Every Wednesday our members get to ask Waldorf teacher Diane Power questions about their homeschooling experience, Waldorf education and more. These Q & A sessions are posted on the member blog every week so you have access to all the past Q & A sessions. Become a member of Earthschooling to get your questions answered personally every week.
Question: My middle child about to be 6 is disruptive during evening reading. It seems like he just wants attention. He is having a hard time as the middle child little sis is only about to be 1. He also has an energy burst before bedtime. I’ve tried different level of stories and memorizing to retell. Nothing really works. My oldest 8yo loves being read to though. Any suggestions are appreciated. – Jessica
Answer by Waldorf Teacher Diane Power: Hi Jessica! Thanks for your question. Would it be possible to split up the family during this evening time? If that’s possible, I would have you read to the 8yo while you have the baby (unless the baby is sleeping elsewhere), and have the almost 6yo do something physical to rid himself of the heeby jeebies and then move into a calming/relaxing rhythm after which may include a warm bath, chamomile tea, and/or a foot and back rub with lavender oil as he hears a story or lullabies to soothe him.
If everyone needs to be together, perhaps you could include everyone in on the physical activity (an evening walk, hide & seek, some yoga poses) before moving forward with the nightly rhythm.
Maybe the almost 6yo just needs a little more “special” one-on-one attention during the day to feel as if he’s been seen and heard and loved.
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