Homeschooling: Not for the Faint of Heart

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You know, sometimes I think that when we talk to other people, we tend to gloss over the less than fun parts of homeschooling (or at least I do). But, the truth is – some days are just flat-out HARD.

The kids won’t stop arguing – everything is taken as an offense. No one wants to do their schoolwork. They don’t understand anything that you’re teaching. There are no clean dishes to prepare lunch. The list goes on and on (and on). And, you may find yourself standing there berating yourself with, “If I had only done it differently when they were small” or worse,”I’ve completely failed them!”

This week, we had a particularly bad case of one of those days. And, if I’m being completely honest here – I did not handle the situation well. I lectured, cajoled, and pleaded to please, please, please focus and do better. I even threatened (although they know I would never go through with it), “Do I need to just send you to public school? Cause you’re obviously not listening to me.”

And, the really sad thing is that I could have turned that horrible day into one of love and togetherness. Ann Voskamp has a wonderful printable called “10 Points of Joyful Parenting” that I printed out quite a while ago, but oh, how I wish I would have remembered #7 on that oh, so very trying day.

7.Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child’s behavior, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child. ~ Ann Voskamp

So, yes – I made a mistake (several, if we’re keeping count). But, luckily, I have taught my children that “We are all sinners and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)” So, they already know that I am not perfect, and there was no shock when I went into my daughter’s room that night and apologized to her for my lack of patience and asked for her forgiveness. To which she replied, “I forgive you,” and wrapped her arms around my neck. I was reminded at that moment that regardless of any of our (perceived) educational shortcomings, I haven’t “failed them” because I have continuously pointed their hearts toward God and Jesus.

Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah:and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

~ Deuteronomy 6:4-7 {American Standard}

We are blessed to be able to travel this homeschooling road – even during the rough days. Perhaps I should say – especially on the rough days. All of that time together sure does ease the small bumps and dips along the way. How do you handle those times when things are not going according to the plan? I would love to hear what works for you in the comments!

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