I am 7 weeks into the adventure of being a mom to a 6 year old, 21 month old, and a, well, 7 week old. As I type this, I am sipping my afternoon cup of coffee, and sighing at the messy living room, but also loving the view of my sleeping baby in the swing. The house is relatively quiet, due to it being our 'quiet time' but outside of that time, the house seems rather wild and chaotic.
I am struggling with sibling rivalry with Little Man and Baby Girl, Itty Bitty is still needing frequent feeds, and the laundry and chores seem to pile up a mile high with every passing day. This doesn't even include fitting school between feeds, diaper changes, and tending to my older Baby Girl. Even with all that being said, I have found joy in the chaotic, and peace in the my role right now. How does a mom stay sane in this crazy role of both mom and teacher? Hopefully I can help someone today, or at the very least help you not feel alone!
Remember why you are here
What caused you to want to homeschool in the first place? You may be questioning things if your reason was 'to be with your children more' haha (it's a normal thought. You can be so thankful to be with your children all the time, and yet yearn for some alone time now and then!). Sometimes it's for Biblical teaching, better academics, time with your children, or all of the above. Reflecting on that can help ground you and help remind you of the calling to homeschool. I will actually be talking about my journey to homeschool next week, but I want to encourage you to remember why you started your journey in the first place, on those days when you are having a hard time.
Set a time to be with the Lord
I almost said 'set a quiet time to be with the Lord', but I realize that having quiet cant always happen. However, starting my day in God's Word helps set my day in the right direction. Reading the Bible isn't something to just check off a list, but should be something habitual. Hebrews 4:12 says 'For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.'
If you need some grounding for your life, parenthood, and your homeschool, God's Word is the way to go! More than any self help book or blog post, it will both convict and encourage you on your journey. A good place to start for someone needing help in the parenting department, is Proverbs. There is a chapter for every day of the month, and it offers so much wisdom and guidance for a homeschool mom! (And anyone, of course).
Establish a quiet time
I was really sad when Little Man no longer took naps. He still will go to sleep on an occasion, but for the most part, naps are a thing of the past. My mom suggested letting him look at books in his room for a set time, and it has really helped! I do it at the same time as Baby Girl's nap, and it gives me a breather. I don't really like the idea of calling it 'me time', but it does help recharge batteries! This is the time, Itty Bitty allowing it, I am able to do a bit of housework, and drink a little coffee (I feel like coffee is also a sanity saver! haha)
Have a community
Having a homeschool community is not just for my kids' socialization, but mine too! Having people around you that share your passion for teaching children at home can be a great way to keep a reminder of your purpose in homeschooling, but it can also help knowing there are others on the journey with you. My homeschool group is a Christian one, so the wonderful people there, often help me in my Christian walk as well.
Homeschool is this wonderful journey, but it can also be overwhelming at times. I heard someone say that we aren't just the teacher, but the parent as well during school. Being with my children 24/7 can often bring out anger and frustration. Remembering why I'm homeschooling, staying in God's Word, having a quiet moment in the day, and having an encouraging community help in not only staying sane, but also in me having the desire to have joy and peace. It's one of my big goals-for my home to be one of peace. Part of it is having an orderly home, obedient children, and a Godly environment, but also a mom who is at peace herself!
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