Teaching with a Toddler in the House | Real-Life Strategies
The Beautiful, Messy Season
If you’ve ever tried to homeschool with a toddler in the house, you know it’s equal parts beautiful and challenging. Toddlers bring joy, laughter, and boundless energy—but they also bring interruptions, messes, and unpredictable schedules. As a homeschool mom, it can feel overwhelming trying to meet the needs of your older children while also caring for your little one.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between quality homeschool time and loving your toddler well. With some creativity, flexibility, and a whole lot of grace, you can make this season not just survivable, but truly meaningful.
1. Embrace Flexible Routines
Toddlers thrive on routine, and so do homeschool families. But flexibility is key. Instead of expecting school to look the same every day, build a rhythm that allows space for interruptions. For example:
Do lessons that require more focus (like math or reading aloud) during nap time.
Save independent or hands-on work for when your toddler is awake and nearby. Including littles in projects is also an option. And, it helps them feel included with the big kids. (See more on this below!)
Remember that short, focused lessons are often more effective than long, drawn-out ones.
Flexibility ensures that when the inevitable interruptions come—snacks, spills, or snuggles—you won’t feel derailed.
2. Include Your Toddler
One of the most effective strategies is making your toddler feel part of the school day. They don’t need a full curriculum, but they do love being involved! A few simple ideas:
Give them their own “school basket” with crayons, coloring books, stickers, and puzzles.
Offer age-appropriate sensory bins to keep their hands busy.
Let them “help” with lessons by holding flashcards, stacking blocks, or sitting in for story time.
Heading to the park, or talking a stroll around your neighborhood is also a great option. Your older kids get their much needed daily dose of sunshine and exercise, and your toddler is able to join in as well.
Inclusion helps your toddler feel important while giving you space to teach the older kids.
3. Prioritize One-on-One Time
Sometimes toddlers act out because they want attention. By setting aside 10–15 minutes of intentional playtime with your toddler before starting homeschool, you can fill their little love tank. Whether it’s reading their favorite book, building with blocks, or dancing around the living room, that special time helps them feel secure and more willing to let you focus on the older kids later.
4. Prepare Activities in Advance
Toddlers are curious explorers, which means they get into things quickly! Having a set of go-to activities ready can be a lifesaver during school hours. Rotate toys and supplies so the activities feel fresh and exciting. Some favorites include:
Playdough or kinetic sand
Water painting (paint with water on construction paper)
Mega blocks or Duplo sets
Snack trays with small finger foods
Audio stories or toddler songs
Prepared activities keep your toddler engaged while you guide a math lesson or help with writing.
5. Give Yourself Grace
This season won’t last forever. Toddlers eventually grow into school-aged children, and the chaos shifts into new challenges. Instead of striving for perfection, lean into grace. Some days will feel productive, others may feel like survival. Both are okay.
Homeschooling with a toddler is less about getting through a checklist and more about cultivating a home filled with learning, love, and patience. Remember: your children are learning far more than academics—they’re learning how to live as a family, care for one another, and embrace the beauty of everyday life.
Closing Encouragement
Homeschooling with a toddler in the house isn’t easy, but it is worth it. You’re teaching your children flexibility, patience, and togetherness—valuable life skills that will last long after math worksheets and history lessons are forgotten.
So, mama, take a deep breath. You are doing a beautiful job. With God’s grace, you can thrive in this season and create lasting memories along the way.
Want more encouragement for your homeschool journey? Be sure to check out our homeschool planners, printables, and resources in the shop designed to help you teach with confidence—even in the busiest seasons of life.
