It seems to me that you're doing a great job with schooling your children and very creatively so ! I just adore the kids! They are all so cute & sweet in their own way as individuals!!! Cuteness overload all the way around!!! 💕
I like how you said that sometimes we just wake up in a bad mood and that is okay. I feel that often people don’t let children have bad days and they expect them to be always be well behaved with great attitudes all the time which is not realistic. I’m a teacher and I always tell my students you are allowed to have a bad day but you have to be respectful to others.
I try to ask my kids if there is something specific bothering them. They’re 4 and under so it’s usually hungry, tired, need attention, or need quiet alone time. So I give them the tools and the direction but they’re expected to help pull themselves out of the funk.
All children need discipline in their daily lives. Having a schedule with household responsibilities is more than appropriate. Growing up in a family with 9 kids I learned how to do all the household activities very young. It is the way big families operate. Keep being the good mom.
So good i love it. Whoever is reading this and going through hardtimes, pain, sickness, depression and addictions. You will overcome and raise up again. Stay safe
My husband recorded books for our son when he was stationed overseas with the Army. Matt was so used to Daddy reading at bedtime. We truly believe reading to kids is so important. Take care. Keeping all of you in my prayers 💕
" if that seems extremely strict to you, you know just remind yourself that I'm not raising you or your children." YESSSSS GIRL!! TELL IT! I love your family!!!! 💜💚💜💚
As a teacher I was taught in college that sometimes when things aren’t working and you keep doing the same thing over and over as an adult and children keep giving you the same response, that’s when maybe it’s time to change and adapt. I think the rules chart looks great and there are a lot harsher ways people discipline!
Sam I wish this was just common knowledge. Just because you’ve become an adult, doesn’t mean you you stop growing and changing. So many people blame others for their refusal to change 🤔
I’m feeling the stress of homeschool due to the pandemic and it’s only been several weeks, my applause to you!!! I couldn’t imagine doing homeschool permanently. You are awesome
I could not imagine how stressful it would be doing it that way...thrown in to it and isolated! *hugs to you. I’m sure you are doing better than you think!!!
You are so real!!! I absolutely love your blogs! My babies are 28 and 18. So your family is my extended family on here. Everything from nap time to birthdays so much fun and love demonstrated in your household. You are a wonderful mother have a blessed day.
Hi Sara. Hi from Australia. I came across your vlogs just over a month ago and am now binge watching all your vlogs on your channel 😊. Your family reminds me of my family when I was growing up as I was one of eight kids. I love watching your vlogs and can relate to you alot. Most youtube families I watch I find myself comparing myself to the other mums, but with you I don't. With you I feel comfortable like I'm watching a home video a great friend has shared with me. So thank you for sharing your life with us. God bless you all during this season. Natalie
I really love your vlogs and your family in general. You seem like such a lovely and pleasant bunch 😊 I hope to have such a nice family when me and my husband have kids of our own. The kids all seem so kind, honest and respectful - love that!
You are doing a great job! 😊 Keep up the great work! I think sometimes we, as parents, remind our children too much, we hate confrontation. It's easier to just talk, but it doesn't help them, or give us parents rest.
Oh my goodness yes!! We are having to work on a few character issues recently that have fallen by the wayside. As much as I want to stay on track for finishing up school (we homeschool too) I have to keep reminding myself that "character over curriculum" is far more important than finishing our school year on time. Thanks for the tips!
One of my favorite video. I loved being read to also. The chore chart is so great. They really are good kids. Getting them ready to go out into our world and be able to do for themselves.
I am 68 and grew up reading Mrs. Pigglewiggle. I was able to keep a couple of my childhood books, and when I turned 50, my daughter found a few at a used bookstore. Great memories...
Thanks for showing those chore charts! We’ve got a pretty good system going for which kid does what chore, and it gets done, but sometimes SLOWLY with reminders. So your time limits and privileges taken away has definitely given me something to think about! 😊
Brilliant idea about the reminder chart. I’d have to remind my son to look at the reminder chart lol 😂 what a world we live in. But we thank the lord we have so much more time together. It’s made us realise that our time together is so precious and if things go back to a new normal. We keep a better balance and family time. Love you guys. Take care 💖💖💖 well done Eli xx
Thank you sharing that I’m not alone with frustrations in homeschooling. I have one I homeschool and one in public school after being a full time teacher in a b&m school for 18 years. I still work from home but have a block schedule like you as well. Thanks for the reminder of the expectations and consequence posters that is going up today for this 14 and 16 year old. I did them for years when they were younger I guess it’s time to make new one for this lovey teenage stage we are in right now. Thank you for being encouraging!
I can imagine with so many kids that being "strict" is a must to keep some sort of order. I don't think anything you do seems excessive at all. Not only do you keep your house ruining smoothly but also your sanity. Teaching kids responsibility is a MUST!! As for the picture chart they actually say that children up to age 10 benefit from having an illustration to go along with wording. I just recently learned that myself & after listening to the reasoning agree that it makes sense. I've always given you & Solo props for keeping things running without a bunch of chaos in your home. I can imagine some days are more challenging but y'all are raising amazing, intelligent, responsible young people. ❤️❤️
I think you have a good plan! I have 7 kids still at home and they need reminders all the time! Even the older ones(teens) . I might have to try something like this!
Hello Sarah, I think ALL your children are kind and beautiful, but Hope is my favorite. Since I can’t have kids, Hope is the little girl I always wanted. Thank you for sharing your family.
Good job Mama! Thanks for setting such a great example for me as I homeschool my kids. We use Sonlight, too. So love your suggestion of recording the books! Brilliant.
I would also like to say that I appreciate you showing what real discipline looks like bc its easy to assume that families on screens (TV, youtube, etc) don't have the same problems as we do. Thank you.
I’m with you! Clearly written out (and reasonable) expectations have been the best thing I’ve done for keeping my own calm in the midst of all these people 🤪 And my kids like it because they know what’s expected and when they have free time
Your job in life seems overwhelming but you are doing it wonderful , with a variety of interests shared with your beautiful family. You are truely inspiring.
4 of our 6 are doing some form of distance learning I think they've called it? I make myself a list much like the one you made for your children. Helps me keep myself and the kiddos on track
I love the idea of recording all the books you are doing with your children - sometimes they can sit on their own reading the book along with you and other times you read it to them - just gives you choices which is great - I will be giving that idea to my son he will love it
I once said to a friend who didnt allow TV or electronics “ What do you take away from then when they misbehave? “ There is nothing wrong with letting the kids listen to audio books . I used to record myself for the kids too. Couldnt imagine reading the same book over and over and over. My kids are homeschooling their kids through this virus .My son does Mondays with his “2” children He must have had a meltdown yesterday as my granddaughter came downstairs crying that they couldnt find their Dad .I found him on the front porch drinking a beer .lol,! The oldest grandsons are wonderful at doing their work.
Thanks for the practical advice. I feel that I have been constantly reminding lately too. Morning sickness with #6 is leaving me with less patience than normal.
GO ELI!!!!!!! Tori is such a sweet soul... YES, I absolutely cannot STAND reminding children to do things over and over and over. I find that schedules and checklists are definitely helpful for them to be more independent and accountable. You are not too strict! I’m taking notes on your process! 😊
I love Tori's hair. It's so pretty all the time. I just love that you do Science experiments too. I think you do more than my school ever did. You're such a good mom Sarah! Eli is so ornery, he cracks me up. Your older children are so sweet and loving with their siblings. Such a great family!
Mrs Piggle wiggle we’re great books for my kids too (my youngest is 26 & oldest is 41 🤦🏻♀️ yes I feel old 😅) but like your kids they didn’t prefer this one! Sarah, you are amazing and I am positive that you are a tremendous role model for all young momma’s! You & Jamerrill Stewart are amazing “go-to’s” for any momma out there! You two are so real and never pretentious! God bless and keep you all safe and sound . Much love from Texas~
I loved the Mrs. Piggle-wiggle books too as a kid ...and then bought them as an adult for myself lol Sarah you are a joy to follow and thank you and Solo and all of your children for sharing with us!
I put a sign on the mirror in my teen's bathroom that says "Brush Your Teeth." I have no idea why I have to tell them. They are just fine having dragon breath.
Lisa Lynn I also do this when I may not see them before they leave in the morning as reminders bc I know it will be read... I have gone to the extreme to even put something in the shower... they are always like “MOM!!”
Great chore chart.....I only had 6 children and homeschooled them for a total of 26 years. I couldn't have had done it without setting expectations! It worked great!
Ok YESSS!! I am MAKING A LIST tomorrow with expectations without reminders! Love love love it!!! Girl thank you for your wisdom lol. But seriously, genius 🥰🙌✌️✌️🇨🇦🙏
I guess I just thought reading out loud was only for bedtime, but I was sooooo wrong !!! With this home school schedule we are doing it so much more!!! And I question as I’m reading to see if they are understanding better. Now I know where their problems are. The charts are a god send!!! I follow the block chart from another RU-vidr. Like yours tooo!! I’m the grandmom.... and my daughter says her kids are listening more. Imagine that !!!! Hahaha
3 days into online schooling my 6 yr old (grade 1 here in Australia) plus working from home doing Family Day Care and I'm exhausted! I think you are amazing and an inspiration. I enjoy watching your videos at the end of my day xx
I have 7 kids and we home school as well. I might have to give that chore chart a try. The one we do now is rotated. I especially am gonna use the part if they dont do the school or house area on time then they loose divices etc. That's an excellent idea.... thank for sharing And Sarah your not being to strict all kids need that. Your Awesome..
A friend once told me that it was helpful to tell her kids "If you want rights you have to demonstrate responsibility" or something to that effect. Seems legit that you make priorities a habit so when they're on their own they don't struggle in the real world.
You are the calm within the storm. You are a better woman than I am. I’d go absolutely bats keeping all of your plates spinning at the same time. I think you are right about needing to separate the little girls so they can get better sleep. Although, I think that will be difficult task with limited space. Love and hugs to you.
I’m 17 years old still doing my own chores at my parent’s house & I am in love with the system you have! I think you & Solo raise your children so well!
i love your family so much, you're so laid back and respectful parents, and that's what makes your children so well-behaved and respectful and well liked. stay blessed and safe.
I am loving this idea with the chart!!! My 2 oldest (10 and 8) can get a lil distracted and this will be a great idea to help them keep track and lend a hand around. This quarantine means they are out of school and doing distance learning (wich has proven to be excellent for my 8 year old. Bein able to have that one on one attention and help with some subjects.) but it means momma finds herself with full hands, chores, a 2 year old, school work... just life !! and sometimes it can be a lil overwelming! I am sure going to make a chart for my kiddos!!
I may have just binge watched a bunch of your birth story vlogs. I never knew how much I enjoyed hearing birth stories until watching them. 😅 I enjoyed your tips on how to manage zone, charts, etc. "Every day we are starting new"...what a perfect statement! Great vlog ❤.
I have never seen something as relatable as the strider bikes in the house moment! That's literally the story of my life. Ezra is Captain of Distraction over here, cruising through our lessons in his mini Mercedes.
Hi Sarah, Destiny is so precious....she reminds me of my youngest daughter when she was that age. I have four kids and they each had a week of dishes to do and other chores. Being quarantined is hard, but I take my hat off to you how you have made it work. And trust me girl you are not being too strict. Adjustments do have to be made at times and sometimes you got to get their attention. Take care God bless you...
