Sing A New Song Homeschool - Am I doing enough?

Apr. 28, 2007 - Am I doing enough?

Lately I've been beleaguered by these thoughts that I'm not doing enough. Not just with school--I think all of us homeschool mom's feel like we can't possibly get it all in each day! I've heard that even public school teachers have that problem!

By not doing enough, I mean by what I'm teaching my children about life. Case in point--lately, life has been beyond busy. My oldest daughter has soccer practice 2 times a week with a game on another day; she has ballet twice a week and helps teach in my youngest's class on one of those days; and piano one day a week. My son has baseball practice once a week and a game on another day. My youngest daughter has soccer practice one day and a game on another, as well as ballet once a week. This is just the normal schedule. This doesn't include birthday parties, special projects, chores, etc. I can hear many wise women telling us to pare down, slow life down a bit, take it easy. We've tried and we prayerfully consider all these activities, especially the ones we also are involved in (my husband coaches 2 of the teams afore mentioned). But here's the problem--I have had no time to cook or clean. We eat out constantly. The house is a pile of organized piles and dust. I'm overwhelmed and behind in everything. Therefore, I sleep more than I intend to because I'm emotionally and physically exhausted.

So, I feel like my daughters are not learning anything about being a good wife and mom. That's when the thoughts creep in, of all the homeschooling mom's I hear about that grind wheat, bake bread, grow their vegetables, zone clean, run a farm, sew clothes, write in their blogs, renovate a house, eat only organic food, and invent some great homeschooling resource and then run a business for it! I want to do it all and I want my girls to grow up to be capable women.

But then I think about how I was not raised to be like one of those women. If my family were to run like one of those families, we would have very little in common with the people we try to minister to. I know God has made me a certain way, I just don't want to sell my kids short. I don't necessarily want them growing up like me.

I guess my main concern is that I'm not teaching my girls what I should be teaching them; my workload is overwhelming me; I'm falling short of what I'm supposed to be; and I'm trying to figure out how I'm supposed to be me and still be different than what's comfortable for me. Does any of that make sense?

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Comments

May. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Last school year we were really busy. AWANAS, basketball, co-op, 4- H and this was just after my little one had surgery and was put in a brace that went from his head to waist for 7 1/2 months. But I was so determined that my older child's life would go on like normal. Well, I started breaking down. I showed up to everything late, found excuses not to go, ect. I was burning out in a BIG way. I had no choice to scale back. This year my sons have been in very little. No sports, had to quit AWANAS, no 4-H, it just didn't work out. One by one, almost all activities I tried to sign my son up for fell through. I think God was telling me "REST!!!" I know this is a temporary thing, I mean, it's not good for your kids to be in nothing. They do need to socialize some especially when they are 6 years a part, but I think this year has been helpful. It has helped me rest and be less burned out. I think it has helped the kids too. If nothing more than they will appreciate their activities more. :) But I think it has also helped them relax a little more. Just thought I would share that with you. If you are feeling this way, if something is not done, it could continue to grow to burn out, then you'll be forced to slow down. Just my opinion.

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Jul. 5, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Your post reminded me of a couple of entries I wrote awhile back. I thougt they might encourage you.

Condemnation, comparisons and other silly things we do
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Happyhome/226740/

Picking Up Rocks
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Happyhome/51045/

Take all your cares to Him. He will sustain you and give you the wisdom you need to teach your children exactly what they need to know.

Blessings,

Angela

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May. 18, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Your post touched my heart. We are going to try public schools next year for my 1st grader because Mom is maxed out. Don't make a rash decision, but make a choice that is best for the whole family (you included) for the long term. God wil lead you in the best direction.

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