I thought I’d share a great idea a fellow homeschool mom in my local group gave me! It’s my helper for when the kids need my help, but need to wait for me for whatever reason (I’m helping a sibling, on the phone, talking to Daddy, etc).

Because I know you’ll ask: The little people clips are from Lakeshore Learning, but I’ve also seen them places like Wal-mart.

So, I taught my kids that when they need help, but can see I’m busy, they can go to this chart on the wall (It’s just a pocket folder cut in half) and take their clip and put it on me. This way they know that their request has been noticed, and I won’t forget to go help them when I’m done! (This is particularly helpful after having 4 kids, as it would appear that I’ve lost most of my braincells and can barely remember my own name!)

Each child get’s their own colored clip with their name on it to use. This way I can see who needed me. There are also ideas for them to keep busy while waiting, though I have to say they rarely do these things, but good to have just in-case.

We actually use this all day, not just while in school. It comes in particularly handy for when I’m on the phone. Instead of constant interruptions, they’ll come put a clip on me, then go do something else until I’m finished.

Hope this idea can help you as it has our family!


30 Comments

  1. THANK YOU! I have a little one who wants to talk to me all day and everything is important. We tried Lisa Wecheal's idea of placing a hand on the parent but very soon he is tapping on us. This drives me crazy. I can't wait to start this!

  2. love it can see my 5 yo getting it but also can picture my 3 yo further interrupting me by clipping ME like a game of crocodiles or crabs LOLDefinately worth a try though much better than escalting MUUUUUMMMMIIESS and constant tapping and tugging

  3. Ha! I love it! We have a "wait" box of activities that we use during school time, for if one child needs help while I am helping another, but this is great for the phone and such. We have a "don't interrupt with your voice, but put your hand on Mommy" rule, but that turns into constant tapping and tapping and harder tapping! Thanks for the idea!

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