Tips From a Homeschooling Mom, Part II by Sara Rayvych, MSEd

TIPS FROM A HOME SCHOOLING MOM

PART II

BY SARA RAYVYCH, MSED

Ithink it’s a given that most parents (and those people who aren’t parents) are overwhelmed at this time. There are so many things to juggle, all while dealing with your own stress, that overseeing schoolwork feels impossible. I often get asked how I homeschool multiple kids and teach all of them. Homeschooling is very different from the current schooling at home for our yeshiva students but I will try to adjust my answer to hopefully make juggling a little easier for parents. Additionally, each family and their needs are so different that no article can possibly cover everyone.

I will start this by stating that prioritizing is crucial with juggling. The less you try to juggle, the more ability you have to focus on each need. This may not be the time to organize your sock drawer. See what’s a priority and close your eyes to the rest.

ORGANIZATION

It’s a given that an organized household will run smoother than a disorganized one. It’s surprising how much time can be wasted each day just trying to locate supplies and books. It saves time and prevents unnecessary stress when kids can easily access their supplies. Pencils, crayons, and similar items can either be organized in a central place, such as on the table or counter. Alternatively, kids can have their own bin or supply box holding their personal supplies, all stored in a central location. Tablets, phones, and other technology can all be stored in one location or charging center.

To make it easier to see at a glance who owns what, we have assigned a different color to each child’s schoolwork. Their school books, supplies, and everything else they need for school are stickered with, or purchased in, their color. Colored tape, sharpies, or even nail polish can be used instead. It saves us time when it comes to finding and putting away supplies and gives younger kids more independence to know what is theirs. Schedules can be highlighted with the appropriate color to show kids quickly who is scheduled for each slot. This may help parents who are trying to oversee multiple conference calls and zoom classes.

TODDLERS

Toddlers (and preschoolers) get their own topic. Little ones love to be involved, and they often get in the way. I usually find that once the novelty of a new situation wears off, they stop being so interested in what the other kids are doing. Until then, I often assign them their own “work.” Their “work” can be anything from coloring books to puzzles. I put their

“work” (labeled with their color) in the same spot as their older siblings’ schoolwork. They feel very important having their own work, and it can keep them busy for a bit. As a last resort, distraction is a surprisingly effective tool with bored toddlers; simply direct them to a toy or other item of interest. When they need attention, as opposed to being bored, I find that little ones need lots of physical affection and just holding them while I assist another child keeps them calm. I’ve nursed a baby while doing work with another child. It’s not the easiest but it beats a meltdown and meets everyone’s needs simultaneously.

MULTIPLE AGES AND STAGES

When homeschooling, I have the ability to choose work that is geared towards more independent learning. When schooling at home, you don’t

have this liberty. The best I can advise is separate what your child can do independently and free yourself to focus your time and energy for when they really need parental help and supervision. Additionally, older siblings can assist younger ones (when the sibling dynamic allows). For example, a sibling that reads Hebrew can listen to a younger sibling review their aleph bais. This gives you a chance to prioritize and frees you to spend extra time on where you’re most needed. You can designate times for each child to have your attention for their work. Kids interrupt less knowing they’ll get their time, and you’ll be able to give each child your full attention.

EMOTIONAL NEEDS

I’m neither a psychologist nor a social worker but I can give

AN ORGANIZED HOUSEHOLD WILL RUN SMOOTHER THAN A DISORGANIZED ONE.

some small ways I try to make sure each child gets their emotional needs met. Younger children in particular need lots of physical affection. They get so much just from sitting on a parent’s lap or cuddling, even if you can’t give them your undivided attention. Making a conscious effort

to hug a child as you pass them; sharing a kind word or funny joke with an older child goes very far. Spending private time with a child, whether it’s a walk or a game, is an excellent way to bond. I often find that I can appreciate each child more when I have that private time with them.

SANITY

No, I can’t give you sanity. What I can do is remind you to take time for yourself. One of the first questions people ask me is how I handle not having any time to myself. They’re often surprised to hear that I have “me time.” I have a spot each week worked into our schedule that is time for me. I’m a better mother when I take that time, and it’s important. Be gentle on yourself, and be gentle on your kids.

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, has her master’s in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 10 years in Far Rockaway. She can be contacted at RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.

Health & F tness

Eating Your Way to Clearer Skin

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

The holidays are behind us, and it is now time to adjust to our new “normal” way of life: work ing and learning from home for an indefinite period of time. In the last few weeks I have cooked more and exercised more than I ever did before the corona virus pandemic. Collectively, we now have more available time to indulge in self-care since we are no longer busy attending events, dinners, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc. One area I have personally focused on is skin care. I’ve been spending more time addressing my skin issues and needs, using various cleansers, masks, exfoliants, serums, and devices. How ever, no cream can compensate for a poor diet. If your diet is high in sugar and empty calories, your waistline is not the only body part at risk. The skin is the largest organ in the body and is a direct reflection on what is happening inside the body, especially the gut. As scientists continue to learn about diet and the body, it’s become increasingly clear that what you eat af fects the health and aging process of the skin. Studies have also shown that certain foods are particularly good for your skin and that certain foods are not and can even promote breakouts or acne.

Let’s discuss some of the foods that are the most beneficial for your skin and why it’s important to include them in your diet.

Fatty Fish: This includes salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, trout, and herring. They are excellent foods for healthy skin because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to help keep skin thick, supple, and moisturized. In fact, an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can cause dry skin. These fatty acids also reduce inflammation, which can cause redness and acne. Some studies show that fish oil supplementation may help fight inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis and lupus. Omega-3s also make the skin less sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays and can help prevent or reduce brown spots.

Fatty fish is also a source of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for your skin. One study

published in the Lipids in Health and Disease found that people who took a daily omega-3 and antioxidant supplement were able to reduce their acne. Always speak with your primary care physician first before taking any supplementation. Lastly, fatty fish are great sources of zinc, a mineral that’s vital for fighting inflammation and the production of new skin cells. A zinc deficiency can lead to skin inflammation, lesions, and delayed wound healing.

Avocados: Avocados are high in healthy fats. These fats are essential to help the skin stay flexible and moisturized. Some evidence suggests that avocados contain compounds that may help protect the skin from sun damage. The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging. Avocados are also good sources of vitamins E and C. As previously discussed, vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative damage. Interestingly, studies have shown that vitamin E seems to be more effective when combined with vitamin C. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and is essential for the body in production of collagen. Collagen is a protein required to help wounds heal.

Nuts: In general, nuts and seeds are great sources of very healthy fats. Walnuts and sunflower seeds are particularly good for the skin, as they are good sources of omega-3s, vitamin E, and zinc.

Nuts and seeds are easy foods to overindulge in and hard to stop eating once you start. These healthy highfat foods are not low in calories, so pay attention to your serving size. For example, 10 walnut halves will be about 130 calories.

Sweet Potatoes: This orange rock star is an amazing source of beta carotene, a nutrient only found in plants. Some other good sources include carrots, oranges, and spinach. Beta carotene functions as a provitamin A, meaning that it can be converted into vitamin A in your body. Beta carotene helps keep your skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock. When consumed, this antioxidant gets incorporated into the skin and helps protect the skin cells