Homeschooling Tools Every Family Can Use

September…

Freshly sharpened pencils, zippers that don't snag, and velcro that hasn't fluffed itself into uselessness-- can't you feel the potential?!

For parents, this month may be the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. But, for a growing number of families, it is just another change in seasons as they've chosen home-based education.  

Regardless of your parenting style or where your children get their education, there are some wonderful parts of homeschooling that can be used right now, with both your toddlers and older children!

Here are 4 homeschooling tools every family can use!

1. Take learning out of the box.

Sitting is hard. Really, really, hard.  Part of the joy of homeschooling is letting children learn in areas that allow them to shift, wiggle, and flop. So instead of sitting at a table, consider heading outside to the lawn, park or beach and this lap desk could be used in a comfy chair, on the ground, or outside!

The other box that gets busted is where the learning happens! Because it happens everywhere!

Math is present in the recipe you make for dinner, and grocery shopping becomes an opportunity to budget, make lists, and meal plan!

Life skills are used as learning opportunities and children are able to process and help!

2. Give age-appropriate tasks.

Researchers have known for some time that participation in family responsibilities offers connection, community, and builds self-worth and self-esteem. Confident children are supported through encouragement and know they are valued. Letting a toddler unload the silverware from the dishwasher, teaching a child to sweep the floor, or giving your adolescent the task to bring their laundry basket to the washroom are all ways they see their contribution to their family through participation. Participation helps foster belonging-- and can't we all benefit from more of that?!

3. Get your child their own library card.

An incredible public resource that most homeschooling parents use is their public library! It's a free place, brimming with wonderful events, activities, books (of course), and...teaches responsibility.  Getting your own library card is part of a larger learning conversation on respect, sharing, and trust.  Let's be real, the library is one of the only places you get to take (pretty much) anything you want and bring it home for weeks for free!  

4. Monkey See, Monkey Do

One of the most basic tools homeschooling families know and use everyday is modeling.  When you want your child to learn a behavior or habit, most often it means emulating the behavior yourself.

Want your child to grab a book instead of the iPad?  You should show them reading is an enjoyable activity.  

Want your child to wake up, make their bed, and get dressed?  Invite them to help you lay out your clothes the night before and then help them lay out theirs. Ask for their help to make your bed in the morning, and offer to help them make their bed too.  

And one of the hardest areas to model is how to act when feelings have been hurt.  It is hard to decompress after a packed day, for adults and kids both. But kids are at a disadvantage - their brains have not fully developed all of the tools necessary to regulate feelings, and connect cues to appropriate responses.  Be open to your own struggles and use a time out - but not for your kids.  Don’t be afraid to model a cooling off period by saying, “I need a few minutes to calm down and think about this.  When I’ve taken a few breaths and am not so (angry/frustrated/hurt/sad) I’ll come back and we can talk.”

You are your child’s first and best teacher.  Even if you are sending them to public school.

The First 40 Days Postpartum Survival Guide

Extended maternity is an absolute luxury.

In some cultures, mothers traditionally stay close to home for an extended period after their baby's birth. In Sweden, new parents are eligible for 480 days of leave that includes 18 consecutive weeks of postpartum leave at 80 percent of their salary! The rest of their days are theirs to use as they see fit. 

The United States offers new mothers 12 weeks maternity leave and it is entirely unpaid. Only certain employers offer paid maternity leave and it usually comes with stipulations. 

Statistically, mothers that don't receive compensated maternity leave are more susceptible to postpartum depression and anxiety. Without the luxury of extended maternity leave, paid or unpaid, mothers definitely need an extra set of hands. 

This is where your postpartum doula saves the day. 

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the doula profession and many families don't even know what we can offer families that are expecting a new baby. 

Postpartum doulas are by your side to nurture you and your entire family as you make the transition home with your newborn and begin the healing process. Different from a midwife's role, we are in the home paying close attention to make sure the mother is right on track with her postpartum recovery and keep everything running smoothly around the house and with the rest of your family. 

The first six weeks are the most challenging and your doula team is there to cut back on the stress of acclimating to your new baby responsibilities. 

We're on your schedule and customize our care plans to suit your specific needs. We work with the way you parent to encourage parents to learn baby basics and gain confidence in those precious first weeks. Since we offer overnight care, sleepless nights for new moms are things of the past. Sleep is incredibly important for postpartum mothers as they regain their strength, begin a breastfeeding routine and heal from birth. We'll take over newborn care in the evening to encourage mothers to get a peaceful and restful night's sleep they can count on. 

Getting your little one on feeding and sleeping schedules can be difficult with the "back to work deadline" looming overhead. Your postpartum doula comes with a little extra peace of mind that you'll be on a healthy schedule for pumping, feedings and naptime no matter how soon you expect to return to work. 

Your maternity leave may be short but it doesn't have to be stressful. 

A good support system is crucial for any mother bringing home a new baby and your postpartum doula is there to give you the help you need every step of the way.

After all, teamwork makes the dream work. 

Nitrous Oxide for Labor Pain

When it comes to pain and discomfort during labor, each woman manages pain differently with a wide range of comfort measures and treatments.

One such treatment is the use of Nitrous Oxide to alleviate discomfort during labor. 

Nitrous Oxide use has gathered controversy as more women advocate for drug-free alternatives for comforting labor pains. 

As your due date approaches, our team encourages you and your partner to research different pain management techniques to find what is a right fit for you. 

Like any medical intervention for pain management, Nitrous Oxide has it's share of pros and cons. Nitrous is considered overall a safe way for mothers in labor to manage their discomfort. In high doses, Nitrous Oxide is a fairly weak anesthetic and it is more effective when administered in minimal amounts to the patient. 

Nitrous Oxide is a unique helping hand in the delivery room, offering both an analgesic (pain reliever) and an anxiolytic (anxiety relief). 

Benefits of Nitrous Oxide During Labor

Nitrous Oxide use does not physically injure the mother, fetus or neonate and does not pose harmful health hazards for care givers. This inhaled treatment does not affect the progression of labor and is safe and painless to administer.

Nitrous doesn't affect the levels of oxytocin, therefore does not affect infant alertness, mother and baby bonding or successful breastfeeding. This pain relief does not completely remove the mother from the awareness of labor pain and discomfort, however many women report an easier labor transition and managing their own discomfort. 

Nitrous Oxide is self administered, putting a mother in control of her pain management. It takes between five and ten minutes for the effects of the Nitrous Oxide to minimize, giving mom the opportunity to switch to a different pain relief if necessary.

Risks of Nitrous Oxide During Labor

While safety standards are in place to monitor the levels of Nitrous Oxide, excessive doses may cause symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. Health care personnel working with Nitrous Oxide on a regular basis without proper handling procedures in place could begin to notice disruptions in their reproductive health. 

These risks however are in majority associated with recreational Nitrous users that abuse the substance. The percentage of Nitrous Oxide available as a labor pain treatment has too low of a percentage to notice any adverse effects, making this option safe and recommended by birth professionals. 

When it comes to pain management during labor, a mother should feel confident they are receiving the pain relief that they feel completely comfortable using. 

During your pregnancy, visit your hospital or birthing center and ask questions about your options for pain relief and educate yourself on side effects, benefits and risks associated with each. Making an educated decision for your birth will empower you to proceed to your due date confidently. 

Many hospitals in Maine, New Hampshire and MA are utilizing Nitrous Oxide including Maine General, Midcoast, Wentworth Douglas, York and now Maine Medical Center.

Your labor doula is there to ensure your birth plan is carried out according to your family's individual wishes and she is there to answer any questions you have along the way. 

Your birth. Your pain management. Unbiased support.

“Hug, handshake, or high-five?”

Holiday lights, songs and parties. The festive atmosphere, the fun outfits and the cheer. Welcome to the season of friends and family you see often and those you see rarely. In a child's eyes, some of these people may seem like strangers. As we grow in our understanding of how children learn to make decisions for themselves we are offered opportunities to shape their early options. Willow Smith was offered an incredible opportunity here and here:

“We let Willow cut her hair. When you have a little girl, it’s like how can you teach her that you’re in control of her body? If I teach her that I’m in charge of whether or not she can touch her hair, she’s going to replace me with some other man when she goes out in the world. She has got to have command of her body. So when she goes out into the world, she’s going out with a command that it is hers. She is used to making those decisions herself. We try to keep giving them those decisions until they can hold the full weight of their lives.”

— Will Smith + Jada Pinkett Smith

Kelly from The (Reformed) Idealist Mom has offered a truly wonder filled option I look forward to seeing unfold. She suggests that your child can offer a "hug, hand shake or high-five" when meeting or re-meeting someone in a social situation. This gives your child more control over their own body, helping them recognize that they have a choice. No more pressure to get closer than an individual feels comfortable with. Instead opportunities for connection and self confidence. Check out The Magic Greeting Every Kid Should Learn Before Visiting Family before your next gathering. We're hoping for lots of smiles.