I know it is so much easier to say, “Be thankful for your little ones now, they will grow up so fast,” than to do all the work of caring for babies and toddlers. It is MUCH more difficult to actually be thankful when you are in the midst of the challenges.

I remember endless days, sleepless nights, exhaustion, rounds of colds and flu (passed between siblings), and the deep longing to get to the everyone-out-of-diapers stage! I would watch families with older children walking sedately with their parents as my highly energetic wee ones charged through life, and wonder if I would ever live to see the day. . .

Before I tell you that I did live to see the day, let’s return to that demanding time and share some other memories that co-exist with endless days and sleepless nights. . .

I remember the awe of holding each baby that came to our family, the precious times of doing nothing but rocking that little one to sleep. These were times of pure bliss and contentment as I would sit in the night and nurse my baby, with no one else demanding my time and no one else needing me in quite such momentous ways. I would watch each stage of growth of my babies and toddlers with a delighted enthusiasm, thinking that “THIS is definitely my favorite stage of babyhood,” only to find the next stage even better.

If I could go back and have a chat with myself in those early motherhood days, I would gently and tenderly say, “Oh, Diana, these are among the most precious times of being a mom. Enjoy them, savor them, don’t wish them away or miss their fleeting moments.” I would probably add a final encouragement to get as much sleep as possible, eat well, exercise, and don’t take on any more demands than is absolutely necessary.

Homeschooling with babies and toddlers means that, for a time, you might need to do LESS, not MORE. Instead of ramping up the schedule, pushing everyone to hurry up so it can all get done, consider slowing down so that everyone has time to adjust to and enjoy the new life.

Dear friend, if YOU are in this stage, where you have babies and/or toddlers, may I encourage you to enjoy and savor your life right now? Would you hear the sympathetic tones of an older woman who understands the challenges you face? I hope so, because if I could go back and do it over again (with the same energy I had in my twenties!!!), I would do it in a heartbeat–enjoying the priceless blessing of these little ones.

Remember, stay relational!