day, like recycling or leaves or boats or whatever. I think kids really thrive when they know what to expect next, especially since it's time with mom, their favorite person! Kuddos to you and all. My kids are starting 2 day a week preschool later this month because I know they will benefit so much from it and honestly, I don't have the resources, energy, or desire to teach them the great things they can learn at preschool. And then the other 5 days at home will be more unstructured. I've toyed with the idea of doing things at hourly intervals, like 8am breakfast, 9am art time, 10am music time, and whatever, with more free time after the activity or in between, but I've had a really hard time implementing it! Anyway, that's great and I really think you'll do a good job and enjoy your day more if you have something to look forward to and prepare for. By the way, I think you'd really like this blog (I saw it on another mamasource post): http://toddlerplaylearn.blogspot.com/
Best of luck in your transition!!

I've found that what works best is to just fiddle with it until you get a schedule that works for all of you. We attend playgroups so our schedule somewhat varies, but during the school year we have regular activities such as the preschool music class at a nearby church weekly, and storytime at our local library weekly. My advice is to have a similar schedule everyday but not to let yourself be so strict about it that everyone is stressed when you are running late or something is cancelled.

Go to Mardels. They have a lot of home school stuff there. Before you get hung up on one set schedule think about what you kids need. All children are different and need different things. Few parents take this into account and end up with disobedient, angry children because the parent never figures out what the child needs. Parents extract parts of the bible to support their cause but don't listen to all the verses. You are to raise up a child in the way they are to go, not in the way that makes you comfortable.

Based on research presented in the book, The Continum Concept, one of the best things you can do for your children is allow them to observe "adult" behavior. Get them involved in folding clothes, cooking, and other such daily activities. Encourage free creative play (such as dress up) and allow them time to develop their gross motor skills (running outside, jumping, climbing, etc.). Of course the best benefit they will be receiving from the deal is having a secure attachment with a primary caretaker (YOU!).

Just so you don't get too stressed...they are going to 'benefit' from just your being there. I understand what your saying about a schedule and structure...I like that too, but I really enjoy not having to be anywhere at anytime and just hanging out with them. Once they are in school, your family's schedule will never be your own again (except for summers). I'm sure you'll get loads of ideas for schedules and I think it's good to keep one, but don't forget to just have lazy, fun, useless days as well :) they really are the best!! Congratulations on your decision...you'll never regret it!!

I would agree that you wouldn't really want to run your home like a daycare. But offering lots of playing while learning is a wonderful way to teach and play with your kids at the same time.

Mardels is a great Christian bookstore that has a very large section devoted to childrens education. Another idea is hobby lobby for crafts. You can get foam stickers and paper and make a craft that goes along with a Bible story you read that day for example.

I think experiences really help a child so we try to go to outings on weekday mornings. The libraries usually offer toddler and infant story times. We really enjoy those. Also the different city recreation depts. offer classes such as Mommy and me dance or tumbling. Mansfield has a rec center that offers free gym time for the kids a couple of mornings a week. We have been going to Music in Motion at First Baptist Mansfield all summer. They sing songs in a circle with all the kids and the kids jump, hop, march etc. with the songs. This class is free.

Another thought would be to join a Moms Group. I found mine on meetup.com And it has been wonderful. I met a group of really great Moms and kids. They have activities scheduled just about every day and I just go to the ones that fit our schedule and interests. It has really helped my daughter to be able to interact with other children since she doesn't have any at home to play with. She is learning to share and play nice with others. I felt like this was one of the main things she would miss out on by not going to daycare.

good luck. Staying home with your kids is truly a blessing although there are those days where i know I would be less stressed out and tired if i had stayed at work.

Your two year old is the perfect age for a curriculum called "hands on homeschooling". There are activities and bible stories for 2 years and up. The website is http://www.handsonhomeschooling.com/index.htm
Congratulations on your decision!

A.,

Have you ever stayed home with your kids in the past? It doesn't seem you have. Life is CRAZY being a stay at home mom (at least it is for me - however, I have three small kids and no help). Since you want your kids in a Christian learning environment, I strongly suggest enrolling them in a moms day out program at a church. I think it is two days a week and only costs $150 a month. Very inexpensive, and your older child will be in a good Christian environment. That will take off a a TON of stress that you are putting on yourself. You will be so busy doing laundry, going grocery shopping, feeding them meals and snacks(it seems like my kids eat all day long), and keeping up with the diswasher/sink, that you probably won't have time to also be your kids' "Christian daycare teacher." That is very hard to do.

i think it's great to have a general schedule to your day; however, little ones are not like coworkers and you need some flexibility in dealing with them. i would also say that you do not want to run your home like a daycare. The greatest gift you can give your children right now is your time and love. Every moment is full of learning opportunities. If you're too stuck in a schedule, you can miss them. I know you're coming from a very scheduled, and adult, type of day. You can't expect your little ones to adhere to this. Have fun. You're giving up your career so you don't have to adhere to somebody's schedule -- your family will have its own. Listen to your children, they will help guide you through this. Also, you might consider getting them into a playgroup so that you can get out of the house and around other adults. it makes a world of difference. Story times are a good diversion and something your children will definately enjoy. good luck in making this transition!

Have you added BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) to your agenda this fall? If you are not aware, along with the Bible study for moms, there is a childrens program. You may also want to check Heights Baptist Church. They have a wonderful Mothers Day out program as well as other kid friendly, Bible based programs. You are so blessed to be able to walk away from your job. Blessings throughout your transition.

There is a website. It is www.titus2.com, they have a book that can help you make a schedule. The book is called Managers of Their Homes. You can make the schedule as detail or open as you need. It is the schedule that you see on the Duggars wall, if you watch any of their shows.

Hello! Good luck with staying home! I felt like I was reading a post from myself ... I also have a 2 year old and a 3 month old, and 2 weeks ago I made the decision not to return to work. I'm also a very scheduled person, and it was important to me (and to my 2 year-old, who thrives on routine) to figure out a schedule that worked for the two of them. Basically, all I did was sit down, and figure out what my baby's needs were, what my older son's needs were, and any other family needs, and figured out how I could best mesh them. I had one schedule when Josh, the baby, was a newborn and eating every three hours, and now another one now that he eats every four hours. I also didn't feel the need to keep to a true four-hour schedule, and instead adjusted the times to fit with the family life. For example, Josh eats at ~7:45, 11:30, 3:30, and 7:00. Once you've got feedings and naps worked in, you can figure out when you want to do educational / developmental activities, when you want to have free play, and when you want to do chores and other things. Just keep periods of activity short (say 45 min increments). Also, keep in mind any of the baby's fussier periods ... for example, I do puzzles & crafts with my 2 year old when the baby is napping or after he's just eaten (and thus content), but go out and about (to story time, grocery store, etc.) when he's fussier. As far as Christian activities, I would think you could do a lot just in talking to your children, and maybe reading them some Christian books. You might also want to visit a Christian book or educational store (like Mardel) for more ideas. Good luck!