My sister-in-law and I both, had been working with our children from home during COVID. The great thing for me is that my boys are in double digits and can mostly keep themselves entertained. Her smaller children on the other hand, not so much. So, she’s had to get creative in ways that she manages her preschooler while at home.
Did you know that currently in the US, there are 24.5 million children between the ages of zero and five years? What a huge group of little people with high energy that have to be creatively managed!
But, have no worries, keep reading for some of the creative ways to manage your tiny tots at home.
Organize Your Space Strategically
The way you organize your home is relevant as it helps ensure effective learning at any given time. For example, for my youngest son, I created him a minimalist homeschool area in the living room that is specifically for his studies. This also works well with smaller children.
When creating and/or organizing the space that you will use, include the children. Children, in general, feel a sense of ownership when they help in organizing.
In doing this, consider using labeled transparent bins (usually plastic) to bring order to toys and learning supplies. Why? Because children learn when exposed to visually-stimulating things, and it is also a convenient way to hone their object matching abilities.
Create Restrictions
By creating restrictions in the learning space at home, you mimic the classroom setting for your preschooler. Remember, familiarity is the code word here.
Every area you designate in your living space for learning must be for a specific activity. For example, you could plan to have a poetry enactment area to the front of your living room. It enhances focus and creates the feeling of watching television while your child performs an act.
If you realize an enactment requires a lot of physical activity, you may need to create more space for your preschooler to express themselves. In this case, you may want to consider using an open space such as the basement, yard, or porch at home.
Use Online Materials
If your preschooler is already beginning to read and write, you should know there are countless kindergarten classroom ideas online.
Studentreasures, for example, provides one of the best online materials for your preschooler. They have in store varied, engaging worksheets your child would find comfortable to use.
Employ Creativity to Handle Your Preschooler’s Issues
Creativity is so important, especially when working with younger children and even more important when they are grumpy and not having a good day.
When you notice this, it is time to analyze the situation and devise ways and means to handle them without causing further tantrums. Again, get creative.
For example, consider doing the wall push-over by encouraging your preschooler to push against a wall while you both count up to ten or twenty or allow your preschooler to help with chores such as arranging books in a cupboard. These creative activities stimulate dopamine release in their brains and make them calm down.
Incorporate Imaginative Play in Daily Routines
Have you ever observed what children under five years do when left alone with their toys? They play made up roles, and that comes naturally to them. Your ability to give your kids that time and space for ingenious acts helps developmental processes. It also enhances their sense of self, confidence, and their perception of the world around them. It is not an easy task to keep your kids entertained during the summer, but your efforts would be worth it.
Laminate! Laminate! Laminate!
Laminate all books used by preschoolers. Children under six years love their coloring books and posters, but sometimes that affection can go overboard. As a caretaker or parent, laminating these books means protecting them from wear and tear. Besides, the glossy look makes them even more attractive to your child.
Final Thoughts
It’s agreed that managing younger children at home can be challenging, but there are fun ways to manage. It simply takes some patience and creativity. If you find yourself in a situation home alone with little ones, consider these six tips.
