MOMSchooling Moments:
Uncovering the JOYs of Homeschooling A Large Family
Homeschooling is always an adventure for me. One moment I think I have it all together and the next it all falls apart. Some days I am on top of my game and some days I can barely keep up with all the activities of the day. I sit and wonder how I can tap into all that energy my kids burn off each day. But even through the ups and downs, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be home to educate my six children. I may not always get it right and I may not look pretty doing it (pjs count as dress up day…right?), but there is no place I would rather be than right where I am.
One challenge that has been especially difficult for me is teaching a child that is unmotivated. Every Monday morning has been a struggle. Starting the week with a rough first day not only dictates the outcomes of that day, but also the whole week. Unfortunately, my attempts to turn things around have been unsuccessful. I was depleted and frustrated, but still trying to give it my all.
In my time of weakness, I turned to my Wonderful Counselor. “Lord, give me wisdom on what to do. I will run myself ragged if things don’t change. I have tried everything but nothing is working. I know this is what you have called me to do but I am weary and tired. PLEASE Lord, help me.” (Sound familiar?) To my surprise, the Lord showed me that I was the one that needed to change. (Can I hear an AMEN?).
After a very long series of Mopey Mondays, I decided to make my Mondays more like Fridays (Thank you Lord for wisdom). I figure Mondays are harder to get back into the groove of school after having a couple days off. By Friday we are already in our groove so we might as well keep going! So now my Mopey Mondays are J.O.Y.Full! What did I do differently?
- I make a breakfast the kids want to jump out of bed to enJOY (anything with homemade whipped cream on top!)
- I start school later than usual and I make a concerted effort to be more laid back.
- I have the kids work on only three core subjects (Grammar, Math, Reading and/or Spelling).
- We watch educational videos (1 or 2 videos on hand or rented from the library)=quiet house for a bit and some sanity for me!
- We sing educational jingles for memory work (singing makes the kids happy).
- We have art class (we use Mark Kistler’s Draw Squad -not an affiliate link)
- We play educational board games.
- I diffuse a lot of essential oils (more than my usual) and douse myself in them too!!!
Homeschooling is filled with joys and challenges–all life changing. Homeschooling is the hardest job I have ever had to do in my life but I am having the time of my life doing it. Just like any full-time job outside the home there are days when I am eager to go to work and days I want to call in sick. There are stressful days and days where everything works out better than planned. There are days I am rewarded and days I am walked on. But in the end, who am I doing this for? Jesus.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…Colossians 3:23
Share:
When you hit a rough patch in your homeschool days, what do you do to stay motivated? What have you done in the past to change things up a bit that has worked for you? Have you ever had to change your entire homeschool schedule to benefit one child?
I homeschooled my youngest daughter. I admire you for homeschooling all six! There were times when I had her do her lessons at night, rather than in the morning. That seemed to break the monotony of the week.
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Good ideas- sounds like all the ideas work to produce a better day! I’ll keep them in mind for when my kids turn Mopey!
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Thanks! We are off to start another Monday and I am actually looking forward to it. The kids are too! Hopefully things will go as planned or not planned :0). Hope you can apply some of these ideas. Happy Homeschooling!
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Hey. I just found you via a comment on another blog. I notice you’re a Sabbath keeper and I am too so I decided to pop in and say hi.
I am a tutor and have recently started working with homeschooled children. I’m sure we’ll find lots to talk about as I delve into your page so I’m going to follow you now.
http://runwright.net
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Thanks for stopping by! A fellow Sabbath keeper…I LOVE it! I will be stopping by to check out your site. I’m interested in your experience with homeschooled children. Pleasure meeting you. I look forward to chatting again very soon! Blessings.
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What an inspired idea, I love the idea of a friday on a monday! x
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Thank you! I really needed a change and so far so good.. :0)
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I really like this! I am struggling through the past month or so. My motivation and energy have just shifted and I’m trying to figure out what to do about it. I really like how you switched it up on Mondays. I may need to try some of this!
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Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I can relate to your shift in motivation. I was really in a rut and I was getting depleted by the second. Homeschooling is such a hard job and I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have it all together every day. I try. I find trying something new helps shift things around just enough to keep the motivation going. I hope some of these ideas help you. Come back and share what worked or what new things you came up with. Blessings.
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I love your posts are very intresting every time!! Congrats and continue…
http://chefandmum.com
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What an encouraging comment! You just made my day. Thank you so much from the depths of my heart. Blessings.
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That’s a great blog 😀Enjoy your day and your children
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Thank you! Blessings to you.
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