Encouragement for New Homeschoolers: A Framework

Sometimes new home educators become overwhelmed by life.  Not only are they responsible for raising up morally sound, Biblically literate children, but they must also educate them in reading, writing, arithmetic, history, geography, science and more.

Homeschooling our children is a daunting task - a big responsibility.

Sometimes when we are slammed with life, it's easy to put something on the back burner, and that's okay to do from time to time!  It becomes a bigger issue when we've put something on that back burner for so long that the pot dries out and the contents are spoiled.  We end up frantically cooling a smoking pot and wondering, "How did I forget that?" - all while we deal with the charred consequences of our accidental carelessness.

I don't know a single homeschool mom who neglects to fulfill her responsibility to educate her children on purpose.  But I do see busy, distracted moms who need to know how to organize themselves so that they have the time and energy to care for and education their young ones.

Moms, I've been there - especially back in the day when I was a new homeschooling parent.  I had visions of tidy, well behaved children sitting at the kitchen table completing their assignments while the baby napped.  Of course, the chores were caught up because everyone pitched in without being asked and at the end of the day, my husband would stride through the door to proclaim me the best wife ever because dinner was on the table.  Nice vision, huh?  Well, it was far from my reality at the time.  Trust me.  It wasn't pretty.  We got the basics done, but it was stressful to say the least.

It took me a little while to learn how to manage my home in such a way that all the pots were being stirred and attended consistently in a way that was healthy and productive.

If I were to encourage young moms today, here is what I'd suggest:

Pray for wisdom - Too many of us fail in our attempts to get it all done everyday because we're using the wrong power source.  Don't rely on yourself.  Rely on God.  Seek His wisdom.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Be in the Word daily and be willing to submit to God's call in your home.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Identify your priorities

 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  Romans 12:2

What has God led you to believe is most important in your homeschooling?  Priorities to consider:

Marriage

Character issues in your children and and yourself

School subjects (Bible, math, english, science, history, typing, career exploration, etc...)

Chores (Enlist children to help you.  They must learn responsibility.)

Ministry

Me Time - Me time is not a myth!  Moms need time to rejuvenate. Take time to do the things that you enjoy.  When I had a newborn, taking a nap in the afternoon gave me the energy to keep going.  When I had fussy toddlers or intense teens, a little quiet time doing something I loved, helped me be a more patient and well balanced person.

Identify your time wasters 

This is anything that is done in place of your true priorities.  Don't let (fill in the blank) take over your day.

Put off the lies and put on the truth.

 Check out this complete list of lies versus the truth at Blue Letter Bible.

Create a framework  for the day that supports your priorities.

This is my framework.  Yours will be different - but this will give you an idea of what we do right now.  When I had four children to juggle, I had to be a bit more precise and I didn't have as much time for projects and writing.  Create a framework that works for you!

 

Determine to follow your framework 

When it comes down to it, we all have a choice to make.  We can let our day push us around, or we can actively manage our lives.  Grow in determination.  I also encourage you to be flexible.  Tweak your plan as you see fit, but make sure the tweaks support your priorities.


You can do this, mom!  I am praying for you.

If you feel like you need a bit of hand holding as you walk through this process, I suggest  Manager of Their Homes by Teri Maxwell.

Grateful for Grace,