The Character Corner

Raising Godly children with strong Christian Character

Homeschool Inspiration For When You Are Weary

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30 Days of Homeschool Encouragement and Inspiration

Have you ever been weary? I sure have! Sometimes as a busy homeschool mom, weariness can creep in on us, ever so slowly, and steal our joy like a thief in the night. The days, hours, and minutes can seem extraordinarily long as a homeschool mom. Today I hope to provide some homeschool inspiration for when you are weary.

See, I’m a weary expert. After four years of homeschooling, I hit a brick wall.

If I’m honest with myself I should have been able to see it coming; it had been creeping up for years. It just happened to be during that particular year that I hit my lowest point.

At the time my girls were smaller, only 6 & 9. The oldest was wrestling with multiplication while the youngest was struggling to read. I felt like a failure. They needed all of me, and I had nothing to give.

I was weary; physically, spiritually, and mentally.

So what did I do?

I came to realize that there are a few tricks for overcoming weariness as a homeschool mom. These tricks have become my saving grace on those long days when things seem hard, and I feel tired.

How can you find homeschool inspiration as a weary homeschool mom?

HOMESCHOOL INSPIRATION FOR WHEN YOU ARE WEARY

First, you have to understand that you can’t be all things.

As an extreme type A personality this is hard for me. I strive to be EVERYTHING to EVERYONE. Guess what happens when I do this? I end up spread too thin, which is a quick recipe for becoming weary. The fact is there are many great opportunities in this life, and sometimes they seem like a good idea. Is volunteering for a local charity a great thing to do? Sure it is! Can I do it right now? No, I can’t.

See, sometimes we have to evaluate our priorities and let go of things that don’t add maximum value.

Right now I am a homeschool mom. Maybe eventually I will add more titles to my name, but for now, that is enough. Permit yourself to let some things go. You will be surprised at how much weariness can leave with less responsibility.

Next, understand that perfection is a myth.

We live in the age of the Pinterest mom, so it seems like the desire for perfection is always at the front of our brains. The pressure we place on ourselves is enormous – magazine worthy home, meals that looked like they jumped off the cover of a cookbook, squeaky clean kids, and a fun, engaging, homeschool day. (Surely I’m not the only one?)

Now don’t get me wrong here, I think we should still give our tasks their due diligence. We should always do our best, but sometimes our best is just surviving the day. Realistically, there may be times when you have to lower your standards.

We are ALL just imperfect sinners saved by grace. There’s no room in this life for the rule of perfection. Give yourself grace. Striving for perfection will often not only make you weary but also those around you.

Remember that homeschooling is a calling.

For me, homeschooling was a calling from the Lord.

I can still vividly remember the moment I decided to homeschool. I had a long talk with the Lord that day. My main request was that if I started on this path that he would give me the ability to finish it. Oh and guess what, every day he has been faithful.

So how did I find myself weary then?

I merely started relying too much on me, and not enough of Him. I often look at the big picture and think I can’t do it. When in reality as long as I have Him I can.

Focus on your why.

Why did you start homeschooling? Do you have a “why”? If not, it’s time to find one.

A “why” gives you an endpoint.

  • What do you want your children to be?
  • What do you hope to achieve?

Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint, and you have to look at it that way. You may go DAYS without a victory, but eventually, there will be that light bulb moment when everything clicks.

On days when I feel beat down and weary with despair, I merely remember the reasons I started it all.

Be thankful.

One of the best ways to ease a weary heart is to simply be thankful.

Yes, homeschooling is hard work, and YES there are days when you will inevitably struggle, but think of all you’ve gained because of this experience. This time is fleeting and something that we can never have back. However, we are spending it well.

Our kids are changing, and moving toward adulthood, right before our eyes. However, we get to be there for every step of their journey. We get to witness their interests and fuel their passions. Mamas we are BLESSED!

So the next time you are weary, remember that the days are long but the years are so short. This time is fleeting, and before we know it, they will be grown. These long homeschool days will turn into memories that we will laugh about for years to come.

Eventually that small spark you planted will fan into a flame, and hopefully, someday that flame will ignite. Just remember those sparks start during the weary days. So on the days when you feel you can’t continue to drop to your knees and ask for help. Then be sure to be thankful for this powerful calling of being a homeschool mom.

*****

Erin Persinger is the owner/founder of HomeschoolBalance. She lives in West Virginia with her husband and two daughters. Erin is a former accountant who traded her career to become a full-time mommy in 2007. She and her husband decided to “try” school at home in 2012, and they fell in love with the homeschooling way of life. She is passionate about helping busy moms balance homeschooling with their hectic lives, and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. Her blog is a calling and a labor of love. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

*****

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Inspiration When Weary 30 Days Homeschool Encouragement

How To Inspire Joy In Your Homeschool Week

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30 Days of Homeschool Encouragement and Inspiration

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Seasons of life or homeschooling can leave a mama bogged down and robbed of her joy. If you have ever found yourself waking up every day dreading all you have to do, you know exactly what I am talking about.

Although these seasons are completely normal, and life’s circumstances can leave you outmatched and ready to throw in the proverbial homeschooling towel, there are simple things you can do to inspire joy in your homeschool week.

Whenever I am in a difficult season, I try to sprinkle our weeks with activities that fill our hearts with joy and make us thankful to be homeschooling.

Ideas to Inspire Joy in your Homeschool Week:

HOW TO INSPIRE JOY IN YOUR HOMESCHOOL WEEK

1. Do something you enjoy

Try to add something to your week that you, as a homeschooling mama enjoy! It can be anything that relaxes you and makes you thankful that you get to homeschool your kiddoes.

Take a hot bubble bath. Buy yourself a special box of flavored tea and enjoy a cup each day. Or even go outside for a walk during your prayer time before the kids wake up.

Find something that fills your heart with joy and make it a priority during the week.

2. Do something they enjoy WITH them

Another way to inspire joy in your homeschool week is to do something your children enjoy with them. Even if it isn’t your favorite activity in the world (i.e. reading the same book for the 592nd time or stacking the blocks over and over so they can knock them down again), their sweet happiness having mom involved is so very refreshing.

Color with them, snuggle them, play video games with them, or let them talk on an on about their latest interest in coding or horses (even though you have no interest and can only half understand the terminology).

Let their joy fill you up!

3. Make a special meal

If your kids are old enough, get everyone involved and make a special meal. It can be as simple as frozen pizza and store-bought ice cream, or as elaborate as letting the kids budget, cook, and host an entire holiday meal (no holiday needed! 😉 ).

Whatever will bring joy to your heart (and not make you break out in a cold sweat at the thought) will do!

There is something about sharing a special meal together that helps to inspire joy during even the most mundane homeschool week.

4. Have a “yes” or “just because we can” day

If you are like me, you are usually telling your children no WAY more than you are saying yes. No, we can’t go to the park. No, we can’t have brownies for dinner. No, we can’t go visit grandma right now. No, No, NO!

A yes day is simply a day when you make a point of saying yes to these requests. Set aside your schedule, and when they start asking, start telling them yes and see where the day goes!

If the thought of giving in to their requests freaks you out, start by having a “just because we can day.”

We are homeschoolers, and we have the freedom to go to the movies on a Tuesday afternoon or out for brunch on a Friday. Choose an activity or a place to visit (NOT a field trip for educational purposes, but just somewhere for fun!) and take a day off to go enjoy it together!

5. Start every morning with God’s word

Nothing quite keeps me joyful like my time with the Lord. We all have “God-shaped holes” in our spirits that only He can fill.

Start every morning with some time in His Word. This can be before your kids are awake, while they are getting ready, or even while they play quietly.

However works best for you to spend this time, DO IT. Even just a few minutes can change your entire attitude and perspective!

6. Start your school day with a song

Do you ever sing during your homeschool week? Something about singing inspires joy your homeschool week, even when you are all tired and grumpy.

If you need some ideas of what to sing, check out this Hymn Study with links to listen to different versions of the Hymns online.

Even if you aren’t the world’s best singer, starting the day with a song lifts everyone’s spirits and inspires joy!

7. Go outside

Taking some time to get out and enjoy God’s creation is an excellent way to inspire joy in your homeschool week.

We have really enjoyed this Nature Study throughout the years.

The adventure of using your senses while in nature and enjoying the fresh air can rejuvenate any homeschooling day.

8. Let them teach you instead

Have you ever heard that the best way to learn something is to teach it yourself? I have found this to be VERY true!

If you kids have an interest in something but aren’t very joyful about their schoolwork – try letting them be the teacher!

Let them read about something they are interested in and then teach you about it. Anything from frogs to funnel cakes will do.

They can read about it, tell you about it, then take it a step further and  write a report, give a presentation, or do a project on it.

Frog catching or family funnel cake making anyone?

9. Make a mundane activity into a game

Are you sick of the laundry or the dishes got you down? Turn it into a game! Start the timer and see if you can fold all the laundry faster than they can scrub the dishes.

Turn up the music and change cleaning up a messy room into a dance party!

With a little creativity, even things like math or handwriting can be a fun activity.

Here are some more ideas to turn the mundane into fun!

9-Indoor-learning-activities-fb-e1517435146892

5-Steps-to-get-your-kids-to-clean-without-complaining

10. Journal the moments to remember

A final idea to inspire joy during your homeschool week is to keep a journal of the moments you want to remember.

We are prone to forget many, many things. Even the special little things we get to witness as a homeschool mama can be so easily forgotten.

Write them down, and read them to yourself when your joy is gone or you feel like quitting –  his baby belly laughs, the look on her face when she’s sounding out the word C-AAA-T for the first time, his enthusiasm when he finally “gets” the math lesson he has struggled with, the funny things they say – all which will be soon forgotten.

Write them down and treasure them.

*****

Tiffany is a VERY outmatched mama to four crazy amazing kiddoes, a Jesus follower, homeschooler, and blogger. She is the creator of Outmatchedmama.com. Her goal is to encourage and equip other moms to rely on Jesus’ strength when homeschool life gets tough, and to be more of the mama God made them to be! Check out her FREE Journaling Bible Study for Busy moms like you.

*****

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How to inspire joy in your homeschool - 10 practical suggestions!

10 Things that Helped Me Through 31 Years of Homeschooling

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30 Days of Homeschool Encouragement and Inspiration

Four years ago my youngest son graduated from our home school, meaning that after 31 years of homeschooling our eight kids, I was officially done. (Wow, does that make me feel old!)    Many moms have asked me to share the things that helped me through 31 years of homeschooling.

After thinking about it recently, I came up with a list of things that I heard or learned over the years that made me not only stick with it but also helped me to finish strong.

10 Things That Helped Me Through 31 Years of Homeschooling:

10 THINGS THAT HELPED ME THROUGH 31 YEARS OF HOMESCHOOLING 30 Days Encouragement Inspiration

 

1.  Probably THE most important thing that helped is something I heard in my first year of homeschooling when a speaker at a conference mentioned that CHARACTER TRAINING  is more important than the academics.

Our motto verse for raising our kids has been II Peter 1:5 “...add to your faith, virtue (or character), and to character, knowledge….”

God says our first priority should be our kids’ faith – teaching them to love God, and to love His Word. Next should be their character, and then LAST on the list is the academics.

Doing things God’s way always works best, and when we kept these priorities in order, God blessed the academic time.

When I had a bad pregnancy but remained faithful to Bible reading & memory with the kids, as well as a character lesson daily, often I was then unable to do the academics.

But God blessed the little I could do because of my obedience, and the kids tested very well at the end of the year.

RELATED:  ARE YOU MISSING THE KEY INGREDIENT FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS?

homeschool wisdom & tips
2. “Everything our kids learn from kindergarten through grade 12 is only FOUR years of material.”

Hearing that quote by  Richard Fugate took SO MUCH stress off of me!

Isn’t that a helpful thing to keep in mind if you have a child struggling to learn, “keep up”, or “catch up”?!

3.  I realized that not all my kids learned the same way, or at the same speed. 

It was such a surprise to me when what worked for my first child didn’t work at all with the 2nd one, who learned in a totally different way.

No one had ever told me that kids have different learning styles, and I certainly just thought they would all learn at the same speed.

As a result, I was frustrated, until I realized they all had their own learning styles, and learned different subjects at a slower or faster pace than the sibling(s) before them might have.

4. I taught my kids to be independent learners at a young age, and how to find answers. 

This took so much pressure off of me and gave me the time to work with younger ones that weren’t able to read and work on their own yet. By the way, kids without character won’t be independent learners.

They need character to work on their own and be diligent.

building a strong foundation
5.  The best-planned days often don’t go as planned at all. 

Once I realized how often things happen to “mess up” the plans, it helped me to be prepared to just go with the flow, and be flexible.  Kids get sick and usually, it’s on the day that you planned to get lots of school work done, then clean the house, and run errands.

Take a deep breath, and adjust your plans.

RELATED:  4 REASONS TO EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED IN HOMESCHOOLING

6.  Sometimes you need to put a subject or a topic from a subject aside and come back to it later. 

Sometimes it just doesn’t click with your child, and they aren’t ready for it.

No one says that you HAVE to teach them things at a certain age or time, or in a certain order.

Scope and sequence are an invention of the school system.  We just have to make sure our kids learn what they need before they graduate.  We can set our own scope and sequence. (remind yourself of point #2)

7. When I’m in too big of a hurry to spend time with God, things start coming apart. 

I realized early on that teaching and training children requires much wisdom and strength from God. 

Without that time spent with Him, I would struggle with my own attitudes and spirit, which then rubbed off on the kids.

If you’re too busy to spend time with God and in His Word, you are too busy! (7 Signs That You’re Too Busy)

Seeking Him - Moms in the Word

8.  A loose schedule, but a regular routine helped me during my 31 years of homeschooling

For example, when we get up we have breakfast, then everyone does their Bible reading, then we have a character lesson, then it’s time for academics.

That way everyone knows what the routine is.

If you are up late as a family and want to sleep in a bit later, it doesn’t hurt anything.  You get up and follow the routine.

A routine with a loose schedule works better with the academics because it’s hard to really have a set amount of time for each subject daily. 

Some days Math will take 45 minutes because it’s a new topic, with lots of practice.  Other days it will be a review, and only take 30.

There are also days where the child may not get it, and it will take even longer.  Knowing they aren’t confined to a certain time frame relieves stress on them and you.

homeschool wisdom
9.  There will be days when you feel overwhelmed and want to quit. 

There will be days when you cry.  On those days, remember that God won’t ask you to do something you’re not able to do.

Go to Him, and seek His wisdom. 

He wants you to depend on Him, and there is nothing that makes you depend on Him more than realizing  that you can not do it on your own.

Related:  I WANT TO QUIT HOMESCHOOLING!

10. One of the top tips that helped me in my 31 years of homeschooling is this simple reminder: DON’T COMPARE!

You don’t have to do what the other homeschool families you know are doing with their kids.

You need to do what God has called your husband and you to do with your kids.  For each of us, it may look different.

Don’t try to do what everyone else is doing.  Comparison will put you on the fast track to a loss of joy in your homeschool!

VISIT TODAY’S HOMESCHOOL ENCOURAGEMENT & INSPIRATION SERIES SPONSOR BELOW AND ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

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Things that helped me through 31 years of homeschooling

things that helped me through 31 years of homeschooling

The Most Important Step in Preparing for a New School Year

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What do you consider the most important step in preparing for a new school year?  

There are many things that go into planning for a new homeschool year. There is deciding what each child needs to learn, choosing curriculum, organizing the materials, etc.

However, I believe that the MOST IMPORTANT STEP in preparing is spending time in prayer.

Praying faithfully over your homeschool is even more important than choosing curriculum, or coming up with the perfect schedule.

Prayer is vital to all areas of your homeschool.

This may seem rather obvious to you, but I know there were years when I was excited about planning for the new year, and I just dove right in without asking God for direction. 

There were times that I  forgot to seek God, and got caught up in trying what other families were raving about, or in trying to do lots of extras that some of my home school friends were doing.

Even though they may have been “good things,” it doesn’t mean they were best for MY family. 

God calls each of us to do different things with our families, and He may not be calling us to do something another family may be doing.

That’s why it is SO important to pray over your homeschool!  Seek God, and don’t get caught in the comparison trap!

As homeschooling parents, we have to remember that homeschooling is a lifestyle, and involves much more than academics.  We cannot diligently train, instruct and educate our children  in our own strength or wisdom.

We need God’s guidance as we try to fulfill that responsibility to raise our children in the  nurture and admonition of  the Lord. 

10 Things to pray when preparing for a new school year:

  • Wisdom to grow as you train your children and point them to Him
  • A vision and goals for your homeschool and your family.  (Where there is no vision, the people perish)
  • Guidance in making decisions about curriculum choices, learning styles, schedules, etc.
  • Wisdom to meet the needs of each of your children
  • That your kids will develop godly character
  • That you will remember your goals, and not get distracted by other “good” things.
  • That you will keep the relationship with your kids more important than the academics
  • That you will win the hearts of your children
  • That  each of your kids will grow in wisdom and knowledge
  • That you will daily point your kids to God by your example and teaching.

The best resource for our prayers is the Word of God.  His Word has the answer to any situation you may face in your homeschooling.

God’s Word is powerful, and when we pray according to Scripture God will give us the answer or help that we need.

When you aren’t sure you can do it, find verses to encourage you and pray those verses right back to God.  If you’re getting weary and discouraged, find a verse to claim that will encourage you.

I suggest keeping a list of verses on hand through out your school year, and praying them as needed.  

Here is a list of my favorites!  20 Encouraging Bible Verses For Homeschooling.

Encouraging Bible verses for homeschooling moms

As you begin the important task of planning for your new school year (or continuing your school year), make a commitment to bathe your homeschool in prayer!  Then watch and see what God will do. 

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Build Better Communication With Your Kids With These 8 Tips

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Like most parents, are you looking for ways to build better communication with your kids? Communication is so important for healthy family relationships.

ways bto build better communication with your kids

Good communication is an important key to our kids’ hearts!  Today I want to  share some keys to better communication. since it is a HUGE part of winning and keeping their hearts.  Good communication is something we need to always be working on!

Related:   7 Wrong Responses that can shut the door to communication with our children.

Ideas to help you build better communication with your kids:

1. Ask open ended questions.

Don’t ask questions that can be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  Make sure that a little more feedback is required to answer the question.

2. Ask about what interests them.

Find out what they are excited about, and ask them about it often.  Nothing gets a child or teen talking like asking them about their favorite topic, activity, or interest.  It also shows that you care!

3. Acknowledge their emotions.

Respond with “I bet that made you feel sad, hurt, happy, scared,” etc.

4. Stop what you’re doing and look at them.

This shows that you care and are really interested in hearing what they have to say.  Not stopping to look them in the eye and give them your full attention conveys that what you are doing is more important than what they have to say.

5. Ask when, where, or how, not why.

“Why?” sounds accusatory.

6. Be aware of their spirit.

Sometimes they may seem to be having a bad attitude, but it is really hiding a hurt or difficulty they are dealing with.

7. Let them finish what they are saying before you try to respond.

8. Be available.

We can’t schedule a time daily or weekly for our kids to bare their hearts to us. This comes through spending time with them, and happens when they are ready to talk or need to talk. It can’t be forced.

Remember, time spent listening to your children and communicating with them, is always time WELL spent, AND it helps to keep their hearts!

Get our printable list of 20 Ways To Win Your Child’s Heart

20 Ways To Win Your Child's Heart

 

 

30 Days Of Homeschool Encouragement & Inspiration Series

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30 Days of Homeschool Encouragement and Inspiration

Note: Visit our Series Sponsors at the End of This Post! Visit Each post in the Series to Enter the Giveaways. Scroll Down to Enter!

It’s THAT time of year again — the time when homeschool moms are either starting the new school year or getting ready to start. It’s often a time of excitement, though at times it can be mixed with fear or even dread for some. 

Perhaps you’re wondering how you ever made it to the end of the last year and if you even want to homeschool again after this year! Or maybe you ARE excited but would like some extra inspiration!

After homeschooling for 31 years, I know the different emotions that the challenges and struggles of homeschooling can bring, and I’d love to come alongside and encourage you!

Will you join me for 30 Days of Homeschool Encouragement and Inspiration?  

30 Days of Homeschool Encouragement

 

Join me beginning August 1st for 30 days as I and some of my blogging friends bring you our best homeschooling tips and encouragement!

Sign up below and I will send you a daily email with a link to the post for each day of the series….ooh and LOTS of giveaways!

Some of the topics that will be covered are:

  • Homeschool Inspiration For When You Are Weary
  • Ingredients of Successful Homeschooling
  • How to Handle Conflict In Your Homeschool
  • When You Want To Quit Homeschooling Do These 5 Things Instead
  • Finding Inspiration In The Struggles
  • Encouragement From A Homeschooled Daughter
  • How To Get It All Done As A Homeschool Mom

…..and many other practical posts that are packed full of helpful tips that will encourage you and inspire you to keep on!

Take a few minutes a day to be encouraged and inspired in your homeschool journey!

Whether you are feeling discouraged right now about homeschooling, or if you’re excited about planning and preparing for the next school year, you will find this series helpful.

Each day will begin with an email from me with the newest post in the series. It won’t take long to read but will give you a nice shot in the arm.

Oh, did I mention that it’s totally FREE, and includes awesome giveaways from our sponsors?!

This FREE email series is for you if any of the following is true:

  • You homeschool
  • You’re thinking about homeschooling
  • You are thinking about QUITTING homeschooling
  • Encouragement is something you LOVE!
  • Find yourself struggling with discouragement in your homeschool
  • Homeschooling is going great, but you love to keep learning
  • You want tips to help you in your homeschool

You don’t want to miss any of these great posts, so sign up now!

A Very Big Thank You to Our Homeschool Encouragement & Inspiration Sponsors!

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Why We Neglect Teaching the Bible To Our Children

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Even though most Christian parents  would agree that teaching the Bible to our children is one of  the most important things we can do, we often fail to do it!

There are 5 common reasons WHY we neglect teaching the Bible to our children:

1. THERE’S NOT ENOUGH TIME.

The truth is that we make time to do the things we want to do. We only have one chance to raise our kids, and if we don’t have time to obey God’s command in Deuteronomy 6 to teach His Word to our children, we’re too busy.

Sometimes I think we don’t really believe it’s all that important. Actions show how you really feel about things, and what you value.

If you tell your kids constantly how important the Bible is, but don’t show it by your actions, they won’t value it either.

When was the last time that your children saw you reading the Bible, or that you shared something God showed you from His Word?

2. IT DOESN’T SEEM TO DO ANY GOOD.

Perhaps you get discouraged and think what you’re doing isn’t helping at all. Think again!

First, God’s Word won’t return unto Him void.

Second, recognize where those thoughts are coming from. The devil knows what God’s Word will do in your family’s life, and of course, will try to stop you.

We can’t let this lie  cause us to neglect teaching the Bible to our children!  Keep on, remembering the power of His Word.

3. THE KIDS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN MEMORIZING VERSES, OR READING GOD’S WORD.

This probably stems from one of two things.

First, their minds are too cluttered with other things. For example, too much TV or an excessive interest in sports, video games, music, etc.

Second, perhaps your attitude is influencing them.  Are YOU showing excitement?

WHY YOU NEED TO BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT TEACHING SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION EARLY

4. WE DON’T REALLY BELIEVE IT’S ALL THAT IMPORTANT.

Actions show how you really feel about things, and what you value.

If you tell your kids constantly how important the Bible is, but don’t show it by your actions, they won’t value it either. When was the last time that your children saw you reading the Bible, or that you shared something God showed you from His Word?

HOW TO BUILD YOUR FAMILY ON THE WORD OF GOD

5. WE DON’T REALIZE THE BLESSING WE WILL RECEIVE AS WE MAKE THE BIBLE OUR TOP PRIORITY.

We have seen many blessings in our family and home, as we have tried to make God’s Word of top importance.

Let me share some of those blessings:

  •  My kids are excited about the Bible!

They read one or more chapters a day, memorize passages, and we review them. They often do the memory work on their own, as they’re anxious to get the new passage learned. I don’t have to drive them with a whip to do any of these things.

  •  The kids are more responsive to the Holy Spirit, as God’s Word keeps their hearts soft.

One night I was concerned about the attitude my daughter had shown through the day and into the evening. It was something I sensed, but wasn’t quite sure how to deal with. I prayed about it specifically as I took my shower. When I was done, she called  me into her and she apologized for having a bad attitude! As she was praying, the Lord spoke to her about it and she responded.

  •  God’s thoughts become part of their thoughts 

One night at dinner, the word refuge was mentioned. Immediately my eight year old son quoted, “The Lord God also will be a refuge for the oppressed.” My ten year old said the next phrase, and my five year old the next verse. Wow! How exciting that God’s Word was right there in their thoughts.

  •  Perhaps the biggest blessing in all this, is that I get excited and I learn God’s Word as I help the kids memorize & apply it, as I discipline them with Scripture, and teach with it.

As I daily work to teach the Bible to my kids, I get constant exposure to God’s thoughts. I’m not sure who God really meant to benefit the most from His command in Deuteronomy 6, but I’m sure He knew that parents needed this as  much (perhaps more) as the kids!

It’s always exciting to obey God’s commands and then see how He blesses!

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3 Mistakes When Parenting a Prodigal

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In the post Are You Making These 5 Parenting Mistakes? I shared some mistakes that I have made in my parenting which are very common.  This week God impressed some thoughts on my mind that relate to parenting mistakes that we make when we have a prodigal child.

I think there can be a wide range of behavior that describes a prodigal child.  Some may be showing some beginning signs of rebellion, where others may be living in outright rebellion to what they have been taught from God’s Word.

parenting a prodigal

I’ve been guilty of many mistakes at different times when one of my kids was at any stage that caused me to be concerned that they were going in the wrong direction, or heading towards becoming a prodigal.

Here are three mistakes when parenting a prodigal:

1.  Fretting

As parents who spend time investing in the training of their children, we long for God’s blessing on their lives.  When we see them making choices that we know can bring unpleasant consequences, it is EASY to begin to worry.

If we aren’t careful, we can become consumed with that worry.  God doesn’t want us to carry that burden, but rather give it to Him.

There have been MANY times over the last 34 years of raising our eight kids, that I would lay in bed FRETTING.  Again, it may not have even been a BIG, major issue.  However, I knew there was a heart problem that could lead to those major issues, and I had trouble letting go.

I had to intentionally picture handing the situation to God, and letting go.  Often, I  realized I was holding it AGAIN, and would repeat the process of saying “God, I know you are in control, and You have told us to cast our cares on You. I give You this burden, and ask You to carry it for me.”

Remember that fretting and worrying accomplishes NOTHING, other than stressing you and wasting precious energy!

2.  Talking to others about it, rather than praying.

Recently I had a conversation with one of my kids that immediately caused me to be concerned about the way they were thinking, and where it would/could lead.  I tried to communicate my concerns, but didn’t feel that I got too far with that.  I walked away from the conversation wondering WHY so many our our “good Christian kids” are struggling so much with the issues they are.

My wondering then led me to think that I really wanted to talk to a certain person and get their perspective and opinion about it.

Immediately, God convicted me about the fact that I was so eager to run and seek the opinion and advice of someone, when I had not even brought it to HIM!! (By the way, I think it is WISE to seek advice and counsel about your kids if they are struggling, but be sure to seek God FIRST.)

How VERY often have I been guilty of that!  It’s so easy to talk about the problem and your concern to everyone except the ONE who has ALL the answers we need, AND is able to work in the heart of our kids and bring conviction that WE can’t bring. If He can change the heart of a king, He can change the heart of our child.

I share some thoughts to pray for your wayward child in the post 5 Things to Pray for the Prodigal.

3.  Taking it personally, rather than realizing that it is a spiritual battle.

It is SO easy to get caught up in the conflicts we have with our young people that we begin to allow it to become a personal thing — us against them.  We allow the conflict to damage the relationship, which is EXACTLY what the devil is hoping to do!  One of his biggest tricks is to get us fighting against each other, when we are on the SAME side, and should be fighting TOGETHER against him, not each other!

Whenever you are having rebellion problems with any of your kids, immediately recognize it as spiritual warfare, and put on the armor of God.  Seek HIS strength, power, and wisdom as you partner with God to love your child and not fight against him, but FOR him. The best thing you can do is seek to restore the relationship with your child and win their heart back.

Having a wayward child is a difficult thing to deal with, but God will give you the grace and strength you need.  He invites you to come to Him for wisdom, and to cast your cares on Him.  Don’t carry the burden alone, but take it to Him!

20 Ways To Win Your Child's Heart

 

 

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Homeschooling – If I Had It To Do Over

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As I finished my 31st and final year of homeschooling, I was thinking back over the years, and the things my husband and I had learned as well as the the changes we had made. It’s a journey I would do all over again, but there are a few things I would change if I had it to do over. After 31 years of homeschooling – if I had it to do over again, what changes would I make?

Homeschooling - changes I would make if I had it to do over

Homeschooling- If I Had It To Do Over – 3 things that I would do differently:

1. I would take better care of myself.

As a young mom, I was able to get away with staying up late, getting up during the night with babies, and getting up early with the toddlers. I was tired, as all busy moms are, but I was able to do what I needed to each day. I didn’t exercise regularly, because I didn’t feel I had the time. There were always better or more important things to do. Eventually, it all began to catch up with me though.

I hit a spot where I started to struggle physically, and ended up with chronic fatigue, and stressed adrenals. I was burned out – physically, emotionally, and mentally. At that point I realized that I HAD to take time for self-renewal. I needed to adjust things so I could get the rest I needed.

This required making some changes in our activities, and I had to pretty much stop all outside activities. I also started to take a break now and then with some friends. It’s amazing what a little time away, laughing with some like-minded moms, will do for you! Laughter is a good medicine.

As I took those steps, it helped me improve mentally, and have clearer, more focused thinking, and well as more positive thoughts.

Fatigue will always lead to negative thoughts, such as: “I’m not doing a good job – my kids would be better off in school”, I’m such a bad Mom – I never have energy to play with the kids”, “I can’t handle this anymore”, etc. Everything seems worse when you are fatigued.

If I am burned out and can’t function, I will lose my ability to do what God has called me to do. I wish I hadn’t had to learn that the hard way!

2. I would stress much less about WHEN a child “got” it with reading, or math.

I would focus on making learning fun, and waiting till they were ready. For each child that readiness comes at different ages. They also learn in different ways. If I had known that when I first started teaching the kids, it would have saved me many hours of tears and frustration. (mine and the kids!)

I want my kids to enjoy learning, but if I keep pushing them when they aren’t ready and don’t get it, they will dislike learning. Also, if I use a curriculum that doesn’t work with their learning style, it will be much more frustrating for both of us.

Over time I realized that it doesn’t hurt to take a break from from the phonics, or new math concept if they just aren’t quite ready for it yet. It’s better to put it aside for a time, do some learning games that aren’t intense, and then try the subject again a few weeks later.

3. I would focus less on making sure the rules were being obeyed, and more on building the relationship that would make them WANT to obey those rules!

Rules are necessary, but as the saying goes, “Rules without relationship breed rebellion.”

It is easy to strive for compliance while forgetting the relationship that will bring that compliance.

Because of our strong desire to be good parents,  in an attempt to be firm we were often too harsh.  The relationship with our kids was damaged as a result of the harshness.

We learned that it worked much better when we appealed to our children on the basis of love, rather than intimidation.

A similar error was that we tried to protect them from wrong — wrong activities, wrong influences, wrong friendships — while failing to befriend them the way we should ourselves.

In order to develop a relationship that would bring compliance, we needed to spend time with them. We needed to be available when they wanted to talk, and we needed to show an interest in what was important to them.

We needed to accept them for who they were, and let them know we loved them. That in turn leads to winning their hearts, which brings the desire for them to please us.

We learned that it is better to work hard at keeping their hearts, than having to try to repair damage and win their heart back. (By the way, I believe that keeping our children’s hearts is the most important thing we can do as parents!)

There are many other things my husband and I have learned along the way, but these three stand out above the rest. I hope they will be a help to you on your homeschooling journey!

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Homeschooling If I Had It To Do Over

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Busy Mom’s Guide to Finding Time With God

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As busy moms, finding time with God can be challenging.   In our hearts we long to make time to spend reading His Word and praying, but often the reality is that parenting young children and taking care of our marriages and our homes, seems to pretty much fill up our day.

It’s easy to push our spiritual life to the bottom of the priority list when our daily t0-do’s seem out of control.

As a result, we are even more stressed because we are trying to do things in our own strength, and aren’t taking time to seek His wisdom in our daily priorities.

Most of us are busy, and when life is jam-packed in the season of parenthood, it’s hard to know how to fit in time with God. But we CAN do it, and we NEED to do it!

Spending time with God probably won’t look the same as it did before you had children, so it’s important to recognize that, and be realistic in your expectations.

Realistically, you probably won’t have 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to spend in the Word, and more than likely your “quiet time” won’t be real quiet!  

But that’s okay!  With a little creativity you can make it work in the midst of your busy family life.

Here is a busy mom’s guide to finding time with God in a variety of creative ways:

1. Listen to a Bible app while getting ready for the day.

This is great for those days that are busy, and you have to get ready and run out the door.  You can also listen to your Bible app while driving so you start your day with God’s Word.

2. Pray while you are in the shower.

Shower time often was my ONLY alone time as a busy mom!  Take advantage of that time and commit your day to God, while also seeking His strength, wisdom, and direction for the day.

Be sure to  praise Him during this time–nothing starts your day off better than a few minutes of praising God!

3.  Sing a Scripture song with the kids before eating breakfast.

This is a great way to  help you and your kids memorize God’s Word easily, and keep it in your mind then throughout the day.  It will help your kids and YOU to have a better attitude as the Scripture song goes as you go about your daily activities.

4.  Have a family Bible time after breakfast.

This doesn’t have to be long or complicated.  Depending on the ages of your kids, it can be a short Bible story that you read and then talk about, or you can read a few verses from Proverbs and how to apply it to daily life.  Keep it short and help them learn something from it.

Don’t believe that your kids will be BORED by the Bible.  If you are excited about reading it, and get excited about what God is teaching you, your kids will pick up on that excitement.

Pray together afterwards asking God to help you to apply what you have learned, bless your day, etc.

5. Memorize Scripture with your kids.

Memorizing Scripture is the BEST way to keep God’s Word in your heart and mind even on the busiest of days.  Kids have sharp little memories and are capable of memorizing more than you might think.  We had our kids memorize passages, and they did great.

We started with short passages like:

  • John 14:1-6
  • Psalm 1
  • Psalm 23
  • Psalm 100

From there we moved on to some longer passages such as the Beatitudes, and I Corinthians 13.

The key to this is making it FUN with motions, lots of expression, pictures, etc.

(Scroll to the bottom to get our FREE ABC Bible Memory Verses Cards!)

6.  Give your younger children a DVD with Bible stories to watch while you read your Bible and pray. Have the readers sit beside you and read their Bible (give them a plan) while you read yours.

This is teaching your kids that you value this time with God.  They see that this is important to you — important enough that you make it part of your daily routine.

Another benefit is that it  will help your kids to develop the habit of spending time with God daily.

Encourage your readers to have a daily Bible reading time using one of the Bible reading planning your kids will enjoy. 

7.  Listen to good, uplifting music during the day.  

Having hymns and Godly music playing does so much for your spirit, and will help you feel closer to God.

I also use a phone app called Abiding Radio.  It has options for good Christian music, including kids songs.  I usually choose the instrumental hymns, as it can be playing in the background, but isn’t too distracting.

8.  Use Scripture for correction throughout the day.

Not only does this help you to focus on the child’s heart issue (rather than the wrong behavior), but it also gets God’s Word into your heart and mind.

If you happen to have been blessed with a difficult child, think how many times a day you will be able to get God’s Word in your mind daily!

Finding time with God is much harder once you become a mom, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible!  Adjust your expectations, be creative, and then commit to it.  Whether it’s reading the Bible to your kids, singing it, memorizing it, or listening to your Bible app, make finding time with God a daily priority!

Get started on Scripture memory with these

FREE ABC BIBLE MEMORY VERSE CARDS!