Please don’t tell me to Homeschool while the baby is sleeping!

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.

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon affiliate and might receive a small commission on whatever you buy through the above links, at no additional cost to you.

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Hello world!

From Small Town Southern Girl to Missionary Mom: Our Journey of Faith, Family, and Homeschooling

I often look back in awe at how a small-town Southern girl ended up on the other side of the world, married to a Brazilian, and raising four children while homeschooling and pioneering a missions base. It’s been a wild adventure, full of unexpected twists, challenges, and plenty of highs and lows. Each step along the way has shaped who I am today and deepened my faith in ways I never could have imagined.

Fourteen years ago, I stepped out of the comfort of my home in the South, not fully knowing what God had planned for me. At the time, I never imagined that my journey would take me to Brazil, where I would marry my wonderful Brazilian husband and eventually find ourselves living in Thailand as missionaries. I thought I had my life all figured out—until God had other plans.

Being married to a Brazilian and raising children in a foreign land has opened my eyes to the beauty of cross-cultural living. Our children are growing up in a unique environment, learning a new language, and embracing the culture around them while we serve in ministry. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been rewarding. I’ve seen firsthand how God uses the challenges of cross-cultural life to stretch and refine us.

Homeschooling was never on my radar, especially as a missionary mom. At first, I didn’t think I had the skills, patience, or wisdom to teach my kids. I worried they wouldn’t get enough social interaction or that I would somehow mess up their education. Yet, God knew exactly what we needed. Homeschooling has given us the flexibility to be present in our ministry while also providing a tailored education for each of our children. It has allowed us to integrate our faith into their learning every single day, fostering not just academic growth but spiritual growth as well.

As a family, we’ve embraced a life of faith and sacrifice, navigating the ups and downs of pioneering a missions base. There have been moments of pure joy and others where we’ve been tested to our limits. But through it all, God has been faithful, providing for our needs and growing us in ways we never imagined. Each day is an opportunity to trust Him more and to model for our children what it means to live out the calling of the Great Commission.

Leaving my home 14 years ago was a leap of faith, and in many ways, I had no idea how it would unfold. But I have discovered that Jesus meets us in the places where we are most uncomfortable, where our faith is stretched, and where we are called to something bigger than ourselves. In this journey of homeschooling abroad, raising world changers, and doing family ministry, I have found Jesus in ways that I never could have if I hadn’t stepped out in obedience.

Through the highs and lows, we continue to walk by faith, trusting that God’s plans for our family are far greater than we could have ever dreamed.

I’m so grateful to be able to share this journey with you. If you’re a mom homeschooling in a cross-cultural environment, a missionary mom, or just looking for encouragement in your own journey, I hope that you’ll find inspiration here. Together, we’ll explore what it means to be a godly wife and mother, to live out our purpose as world changers, and to raise children who will impact the world for Christ.

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The Ultimate Guide to Cross-Cultural Motherhood: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Being a mother is already an incredible journey, but raising children in a cross-cultural setting takes it to a whole new level. In this guide, we’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with motherhood on the mission field. From cooking delicious multicultural meals to creating a flexible homeschooling schedule, we’ll cover it all. Additionally, we’ll delve into the importance of spiritual guidance and how it plays a vital role in shaping our children as future world changers. With affiliate links, e-books, and an e-commerce site, we’ll provide resources to support you on this empowering journey.

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The Art of Multicultural Cooking: Flavors From Around the World

Explore the vibrant world of multicultural cooking as a mother on the mission field. From spices that transport you to the streets of India to the hearty stews of Africa, we’ll share recipes and techniques that celebrate diverse cultures and satisfy your family’s taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to international cuisine, this culinary adventure will not only nourish your loved ones but also foster a deeper appreciation for the communities you serve. Join us as we embark on a gastronomic journey that transcends borders and brings us closer to the global tapestry of flavors.

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Creating a Homeschooling Oasis: Strategies for Success on the Mission Field

Homeschooling your children while living on the mission field presents unique challenges and rewards. In this post, we’ll share practical tips and strategies to help you establish a homeschooling oasis. From setting up a conducive learning environment to tailoring a curriculum that integrates cross-cultural experiences, we’ll equip you with the tools you need to provide a quality education to your little world changers. Discover the joy of teaching and learning together as you nurture their intellectual curiosity and instill values that transcend borders. Shed light on the path of cross-cultural homeschooling and unlock boundless educational possibilities.

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Mastering Time: Efficient Scheduling Tips for Missionary Mothers

As a missionary mother, time is a precious resource, and effective scheduling is the key to balance and productivity. In this post, we’ll guide you through proven strategies and time-management techniques tailored to the unique demands of motherhood on the mission field. From organizing your day to optimizing personal and professional tasks, you’ll learn how to make the most of every minute. By streamlining your schedule, you’ll create space for meaningful connections with your children, spiritual growth, and pursuing your mission with purpose and efficiency. Embrace the power of intentional scheduling and unlock the potential to impact lives.

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Guiding Little Hearts: Nurturing Spiritual Growth in Cross-Cultural Motherhood

Motherhood on the mission field is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the spiritual growth of your children. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of spiritual guidance and provide practical insights for nurturing their faith in a cross-cultural setting. From engaging in family devotions that embrace multicultural perspectives to fostering a deep connection with God through prayer, we’ll share strategies to cultivate a strong spiritual foundation. Join us on this transformative journey as we empower you to raise children who not only change the world through their actions but also leave an indelible impact on the lives they touch.

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Raising World Changers: The Power of Motherhood

Motherhood is often referred to as the highest calling for a woman, and we couldn’t agree more. In this post, we’ll delve into the profound influence mothers have in shaping the world through their children. Explore the immense responsibility and privilege of raising world changers while living on the mission field. Discover the transformative power of love, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication as you embark on this noble journey. Together, let’s celebrate the extraordinary role of mothers and inspire each other to embrace our calling with passion and purpose. Join the movement of raising world changers and leave an enduring legacy.

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