As I sit here typing this post, my thoughts go back to over a quarter of a century of parenting and homeschooling. These two are so intertwined that I couldn’t tell you where one begins and one ends. I am thankful, beyond what words can express, for the privilege God has given my husband and me to be able to do both.
It seems like everything we teach our children begins with us. It is such an overwhelming thought. What happens when I mess up? When am I a bad example? When I honestly don’t know what to do, or how to parent or teach my children? These are the quiet questions every homeschool mom wrestles with at some point on this journey.
Parenting is the best and most difficult job on the planet! So much pressure. I have come to realize that even though this is true, we are the ones they see and learn from more than any other person. We, mamas, put the pressure on ourselves more than anyone else. We think we must do it all. We have to be superwomen! God doesn’t even expect us to be super moms!
Everything we need to be the right mama for our children is found in Him.
Let’s use the example of kindness. If I want to teach my children to be kind, first, I must be kind to all I come in contact with. That means my family too! Modeling kindness for kids isn’t a curriculum unit — it’s a way of life they watch us live out every single day.
We always have a choice. Do we react or respond?
When the toilet overflows, the dog vomits on your new carpet, you and baby had a hard night and she wakes up with an awful cough, your preteen is having a major attitude, and your in-laws are due to arrive that evening — how do you respond?
The ONLY way I can even begin to be sure I respond instead of reacting is with help from the Lord. This is the beating heart of faith-based homeschooling — not just the books we use, but the spirit in which we show up. When I do react in a way that is not beneficial for my children to see, I need to humble myself before my children and have a talk:
“Today, Mom did not respond in the way I should have. It was a hard day for me, but that is not an excuse. When days like this happen, we need to look for the good in the circumstance.
I am thankful that we have a toilet, even when it’s not working properly. Can you imagine having to walk outside to an outhouse just to use the toilet? Many people in this world don’t have a bathroom in their house.
I am so thankful that God gave us the money we needed to buy the new carpet and strong hands and arms to clean up messes.
Your baby sister is not feeling well. She and I had a long night. Isn’t it so good to know that God has given us doctors and medicine to help us when we need it?
Aren’t Grandpa and Grandma the best. We are so blessed to have them in our lives! I am so happy they are coming tonight!
Please forgive me for my rotten attitude this morning.
I love you, and when you have a hard day or a rotten attitude, I will gently remind you to be thankful. I will ALWAYS love you and be there for you.
I am so thankful that God let me be YOUR mom!
Prioritizing time in the Word of God is important for every Christian homeschooling parent. One way to do this is by setting aside a quiet time every day — a time to read God’s Word, learn who God is, and recognize how He shows up in every situation, every hard day, and every ordinary moment of your homeschool life
Verses to help you live kindness out loud at home.
Proverbs 31:26 – She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Luke 6:35 – But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Galatians 6:10 – So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Ask Him to help you be kind, even when things are not going your way. Watch your children learn to do the same!
You are doing an awesome job, Mama!
No one loves your children more than you do. God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave them to you, and He will give you everything you need to shape those beautiful lives. Call on Him daily to be your strength.
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Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you know that moms don’t always make time to celebrate themselves. Whether you’re a work-from-home mom, a homeschool mama juggling lesson plans and laundry, or just someone who gives everything to her family every single day — this one is for you.
That’s why I’ve teamed up with a wonderful group of bloggers to bring you a special Mother’s Day Giveaway, and I think you’re going to love it.
We’re giving away five $100 gift cards — and the best part is that you get to choose which store yours is for. Whatever makes your heart happy, this gift card is yours to spend exactly the way you want.
The giveaway runs from April 29th through May 8th, so you’ll want to get your entries in before it closes at 11:59 PM Pacific Time on May 8th.
To enter, simply use the KingSumo form below. There are several entry options because each blogger in this group has contributed to making this giveaway possible — and the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning!
We hope this is a little bright spot in your May, mama. You deserve it.
Giveaway ends May 8th at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Winners will be drawn and emailed the following business day, Monday, May 11th. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim the prize. By entering this giveaway, you will be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers. You must live in the United States or Canada to be eligible to win. Must be 18+ to win. Please be sure to read the Terms & Conditions upon entering the giveaway.
The Homeschool Teens Summit & Curriculum Fair are HERE!
Finally — a summit built around YOU!
Free expert sessions + a free Curriculum Fair full of deals for homeschool teen families.
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