Please Don’t Tell Me to Homeschool While the Baby Is Sleeping
If I had a dollar for every time someone told me to “just homeschool while the baby is sleeping,” I could probably afford a very fancy coffee—and goodness knows I’d need it! While the advice usually comes from a well-meaning place, I can’t help but chuckle (or cry, depending on the day). Because let’s be real: “nap time” sounds like a glorious window of productivity, but in reality, it’s more like a fleeting, unpredictable whisper.
When I finally lay the baby down and tiptoe out of the room like a ninja, I’m faced with a critical decision: Do I homeschool? Do I clean? Do I shower (I mean, it’s been… a while)? Or do I just stare into space, enjoying the sweet sound of silence? The truth is, we simply cannot be expected to do everything while the baby is sleeping—especially when juggling homeschooling with a baby and keeping a household running on a budget.
How to Homeschool with a Baby and Toddler in Tow
Thankfully, homeschooling abroad (or anywhere, really) doesn’t need a perfectly quiet house or a three-hour nap window. We just need a little creativity (and maybe some noise-canceling headphones). Here are a few practical and budget-friendly homeschooling ideas to make it work with a baby on my hip and a toddler at my feet:
1. Use the High Chair Hack
While I’m teaching my older child, I’ll often pull the high chair right up to the action. I give my toddler some safe kitchen utensils, playdough, or a few snacks, and voilà—he’s part of the “classroom.” He loves feeling included, and I can keep an eye on him while we get through our lessons.
2. Embrace Babywearing
I’ve lost count of the number of lessons i’ve given while bouncing a baby in a carrier. Babywearing keeps my little one close and calm while leaving my hands free to help with schoolwork, make lunch, or gesticulate wildly during history lessons.
After 4 kids I have found the best carrier that suits newborns up to toddler. This carrier is not the cheapest you can find but definitely will not break the bank and it is so worth it in my opinion to have a carrier that you can put on quickly and is comfortable and breathable.
3. Incorporate the Littles into Homeschooling
If my toddler wants to join in, I say, “Why not?” I give him crayons and let him “do school” alongside his big siblings. Sure, his “assignments” might just be scribbles, but he’s learning by watching, and I’m keeping him entertained—win-win! This also gives me a great opportunity to help him learn those basic things like hand/eye coordination, stacking blocks like this, and putting mega legos together (these are our favorites) which I might not otherwise have time to do because of all the other house and ministry duties.
4. Tag Team When Possible—Including the Older Kids
If my husband is home, or if a friend can help out, I take advantage of those moments. Even just 30 minutes of focused time with my older child makes a big difference. But when I’m flying solo, I love to get the older kids involved. Whether it’s reading a board book to the toddler, playing peek-a-boo with the baby, or helping with snack time, giving my big kids small “jobs” not only lightens my load but also fosters responsibility and connection among siblings.
5. Lower Expectations (Like, Really Low)
Sometimes, the best lesson I can teach my kids is that life doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. Some days we get through all the subjects; other days, reading a book together on the couch or playing with rocks and sticks in the yard counts as school. I’m learning to embrace both.
Learning Happens in Everyday Moments
One of my favorite things about homeschooling as a missionary mom is the flexibility. Sometimes, our best lessons happen outside of “school hours.” When I’m cooking, my kids are measuring and counting. When we’re walking through a village, we’re exploring nature and learning how to serve others. When the baby is actually sleeping? Sometimes, I just rest. And that’s a lesson in itself—for all of us. So, to the sweet person suggesting I homeschool while the baby sleeps: I appreciate the thought, I really do. But around here, we’re learning to do life—and school—with a little bit of chaos, a lot of grace, and maybe a baby banging a spoon in the background.
If you’re looking for more encouragement on homeschooling with littles underfoot, I highly recommend Episode 231 of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast with Sarah Mackenzie. She shares practical tips and a fresh perspective on homeschooling during busy seasons. It’s the kind of encouragement you’ll want to listen to while folding laundry, pushing a stroller, or yes—while the baby is (maybe) sleeping.
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