There are many reasons why we homeschool. I'm sure we all do it for our children. But one thing I have found is although we do it for our children, at times, we are more concerned how we ourselves are doing rather than the child. Why do I say this? Well, I am a teacher by profession, eighteen years ago, I decided that I was going to homeschool.

My reason was because in our church you were considered the best mom if you homeschooled your children. The pressure was extreme. If you sent your kids to public school, it was a though you were an unfit mom. So going with the trend, I decided to come home.

After coming home, I decided that I was going to do school like "school". We had a rigid schedule of getting up by 8 a.m. and doing the pledge and prayer. I thought I was doing everything correct.

Well as time went on and I had another son, this rigid schedule wasn't working. Trying so hard to keep up with the "school" notion, I found myself so frustrated and gettin upset when I was teaching my own child. This getting up at 8 a.m. was for the birds.

I suppose what I'm trying to get across to you is that at times we are trying to do what we think we should be doing rather than looking at the needs of the child. As time went on, I began to adjust my thinking and stop comparing myself to the other moms. I needed to stop expecting my child to excel in everything so that I could have bragging rights. It was time to have fun learning!

Really if you can give your child the desire to learn; everything will fall into place. Ask God for creative ways to teach. Don't worry about what others may think. It isn't important. What's important is your child's self esteem and happiness.

I pray that you may find that comfortable place in teaching your child where she will one day say, "Mama, I love homeschooing and I love you."

Trust me that I say this out of experience. I have two sons already graduated from homeschooling. They are not ivy league college students but have a heart of gold and serve God.

After I reevaluated my reason for homeschooling. I wanted to raise up men of integrity. I no longer just focused on the academic. Yes, the academic for survival in this world; but I focused on raising great men of God.

Raise your daughter as a great woman of God. Trust me when you give your children to the Lord all will fall into place.

God Bless,
Pat V.