I’ve recently begun my fourth year of homeschool, and yet, I find myself learning the same lessons every year. Of course, every homeschooling family is different. You may find some of the things that never work for me do work for you.
Nevertheless, I think I may not be alone in having to relearn these lessons frequently. Some day maybe I’ll learn! Continue reading
In Chapter Two of Stephanie Dibb Sorensen’s book Covenant Motherhood: Reflecting the Role of Christ in Our Lives, Sister Sorensen talks about how as mothers, we regularly emulate Jesus Christ as we teach our children.
Sister Sorenson knows
Teaching is not easy. Mother days are often busy and noisy and demanding. Sometimes we don’t even know we are teaching. One thing mothers can learn from the example of Jesus Christ is that He did not shy away from opportunities to teach. He recognized teaching moments and open His mouth. (page 14)
Sister Sorensen is not a home schooling mother, but I was really impressed by all the different opportunities she mentions that we can use as teaching opportunities: in the line at the super market, in crowds, at the dinner table, driving places, and on and on. As mothers we have the same opportunity to teach our kids. (Even when we’re not home schooling!)
One of the greatest things I got out of Sister Sorensen’s chapter is the reminder that all of these things work together. We will be teaching our kids, even if we don’t feel like we are. Continue reading
Recently, I talked to one of my friends about the hardest part of teaching our young children. We decided that the hardest part of teaching our children is that we are still learning ourselves. Our children see our mistakes and follow our own bad examples. It is so hard to teach our kids what they need to learn but realize just how far we have to go ourselves.
That’s the big secret of parenting, and it’s the same whether you are a homeschool mom like me or a stay-at-home mom like my friend, or a mom who works outside the home as some of my other friends: none of us truly know what we are doing, and we all make mistakes!
There was no owner’s manual to guide me, or a “mom switch” that made me into a mother. I’m still the same person I was before my oldest was born, and I still have a lot to learn. This is the hardest part of being a mother.
When I am down on my self, my husband often asks me, “Well, who do you think you are? Of course you can’t do it all yourself!”
He gets it. God is the ultimate one in control.
There is only one way that any of us can get through motherhood. There is only one way for our children to turn out alright, despite the super difficult days. That way is through the grace of God.
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I am very glad that normally my child can stay home and learn with me, rather than wearing himself out all day long with someone else!
My little Strawberry-girl turned three two months ago, and the fact that it has taken me so long to get this post written is a testament to how crazy life is with her around. The truth be told, I would not have it any other way. Strawberry keeps me on my toes but she makes each moment of the day a delight. Here are three simple things my three-year-old teaches me about life. Continue reading
It was a tired night for me. The kids were cranky, but we still had dinner to go before I could send them to bed! To make matters worse, it was a leftovers night (spaghetti) and I knew that my kids would whine about that too. My husband would not be home for quite some time.
It was up to me to change the mood of the evening. It was up to me to not go crazy as I did so.
It’s a good thing I have been reading The Giant Book of Creativity for Kids. I don’t see myself as a very creative person, but the author of the book certainly is. On a whim, I took up Bobbi Conner’s brief suggestion: I unrolled butcher paper on the table and grabbed some crayons. This was our tablecloth for the night.
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We will certainly go over the river and through some woods, but our journey to grandmother’s house will take at least two days of solid driving in the car before we make it!
We have traveled across the country with our two kids twice before. We will take plenty of breaks, and I do have a tablet set up with plenty of applicable movies. But I am also realistic about tablet time not always being a possibility, and so I also have prepared for the fact that we are going to be squished in a car for a long time, and my two kids (ages 7 and almost 3) are going to be bored and uncomfortable.
To add to the holidays, I also wrapped the games I am bringing for the kids. I was not thinking about this post at the time, so I already wrapped it all! Much of what I wrapped up were things we already owned, but I am excited nonetheless for it to be a “surprise” for the kids as we go along the road.
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This past Sunday was Grandparents Day, and although I did not have a chance to post about it then, I have been thinking for some time about how much I learn from my children’s grandparents. Grandparents teach me how to be a better parent. It is so important to let my kids get to know them, and I’m grateful for their love and examples. Here are three of the best things I learn from my parents and in laws that I’m grateful for.
Patience. It is true that it may be easier to be patient when you know that the frustrating child will return home at the end of the day. But still, when a child is taking forever to do something, it is hard to keep patient. My parents and in-laws do it. And my children and I love them for it!
Priorities. My children’s grandparents remind me that the silly spills, messes, and chaos of childhood will not last. Their kind words to my children help them understand unconditional love they have for them. It helps to see those priorities
Example. My children’s grandparents give time in religious service. My parents are serving in Nicaragua for an extended length of time. My in-laws lead, visit others, and care for those who need. What a great example they are to my parents of unselfish Christ-like service! I am so grateful that their example shines brightly for my kids to see.
As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” I am grateful for the actions of our grandparents to help me keep parenting in perspective!
When I was a kid, I hated to stay home from school because I was sick. Honestly, even if I were sick, I wanted to be at school. I loved it so much!
But, it’s never a good idea to get the whole class sick, so I’d stay home with my mom. I would rest in bed all day, reading books. I have fond memories of my mom reading books to me when I did not feel well.
Being a homeschooled student, my son will have different experiences. Yesterday was his first “sick day” of the school year, since a bug has been visiting our family this weekend: it was finally his turn!
There are a number of benefits to a homeschool sick day. Here are some of them. Continue reading
I think one of the greatest educational benefits of homeschooling is the chance to learn and study family and home economics. Homeschool home ec class is the most natural of our daily learning. Continue reading