Posts tagged family
A Reflective Moment for a Homeschooler
0I received this email from a friend and just had to share it. It reminded me to be thankful and to focus on the important things – like good health and precious time with my kiddos. I hope it does the same for you. -Gena
We all have typical days.
You know how it goes. I love it…some days can be a little harried, but very thankful for all God is doing in our lives.
I am using some used home school curriculm that I picked up from a consignment shop. The person who previously owned my curriculm did not get to erase all of her notes. So it’s a little interesting as I read over her notes before erasing them…all about her son.
In reading her notes this week, I had to stop and pause. Her entry:
“Day 4: (Skipped assignments.) Went to Colorado U Hospital to see how the radiation therapy works for me. Nurse explained things to them.”
I just had to take a quiet moment.
Father … thank You for grace today … and for loving me and my family … and for always be with us.
My Homeschool Heroes
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It’s time to begin another great year of homeschooling. As I’ve talked to other homeschooling moms, I’m reminded of just how personal this kind of education is. I hear their heart cries to reach their children with the right information in the right way.
There’s the mom of the dyslexic junior high student who is trying to figure out how to give her son the one-on-one time he needs. There’s the mom of the gifted student who is trying to keep her child challenged. There’s the mom of the artistic student who is searching new ways for her daughter to express herself. There’s the new homeschooling mom who is trying to transition three children home while combining as many subjects as possible. And, there’s the mom who is preparing her child for graduation and adulthood. These women are my heroes. They are prayerfully directing their children’s educations. They aren’t leaving it to a school system or a school board to determine which subjects to study when or how.
As you begin this homeschooling year, I pray that you are confident in the curriculum (or lack of curriculum) you are using. I pray that you have access to the resources you need. But most of all, I pray you have peace—peace in your home, peace with your children, peace with your spouse and peace in your heart.
It’s going to be a great year with lots of highs and lows, good days and bad, successes and even a few failures. Hopefully the good will far outweigh the bad, and you will finish the year feeling as passionate about homeschooling as you did at the beginning. And if you ever need a cheerleader to help you through the bad days or celebrate the good ones, feel free to email me. Remember, you’re my hero. God bless!
Photo: Mother and Child by cliff1066
Melissa & Doug Responsibility Charts on Sale!
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As parents (and homeschoolers), we are often looking for ways to encourage our kiddos to become more responsible and disciplined. If you’re like my family, you’ve made your own chore charts. And while those work great, you may want something already put together. My husband and I recently purchased a couple of these Melissa & Doug Responsibility Charts. We love them, and our children love them too. They love keeping them up to date, and I love that we don’t have to keep printing out our own charts from week to week. I also love that we can change their chore tiles as they mature. The tiles that each chart includes is: get ready for bed, get dressed, take bath, cear table, put toys away, keep hands to self, share, brush teeth, stop whining, apologize, say please, thank you, help with indoor/outdor chores, no teasing, show respect, load/empty dishwasher, put clothes in wash, don’t use bad language, set table, take care of pet, do homework (We use this as a “No complaining about school” chore.), make bed, clean room, take out trash and keep hands to self. There are also two blank tiles so you can create your own.
Amazon recently lowered the price to only $12, and with the free shipping, it makes them even more affordable. Check it out! They may be just what your family needs too!
The Homeschool Giggle
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As I mentioned in my previous post, Homeschooling: Passing the One-Month Mark, the beginning of this school year was difficult for me. I won’t rehash all the upsets and frustrations, but suffice it to say that I struggled to get this year going. For me, it was a reminder that doing the right thing isn’t necessarily the easiest thing. Homeschooling is that for me—it’s the right thing, but not always the easiest.
Don’t get me wrong. I love it. I’m passionate about it. But ever so often, I have to remind myself that my husband and I have made the right choice for our family. And just when I’m teetering on the brink of defeat, unrolling my white surrender flag, I get a reminder of just why this form of education is so right.
That’s where I found myself a few weeks ago. I was having a pity party and dreaming of packing up the school books. I felt inadequate and falling so short of my ambitions. Then, like a sunburst into my darkness, I heard it, a giggle.
I was sitting at my husband’s computer, finishing up a bit of work. From the other room, I heard my children giggling and joking with one another. This wasn’t a small snicker. This was a deep in your belly giggle that escalated into laughter that had them both gasping for air.
I realized that if my oldest were away at school for the majority of the day they wouldn’t have the time, or even the inclination, to have that kind of relationship. They would quite possibly spend most of their energy on other people and have little left over for each other.
That moment may seem small, but it meant the world. It was an answer to prayer that reminded me that our family is on the right track. We can always refine our academic pursuits. If I do my job right, they will develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime, but we have a relatively short time to lay a foundation for their relationship.
I want to give them that, a good friendship to go along with their blood connection. Developing that kind of relationship takes time. It takes them having time to play together, having time to disagree and forgive, having time to appreciate each other’s strengths, having time to look past each other’s weaknesses, simply having time.
Yes, homeschooling comes with its challenges, but I’m reminded again of the blessings it allows. Once again, I’m so thankful for it.
What about you? Have you had moment—a kind of “giggle”—when you knew homeschooling was working for your family? If so, I’d love hear about it. Please leave a comment.
How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part II
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Here is the follow up email that I sent to a dear friend who was asking about homeschooling. Check out the first email, How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part I. I hope you find both of these letters helpful and encouraging. Enjoy!
Dear Friend,
It sure sounds like you are well on your way! If there’s anything that I am personally learning through homeschooling it’s that this is a marathon, not a sprint. There are days when my daughter pushes my buttons and my son begs for attention and the baby is crying, and I think, It would be so much easier to send you to school. But then a day or two passes and she comes to me and we talk about something we’ve studied and I realize just how nurturing this form of education is. It’s amazing how much they retain and how aware of their learning process we parents become.
It’s also so encouraging to me to see my daughter grow in maturity through homeschooling. Two of the benefits of homeschooling are encouraging the love of learning and teaching children to become self-motivated learners. I see both of those in my kids. Other than when my daughter is trying to push my buttons (She’s really good at that! Probably because she’s mini-me. 
), she looks forward to school. And when I tell her that her schoolwork has to be done before she can do something else, she applies herself quickly and well. I realize in those moments that we are moving in the right direction. I really believe it’s as much of a learning process for me as it is for her.
You asked about music. I don’t do a formal music study yet, but music is very much a part of our home. My husband always has music praying, and he is always introducing various music to us. I have introduced some classical music using the Charlotte Mason method. Check out this plan from Simply Charlotte Mason. (I love their stuff.) I tried to do this plan last year, but I’ll be honest, it fell by the wayside with everything else that I was trying to do. One thing I have done this year that seems to be working really well is starting the day with praise and worship. I have a kids’ worship album and we sing and dance to two songs to start the day. I turn it up as a way to signal that school is starting. After P&W, I read from the Bible and then pray. I was just trying to think of ways to teach the Bible and Christian principles in a kid-friendly way. They really like it.
You also wondered how your preschooler would respond to the new schedule. I’ll tell you, I involve my son as much as possible in our school. I bought him a school folder and bought a couple of workbooks and coloring books from the Dollar Store. I keep them hidden so he can’t see or use them outside of school. He is the first to race to his seat and ask if he can open his folder. So far it’s working out well. I also try to incorporate games and group activities that focus on him (like singing the ABC song or doing puzzles). My daughter joins in, or she works on her handwriting during these times. I do the same with the baby by introducing activities and play time that focus on him. When you find out what works for your family, please share with me. I want to keep things fresh and interesting.
Let me know how things go. And let me know what you find works or doesn’t work. I really like to hear others’ experiences.
Blessings!
Gena
Photo: Raise Your Hand by romainguy
Seven Simple Ways to Recharge this Summer
0Here is an article I recently wrote for The Homeschool Lounge, a free online forum for homeschooling moms. It’s a wonderful place to find (and give!) encouragement. And even if you aren’t a homeschooler, take a look at this article, you’re sure to find some tips for recharging. Be blessed! –Gena
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Summer is here, and for many homeschooling moms, it’s a chance to put the books away, take a break from co-op and recharge in time to start again in the fall. And while the kids may enjoy the warm weather, complete with fierce water slides and drippy ice cream cones, moms need to carve out some time for themselves.
Before you start planning your lessons for the fall (if you haven’t already!), make sure you give yourself a mental break and do something just for yourself. And if that nagging sense of guilt tries to raise its ugly head, remember that even the Apostle Paul took time out of his busy schedule to be refreshed (Acts 27:3; Rom. 15:32). As you give yourself a mental and physical break while renewing your spirit, you’ll be ready to tackle the new school year with peace, joy and grace.
Here are seven simple (and cost effective) ideas for putting a smile on your summertime face.
Read… just for yourself… just for fun.
No, that new curriculum you just purchased does not count. Neither does the educational self-help book, the learning styles book or any other how-to-homeschool book that is on your to-read list. What does count is any book or magazine that you pick up and think, “That looks fun.” Novels, memoirs, spiritual helps, magazines and of course, the Bible are ways to give your mind a time-out from academic rigors. Often, these are times when inspiration hits, giving you fresh ideas for the fall.
Have lunch or coffee with a friend.
Set a time out with a friend or group of friends who encourage you and lift you up. Don’t call that person who complains about their life, husband or children. Find someone who speaks into your life like a fresh breeze, someone with whom you can be honest—someone who inspires you and simply makes you smile.
Plan a spa treatment for yourself.
Yes, we’d love to visit a swanky spa with master therapists who pamper us with plush towels and fabulous essential oils, but hey, we’re homeschoolers and many of our budgets just don’t allow it. That doesn’t mean you have to forego the pleasure; it just means you have to improvise. For a small investment, you can make your own spa treatments. MakeYourCosmetics.com offers several recipes. My favorite is their Easiest Body Sugar Scrub Ever which combines a cup of sugar, a half-cup of olive oil and two drops of vanilla or almond extract. Simply mix and enjoy!
Restart a hobby.
Dig out that half-knitted scarf, that unfinished sewing pattern, the untouched watercolors or any other project that you’ve been dreaming of finishing. Not only will finishing these projects give you a personal sense of accomplishment, the repetition of endeavors like knitting and crocheting have a physical calming effect that can be great for your health.
Plan a series of date nights with your husband.
Don’t miss the chance to reconnect with your spouse during this season of repose. To save money, try trading off date nights with another homeschooling family. Even if your outing only entails sharing coffee at your favorite bookstore’s beanery, this time can help you emotionally and mentally prepare for the upcoming year so that you stand united in your plans for your family.
Begin an exercise program.
When you feel physically strong and confident, you can’t help but pass that confidence on to your children and impact your home for the better. If you’ve wanted to improve your fitness level, shed some excess weight or set a new goal for yourself (like running or learning a new sport), start now. You may experience some initial soreness or need time to learn the process. Let this break give you the permission to do just that.
Try out new recipes.
If you are beginning a new fitness routine, you may want to adjust your menu too, or you may have always wanted to learn how to cook a certain cuisine, like Indian, Thai or vegan. Whatever the reason, fall in love with your kitchen again. Instead of clinging to the same-old, same-old, find new recipes that will inspire your children and entice your spouse.
Billy Graham once said, “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.” So much depends on you being in the best possible place—spiritually, emotionally and physically. So before you tackle the upcoming school year, make sure to take some time to restore your health and wellness. Remember, you’re family needs you—the best possible and refreshed you!
If you have a way that you like to recharge, please share. Let’s learn from each other!
Photo: A Little Relaxing by nao.k
New Homeschooling Dads
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The July 2010 issue of Parents
As I read the article, I found myself smiling at the new tug-of-war dads are feeling. I smile because moms have been feeling this pull for years. And for the homeschooling mom, we’ve chosen (or felt impressed) to add even more pressure to the mix. But instead of talking about how challenging it can be to parent, homeschool and keep a continual sense of peace, joy and calm in the midst of this sometimes crazy juggling act, I want to instead share a few of the statistics that Scott included in his article and consider what they could mean to the future of homeschooling. Just look at these numbers:
- “Fathers are now the primary caregiver for about one out of every four preschool-age children.” (U.S. Census Bureau)
- “Today, 28% of all American wives between 30 and 44 have more education than their husbands, while only 19-percent of husbands in that group have more education than their wives. (The remaining 53-percent have the same level of education as each other.)”
- “The U.S. Dept. of Education found that women received 57% of all bachelor’s degrees and 61% of all master’s degrees. They receive 51% of all Ph.D.’s.”
- “From 2008-2009, the unemployment rate increased 83% among men age 25 and over, compared with 57% among women age 25 and over.”
- “Twenty-percent of American men ages 25-54 didn’t have a job as of December 2009.”
- “As of February 2010, the top two professions among the unemployed in the U.S. were construction and manufacturing.”
What do these statistics mean to homeschooling families?
Well, with the rise of homeschooling’s popularity, I can’t help but think that we will see an increase in the number of dads who take on the role of primary homeschooling parent. As women receive more education and men endure a downturn in industries that are held primarily by them, we will most likely see more men coming home and more women pursuing more profitable career paths, all in an effort to support and care for their families.
In most of the homeschooling families I know, the moms work as least part time. In fact, according to the Homeschool Progress Report 2009, 19.4% of homeschool moms (almost 1 in 5) work at least part time. This number may very well increase in the face of a shrinking job market.
When the time comes, I hope that as a community we will welcome these newcomers with the same encouragement we received as newbies. It will be a chance for us to draw from their strengths and offer a smile, a pat on the back or even a cup of coffee when the situation arises. (Think about it, who wouldn’t love to have a construction-savvy dad teach woodworking techniques in co-op? I know several moms—myself included—who would be elbowing our way to the front of the class!)
We’re in this together, homeschoolers. Let’s do all we can to make sure we succeed the same way… together!
Are you a homeschooling dad? Please comment on your experience.
Encouragement for the Exhausted and Frustrated
0This past weekend I received one of the nicest compliments ever. It occurred during a trip to Mickey D’s. Like most moms, it takes me a few minutes to break out all the necessary accouterments—high chair, hand sanitizer, infant place mat, napkins, straws, etc. After ordering, my husband arrived with the food, and we passed everything out. There was nothing spectacular or unusual about the arrangement.
Toward the end of our visit, a woman approached me. “You have a beautiful smile,” she said. “You look like you are really enjoying your life.”
I laughed, “I have my days, but for the most part, I really am blessed.”
After she left, I thought about what she had said. Yes, I was enjoying that day, but the week before had been a different story. During that week, I had been exhausted and frustrated. One too many sleepless nights with my infant and one too many things to do had left me questioning my life… Why was my house in such disarray? Why was I having to repeat myself so much with my kids? Was I ever going to catch up with my work? And were we ever going to finish this year of homeschool?
All of these things and more were swirling around in my head. In desperation I had cried out to God. “I really need an encounter with You. I need to know You’re there.”
I had prayed that simple prayer before attending church, fully expecting to have a rhema moment with the Lord during the service. It didn’t happen. Instead, He answered my prayer in another, gentler, way. Over the next week, little things began to happen. I was able to get more rest. I was able to catch up on my housework. I had a breakthrough with my children. My husband gave me some words of encouragement that helped me put things in perspective. My daughter, who had seemed to plateau in math, made a jump in her understanding. Things had come back into order.
Not only had I experienced some external triumphs, but I had experienced some internal adjustments too. I was reminded once again of God’s immense love for me, and it showed in my appearance. When I thought back over the previous week, I realized that the Lord had answered my prayer. He had shown up in the midst of my exhaustion and frustration, and I’m so thankful for it.
One of the greatest blessings of being a child of God is the realization that you are not alone, that you don’t have to carry everything alone and that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you and works things together for your good (Rom. 8:28-39). If you are struggling with your own exhaustion and frustration—in your home, your work, you family, your homeschool, whatever—then I encourage you to ask God for an encounter with Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself, in all His love and mercy and grace, to you. He may not do it in a way that you expect, but He will do it. God bless!
Homeschooling: A Family Trek
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The other weekend, my husband and I took our children camping. We visited a state park that we had never visited before. It was full of all the things that make camping fun for us—thick woods, twinkling nighttime stars, a crystalline lake and lots and lots of bugs. There was plenty for my children to explore and observe, and there was plenty of time away from modern life to help us disconnect from our everyday duties.
A day into our trip, we decided to explore the park’s trail system. From the road, the trails looked like easy grassy paths that led into the trees. Each was marked with a benign sign that simply read “trail.” We picked one that listed it was for bikes and ATVs. We figured that it would be big enough to maneuver our baby’s jogging stroller. Down the path we went with no idea of what we were about to encounter.
Within minutes, the trail that had been easy and smooth became washed out and rocky, pitted by large potholes and broken asphalt from some road of years gone by. To one side, the woods ascended up a high hill, and on the other side, the woods descended sharply down to the park’s lake.
We traveled on, convinced that the trail would improve or end at one of the main roads. The trail continued to wind down, and we continued after it. By the time we realized that the trail was a bad idea, we were a half-mile into it. Our only choice was to either keep going or turn around and push the stroller back up hill. We kept going.
Onward we traveled, hoping to come to a main road. Our hopes were dashed when we finally arrived at the end of the trail and a locked gate. The only way out was back from where we had come. Just as we turned around, we saw a narrow wooded trail that ascended up. Surely this would be a shortcut, we thought.
We weren’t sure the stroller would make it up the embankment, but if it did, we could exchange the long slow ascent for a steeper, but shorter, one. I stayed at the bottom while my husband, preschooler and young daughter make the trek. Yes, it was hard, but we could make it, my husband promised. Off we went.
Working together, we huffed and puffed our way up the hill. My husband and I worked, at times one pushing and the other pulling the stroller. The children led the way, holding branches out of our way so we could pass and cheering us on with a “Come on, Mommy and Daddy, this way.” There were moments when I carried the baby because we didn’t trust the contortions of the path not to throw him out of the stroller. Onward we pushed—struggling, encouraging, laughing and eventually succeeding together. We finally found our way back to the top of the original trail—out of breath and sure that our legs would feel the effects of the adventure the following day.
It was one of those beautiful family moments, much like homeschooling itself. Was it easy? No. Could we have done it without each other’s encouragement? Probably not. Was it a richer experience with one another there, carrying part of the load? Absolutely.
It takes all of us working together to make our homes and our homeschools work. With each of us carrying part of the load and encouraging one another when times get tough, we can succeed.
Wherever you are in your homeschooling journey—at the beginning of the trail, traveling with ease, maneuvering the potholes, struggling to find a workable path or coming to the end of the journey—I pray that you—as a family—have the satisfaction of traversing this beautiful and difficult trail with the ones that matter most. And despite the bumps, bruises and aches, you will be able to say, “We did it together!”
Photo: Forest Lake in Summer by axel-d.