Oh, the mom guilt. Social media is flooded with posts that invite the enemy to sit beside us, whispering, “You’re not enough. You’re not doing enough.” I witnessed this several years ago when my son’s doctor, a mom herself, showed defeat in her eyes when talking to my son. She felt like she was failing her own children.
I invite you to read this updated post from 2017 and discover how you can be intentional with your child or grandchild to prepare him or her for kindergarten, without the weight of guilt.
Little Man, the Salesman
Adults are often captivated by Little Man’s (age 9) blunt honesty and unique way with words. During a routine doctor’s appointment, he struck up a conversation with the doctor, proudly sharing that his momma had created the ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum. The doctor, with two young children of her own, had questions about the fun learning activities Little Man was sharing with her.
“Is it a homeschool curriculum? I can’t add more to my to-do list,” she asked, sounding overwhelmed.
I immediately recognized her worry. She, like many moms, felt the pressure of being the picture-perfect mom.
But I was quick to reassure her: “No, just the opposite.”
ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum: A Guide, Not a To-Do List
At first glance, the ABCJesusLovesMe Curricula may look like a lot: Lesson Plans, activities, supplies, links. But here’s the truth: they aren’t a list of rigid requirements but instead are flexible guides to help you be intentional. The basic or Complete Lesson Plans are there to provide ideas, not overwhelm you.
Quick Tip #1: Choose 1 objectives from the week’s Lesson Plan and enjoy doing it with your child. Then do another one and another. No need to cover everything at once! Slowly add activities as you get comfortable with the learning objectives.
Minimal Prep Work: Teaching Through Play
When I created ABCJesusLovesMe, my goal was to make it easy for parents, grandparents, and teachers to use through teachable moments and playtime, without needing to spend hours planning. I have done the research and framework planning for you! The Complete Curriculum Bundles are especially helpful in cutting down preparation time as you are mailed the printed Curriculum Guide and Workbook! Supplemental Digital Downloads are also provided for further learning.
Quick Tip #2: Use everyday moments like block building, outside play, and books to introduce new concepts and review the learning. Play is powerful! Click to view a couple of Daily Schedules for example.
Use the “I am Learning” Objective Posters
At the beginning of each week, fill out the “I am Learning” Objective Poster provided in the Curriculum Workbook. Display it somewhere visible, like on your fridge, as a reminder of what you’re focusing on that week. It’s a great tool to keep your objectives top of mind and look for those teachable moments throughout the day.
Quick Tip #3: Place the Objective Poster in a picture frame or dry erase pocket for repeat use.
Be Intentional: Incorporate Learning into Life
Being intentional means not forcing your day to revolve around learning objectives. Instead, look for natural opportunities in daily activities to teach Bible stories, academic skills, and life lessons. The key is to make learning part of the daily flow.
Quick Tip #4: Use car rides, bath time, or even grocery shopping to practice counting, letter sounds, or to review Bible memory verses or poems.
Seated Learning
Dedicate specific, small pockets of time during your day for sit-down activities such as handwriting, reading, or process art. Remember to keep it short, age-appropriate, and active. Start with 1–2 minutes of active listening or focused learning. Gradually increase as the child’s attention span grows.
Quick Tip #5: Typically, morning learning times help with focus and attention. View the free video “How to Teach a Child to Sit Quietly for Reading and Learning” for tips.
Don’t Stress: It’s About Foundations, Not Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in perfectionism, but remember: you’re laying learning steppingstones for kindergarten, not prepping for a law school exam. Make it fun, not stressful. Keep reading. Keep talking. If needed, take a break and convene when emotions have settled.
Enjoy the Intentional Time
As a mom of teenagers, I can tell you: the preschool years fly by. Savor this time with your little ones. It’s a gift from God, and the memories you build will last a lifetime.
Finding Hope in Parenting
Remember the doctor who felt overwhelmed by the idea of adding yet another task to her already full plate? After I explained the simple, flexible nature of ABCJesusLovesMe, I saw her demeanor shift. She felt more hopeful, more empowered.
You can feel that same hope, too! ABCJesusLovesMe 1-5 Year Curricula are designed to guide, not add stress. Start small, be flexible, and enjoy this journey with your child. Feel free to check out the Basic Online Curriculum for family use or the Complete Preschool Curriculum for all use, and let me know if you have any questions. You’re not alone on this parenting path.
