Homeschool.
If you have been a homeschool parent for even a week, you may well know the inevitable pangs of questioning and guilt that can go with it.
Thoughts like, “Are my kids involved in enough outside activities?” “Are my kids involved in too many outside activities?” “Am I the best teacher for this?” “What if I’m messing up my kids’ future thinking I can do this homeschool thing?” Do you know how much pressure we homeschool parents put on ourselves?
We have a tendency to want to make certain that our children’s lives are as full and rich, well-rounded, and intellectually stimulating as is humanly possible while still providing nourishing meals, a clean home, down-time, church time, and time for outside activities. How can we keep it all together, juggle all the balls, and give ourselves a break? Here are some suggestions:
- Put first things first- The Bible tells us, “Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV) Starting the day with prayer is a great way to put your priorities before the Lord and to seek His plan and presence in ordering your priorities. When we place each day in His hands, the outcome will certainly be better than what we can orchestrate on our own. Be encouraged that as you cast your cares upon the Lord, he will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22).
- Set Goals- What is your family’s mission with homeschooling? Is it to help your kids excel in academics, sports, serving others? What are your priorities for your child and your family? When you can identify what you are trying to accomplish over all, you can set goals for which milestones you would like to reach along the way. This intentional focus on your end goal(s) will help you to be able to say “no” to some things that are just “filler” and “yes” to some things that are most beneficial to getting your child(ren)/family to where you are trying to get.
- Let Dad/others help- There is nothing wrong with asking Dad, Grandma, or dear Aunt Sally to teach a class or a subject or two. Co-op groups where other parents can teach something that may not be your strongest subject can also be helpful and enriching, as can on-line courses. You don’t have to know everything, do everything, and be everything yourself.
- Let the kids help you- There are many homeschool parents who try to do everything, but kids can do more than you might think. Just as a CEO of a major corporation must delegate tasks to managers under him and they to their employees, you, too, can delegate. The CEO likely isn’t making breakfast while throwing a load of his socks and underwear in the dryer, and conducting an important meeting with his staff all at the same time, and you don’t have to, either. Carve out time where each member of the family can help keep things running smoothly. Someone can throw in the laundry, someone can be on dishes, and someone can pick-up toys, but that someone does not always have to be just you!
- Trust the Lord and the Process- When I first started homeschooling, I thought there was a “right” way to do it. The truth is, the best way to homeschool your family is the way that the Lord leads you and your family. What works for one child or family is not necessarily what will work best for another. Some things will likely be missed at times, but trust that the Lord will show you what those things are and when it is time to get them in. Homeschooling is not a curriculum; it is a lifestyle. Trust that learning and experiencing can be done through many different means and in many different times and ways.
Finally, what can you do if you become overwhelmed with questions or guilt again? Go back to Number One. He will be your strength.
What have you done to ease the homeschool stress? What is still a challenge to you? Tell us below in the comments.
Views – 611