Summary
Among the collected wisdom: Offer every moment to the Lord; Every day, even a hard one, is a precious gift; and, Always believe that you can homeschool.Give it to the Lord…
If I were giving advice, I would tell new homeschooling moms that it is not merely checking off boxes in the daily to-do list.
This is important because often, when you’re new (or even been doing this a while), there is the temptation to measure success based on how many pages were covered that day. Homeschooling, instead, is a lifestyle. It is a choice to have MORE freedom, family time, formation, and laughs. More time for God and each other.
It’s a choice to have LESS stress, less busy mornings trying to get out the door, and less competing with outside forces for your child’s mind, body, and soul. They are like Moses, working for a “Promised Land” they may never see.
The years you spend now investing in your children will come back a hundredfold, even if it doesn’t feel like it today. I would tell them this may be the hardest choice they’ve
ever made.
Some days, there will be more tears than pages read. I guarantee it. Some days, you might look longingly at the school bus as it goes down the street. But I would say hard things are worth doing, and that you have been given a wonderful opportunity to spend precious years with your children.
I would NOT say “cherish every moment”, as I believe this is trite advice that dismisses very real struggles and hardships. But offer every moment. Give it to the Lord, who loves your children even more than you do. And He, who makes all things new, will show up, even on the worst days.
I guarantee it.
Kristen Brown, Virginia
Identify Your Mission…
Your home is your mission field. It’s the place where you instruct the ignorant, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, counsel the doubtful, comfort, admonish, forgive, and bear patiently with all manner of challenges.
Quite simply, homeschooling is the active fulfillment of your children’s needs and the teaching of them to do the same for others (as well as for themselves).
Yes, homeschooling is about teaching your children how to read, write, and add/subtract, but it is also about teaching them how to live, such that they can positively impact the world for generations to come.
Every day, even a hard one, is a precious gift. The number of days you have with your children is limited. Some day (too soon), your role as their primary teacher will end. They will grow up and venture out. Savor the time.
And when the day is hard, remember there are only 24 hours in any day. Know your priorities. What subjects are core? What subjects are less crucial?
When extracurriculars, illness, or other factors affect the schedule, focus on completing the core subjects. Then let go of the mindset that you must do it all to succeed.
Like much in life, homeschooling comes with temptations to feel overwhelmed, underqualified, or unsure. However, by identifying your mission, recognizing the gift in each opportunity, and focusing on priorities, you can stand assured that you will succeed in forming your children well.
Tara Brelinsky, North Carolina
Two Pieces of Advice…
I have two pieces of advice for someone who is new to homeschooling.
First, to always believe that you can homeschool. A parent who truly believes they can homeschool their children will find ways to make it work.
If problems arise, seek advice from those who will encourage and strengthen your commitment to homeschooling.
If something is not working well in the homeschool, flexibility and creativity are the antidote; giving up is not.
Second, always wear jogging shoes while homeschooling. A homeschool parent will be on their feet a lot, and it is important to have good foot support and traction for the many demands of the day.
Susan Brock – North Carolina
