Feb. 1, 2008 - A reminder for the Home School Mom - from my heart!
Boy, I had such a great discussion yesterday - covered quite a few topics. Cold, blue January, you know? smile
Anyway, I was talking to this HSing mom and picked up that she was a bit discouraged because she isn't doing everything perfectly. I know the feeling - I'm there so often. 
BUT, dear HS mom, do you realise that you have taken on a task that many moms will not even consider? How many moms do you know that won't even think of HSing their children (for whatever reason). Remember that - we have decided to HS our children and we will do what it takes to do so. You are wonderful
| *JUST FOR THAT REASON*. |
You don't have to be perfect to be wonderful. Hmm, we aren't in heaven where *perfection* is. I have no trouble not being perfect. It means I get to still be here.
Oh, and I fail often. Oh, so often.
I make plans (just like you) and stuff happens. Life, you know. Perhaps there is a death, or sickness in the home. Perhaps family trouble - perhaps I (or you) are agonising over parenting issues or parenting *many* OR *many littles*. Perhaps our marriage is in trouble. Perhaps finances are an issue OR I / you have to work to cover expenses AND still HS our children. Perhaps an unwanted seperation or divorce has occured. Wow - so many things can happen that we don't want. That wouldn't be in our plans if we could plan and have life the way we wanted.
I reminded this mom yesterday to not be so tough on herself. She actually had a lot on her plate in the last year. To be honest, last year was an awful year for me (emotionally - extended family issues), so some of my energy went elsewhere. Stuff happens. Don't beat yourself up when it does. Do what you can and ask God to do the rest. (By the way, this year is already so wonderful. Life is good. I'm looking forward to this year and what God is going to do in my life - once again, my energy is rising. YAY! smile)
I also think sometimes we need to remind our families - husbands and children exactly what we are doing / trying to accomplish as HSing moms.
AND if we are pregnant, nursing or even at another stage of our life with perimenopause / menopause - remember to give yourself a break. There is only so much energy - only so much time and we only get done what we can get done. Don't waste any time or energy on guilt. It does not motivate us to do better. It just saps our energy.
AND by the way, do not be the family slave. It is a good thing to serve - I think HS moms are great at that, but periodically (at least twice a year) I review our chore chart and make changes so everyone is helping keep the house clean, laundry done, and meals made. One of my mantras would be "Everyone works. When we are done, we play." Smile
If you are feeling like your load is too heavy, get rid of some of it. Lower your expectations or get the kids helping more.
Anyway, I tell my children how wonderful I am once in a while.
| Smile |
I would tell your children how wonderful you are, too.
I remind the children of my friends how awesome their moms are - taking on this task / wonderful opportunity of HSing them. Wow - their mom sure is wonderful. (By the way, I can remember Mike Smith at an AHEA convention saying something similiar. Made me cry - which was such a surprise for me. No one had acknowledged the job I was doing or how hard it can be at times. Totally worthwhile, but it does take some energy.)
Kinda changes the way you look at your self and the HSing mom next to you.
Yes, we need to keep trying to do better / more - but that's another post.
Just pat yourself on the back today. You are pretty wonderful.
