I was reading a post from a new homeschooling mom that felt like she was floundering after making the decision to take her kids out of public school and teach them at home. She was looking at her situation and feeling like she had already failed because her kids were not cooperating and things didn’t seem to be going too well.
I chuckled because I could have written her exact words this week and my kids have been homeschooled since kindergarten! So I felt the need to encourage this mom and many others that might be feeling the same way. I’m certain that we all have these feelings from time to time.
In my experience, we go for stretches where school seems to flow really well and then we hit those bumps where there seems to be endless complaining, tears and strife. That has been the normal rhythm of learning at home, just like it is for doing chores and living life in general. My kids, like most of us, enjoy when they know what they’re doing and can get through it quickly. When I introduce new things or their math gets harder, or they have to write a little more, they resist, whine and complain.
We’re in one of those low spots right now. My week has been very trying and though I have been a passionate homeschooler for years, I too, get to wondering if I can keep this up forever. So, don’t blame yourself or your perceived inexperience at homeschooling. Those trying times are a culmination of many ingredients in family life. Our goal as homeschoolers is to develop good relationships with our children, as well as teach them to be well-rounded individuals that know how to balance their emotions and their intellect, their desires and their needs, their likes and dislikes. Whether it’s in school, work or play, these things are all important. When we teach our kids at home, we have the greatest opportunity to help them in all these areas, but it’s not easy. They test us like they never would do to a teacher or other authority, but that’s because we are their place of safety. Homeschooling without good parenting is impossible. Be brave and know that just as your children are being challenged to grow in a new way, so are you. Persevere, pray and know that God has made YOU Mom and Teacher for your children. By His grace, you will succeed!
Shalom!