Hi!  Over at TrinityPrepSchool there is a terrific list and a challenge to come up with one of our own.....several blogs have taken the challenge already and it will take me years to catch up with reading all of them.....nevertheless, I hope to try! 

 But first, I am going to post my own. 

1.  Put People Before Things.  This is a long time motto of Le Leche League, the breastfeeding support group.  Although (sadly) I don't belong to the current membership, I did for quite awhile, and this saying helped me to remember that my little ones come first, before the housework, the other needs that seem to be pressing, and just about anything on the planet.  People are eternal.  Stuff is all gonna burn.. 

2.  Pray Hard.  Prayer Changes People! (Us!)   A lot of times we think that prayer changes God.  Nope, it helps us get in line with His thinking.  And by Praying for those little people in our lives, it will change US as we learn what they need and how we are going to work (with the Lord's guidance) to give them what they need. 

3.  Learn To Be Content with Less.  Less Is More.  If you only had one or two resources for your homeschooling endeavors, what would you choose?  In reality, I bet ALL of us have way more stuff than we can shake a stick at.  And stuff means "time stealer."  I am working on eradicating the stuff we have collected that is taking over our home.  Are you?

4.  Find the Best Odds.  This is another one of the "pregnant or new Mom" maxims.  From the "What to Expect" series, Best Odds is a way of thinking that helps you to eat better whether for two or for one!  Before you put that morsel in your mouth, is it the best you can find?  Give youself the Best Odds, whether it is eating, exercising or even buying curriculum!

5.  Under-schedule Yourself.  Redeem the Time!  With the choices we have available for extra-curricular classes and socialization opportunities   it is easy to overwhelm your "schedule."  First, prioritize your priorities!  Next, consult with each child and your spouse about those "extras" that might be wanted or needed.  Check the local options, make up a list of what is available.  Then throw the whole thing out!  Not really, but sort of.  Don't think you have to be involved in EVERY offering that comes your way.  One outside activity is enough! 

6. Stop and Smell The Roses.....with your children.  Many times we Mom's forget that our kids don't really know who we are or what we really like!  Do they know about your hobbies and interests?  Spend time showing those things to your kids.  Go where you want to go, together.  It's all about relationships!

7.  Keep Life Simple.  Enjoy the Simple Life!  The more you do and have, the more things you have to do and the more you have to maintain!  Remember this.  K.I.S.S. 

 No, not that old saying, this one:  Keep It Simple Sweetie!

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

©Nancy K. Baetz

Homeschooling Is Life! 2006

Related Tags: Seven Habits, Breaking Habits, Home Education, Family, Homeschooling, Simple Living, Homeschool Curriculum