Does that thought fill you with dread? What expectations did you have this year that weren't met? Did you find that some of what you hoped to do was simply too much? This time of year, homeschooling parents can be in crisis mode, scurrying to finish everything or "at least something."

Remember springtime as a kid? Remember having spring fever? Nothing made it worse than being cooped up inside and forced to slog through another chapter.

A wise homeschooling mom told me that you have your children next year and for a long time after that. You don't have to subject your kids to a mad rush. Adjust your expectations to what can reasonably be done. Take them to the park or the zoo. Go down to the nursery and pick out some flowers to plant and grow. Get out and explore some of God's creation in the warm weather. You will leave a good taste in your child's mouth. They will want to learn more over the summer and the coming school year will be much more exciting and enjoyable.

That's really what homeschooling is all about, isn't it? You can fill their heads with facts or you can cultivate a life-long love of learning.

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