Many people wonder how I get any sewing done with so many young children underfoot. Early on I developed some coping strategies to help me work, while still paying attention to my children. Here's how I do it.

1. Sewing with tiny babies is very hard. If they aren't reaching for things, I will sew with them in a sling, or during nap time. Now that I have a 5 year old, she will hold my baby for me so I can get some work done.

2. Once my babies are about a year old, life gets much easier. I still utilize my nap times as much as possible, but now I also give my children something to do while I sew.

3. Children love to mimic. So while you are sewing, give your child some sewing cards or large wooden beads to thread near you. An older child could use a yarn needle and colorful yarn to stitch onto plastic canvas pieces. Let them put the stitches where ever they want if they are a beginner. My 5 year old now does simple embroidery or makes felt stuffed animals at my feet. Soon she will use my scraps for making doll clothes.

4. I have had very needy children that want to be held all the time. Sometimes I will hold them on my lap facing me as I run the machine. I am nearly hugging them as I work, and since they are faced in, they can't get their finger stitched.

5. Oh those colorful pins! My children are attracted to them at an early stage. Know your children. When I thought it was safe, I let them hand me the pretty pins as I needed them. Then as I sewed, I handed it back to them to put in the pincushion. Obviously this can be dangerous and requires good supervision! Also, when you are not sewing, be sure the pins are where a child can't reach them, as they have not learned them to be no-nos. The plus on this is my children pay close attention to what I am doing when they are helping me in this way and learn a lot!

6. We have an old computer in my sewing room. Sometimes while I sew the children work on educational games. Then I am right there working in the room to answer their questions, supervise what they are doing, and watch their progress.

7. Books on tape can hold a child's attention while you sew. They can sit in the room with you and turn the pages as you listen together. Don't have any books on tape? Make your own by reading the story aloud on a cassette and ringing a bell to tell your child when to turn the page. Don't worry about the room being totally quiet as you record. If you are reading the book to your child as you record, you will also get their questions and answers on tape. The children love to listen to these too, and it will be a treasure for you when your children are grown up! I also have a battery operated tape recorder that is designed for small children to run. This allows the child to listen to several tapes without my needing to stop and help her turn it over or change cassettes.

8. I have found that the more children I have the easier it is because they play together! If you are finding the opposite—that your children fight, try setting the timer and switching activities for them every 15 minutes. This won't allow them to get bored which can lead to fighting. Also address fighting in your family worship. Encourage your children to pray for one another and to serve each other.