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Keeping up with the kids

post #1 of 6
Thread Starter 

I just realized that dh's dream of creating a farm might actually start happening this year. I am pregnant with #4 and due in the spring (about the time his goal of planting his first crop is going to happen in theory). By fall, I'm pretty sure he's going to need my help out there.   We both work other part time jobs at home.  We home school. No daycare. 


Kids are 10, 7, 2 and stb newborn.  I'm not so much worried about the older ones. They should be helping us to an extent and can handle themselves some where in our presence.  How many of you have a toddler and newborn though?  How do you keep up with them? Mostly I'm concerned about how to help and keep up with a two year old who has a mind of his own.


Thanks :)

post #2 of 6
I have run a farm with a newborn turned toddler (not both toddler and newborn, but i think it will work out fine). I milked goats, weeded gardens, fed and watered chickens, goats, cows, pigs...all with my newborn (and then as a toddler) in a carrier on my back, ALL THE TIME. Until she was over 3 years old, just because she preferred it in the carrier. In the summer, we had a tiny inflatable pool with about an inch of water that kept her busy for hours. I just put it wherever I was working at the time and she splashed and played with toys, boats, rocks, jumping in and out...it was great and she was so happy. I have two girls, 5 years apart, and if youngest ran off while I was busy, then oldest would follow and bring her back, or play with her in my view until I could get there. I think your olders will be a great help with the youngers. Newborn can ride in a sling or carrier, toddler can be entertained by olders. My girls loved to help me with whatever i was doing. It will all fall into place and you will love it smile.gif
post #3 of 6
Thread Starter 

Thanks for your reply! Somteimes I think I'm being unfair when I need the older ones to watch the younger one but I guess for an hour or so around us it can't hurt once in a while.

post #4 of 6

I have had my oldest help me with the younger ones.  Still does.  But I don't think it is unfair.  I had to help with my brother, that is just the way it is in a multi child home.  Families help each other out.

post #5 of 6



The fact that you homeschool too is great because it allows you to be flexible.  I have my older kids help me, either by helping with my toddler or the animals.  It's just the way it is when you have farm chores and multiple kids...like the pp said.  You can carry the baby in the pack and have the toddler help too.  Mine loves to help with the feeding.  Sometimes it takes longer but they love it.

post #6 of 6

I know this isn't a new thread, but I figured I could throw out some ideas too.


We moved to 5 acres and ended up getting pregnant the month we moved in. (Surprise!) NOT expected. So, After 9 months I had a newborn, 2.75 yr old, 5 year old, and 9 year old. The month after I had the baby we got our first horses (we board some for income), the next month my DD got two dairy goats (We had one that died the month after I had the baby) along with the chickens, dogs, and such. Honestly, it was easier for me than trying to do it pregnant since I *could* leave the baby for a few tasks, and stuff like that. We now have 4 dairy goats, board 3 horses, and have lots of chickens and ducks


For the baby -find a back carrier that you love. It is priceless. My 4th grew up on my back. I think he was on my back before 4 weeks in a wrap. It's SO much safer with farm work than a stroller, and much faster and less complicated. At almost 18 months he's about 50/50 now- on my back sometimes, or walking around, etc. I have some "Safe places" I can stash him for a short amount of time, but my back is the best. The hardest is if it's pouring sheets of rain, but we work it out. He rode on my back to pull a water wagon with me from 3 weeks on and is now highly addicted to the 4 wheeler, 


2-4 year olds LOVE to help. They can learn rules. If we are doing something dangerous like cutting down trees they have a specific place they have to be- on the porch, in the truck, etc. He helps unload the truck full of mulch, catch ducks, and can lead the goats. Now that he's 4 sometimes he actually helps. If he gets tired of helping he will find some dirt and play with his trucks.


My 9 year old is great. She does help a lot. Sometimes I give her the choice. If it's raining and I can't do the chores with the baby on my back I'll ask if she'd rather do chores (she gets paid for the horses, and the goats and ducks are her animals) or stay inside with the baby. She can do all the chores herself, but she's a natural animal lover and most of the animals are hers, so that's a little different than if they were all "ours" and she wasn't into them.


I can be done. My hubby can do stuff in a pinch if DD and I are both really sick, but he just doesn't know the animals as well as we do and doesn't always know the changes that happen as we add new animals, they grow up, etc.

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