Dear Homeschool Mom Worry,
It’s time to say goodbye! It’s time we part ways because I am so done with you. I’ve spent so much time worrying about how I may be messing up my kids.
I have worried about test scores, grades, and how my kids will measure up.
I’ve worried that my kids were missing something by being home, with me, instead of a brick and mortar school. I thought that they may turn out socially inept. I’ve tried to add activities, to keep up with the idea of “social.” These things have taken over our calendar. I have replacing that fear with the feeling of guilt for not being able to keep up.
I have been so overwhelmed with trying to do it all. Trying to get in all of the required academics, each and every day. Plus all of those extra electives – like foreign language and typing skills – and all the social opportunities, as well. It just too much!
So much so that I often dreamed of just taking my kids to our local schools and enrolling them the very next day. Days without kids? I’ve forgotten what that is like. Me time? What’s that?
But…
As of today, I am not going to do it anymore. I’m not going to give in to that way of thinking.
It may not have been the reason that we started homeschooling, but now I know that this is my calling. It’s what I was meant to do. It is what is best for my kids. It is something God wants me to do. And the Bible makes it clear that, I as a parent, am responsible for the training, instruction, and education of my children. He placed them in my care. And this is what I need to do.
So from now on…
I am going to remember why I am doing this. I am going to take this one task at a time. Even if it means giving up some of these so called “social experiences”. And I am not going to allow you to dwell in me. I am kicking you to the curb; meditating on the Truth. Reminding myself of His Word.
Lastly, when someone tries to remind me of this worry, I will confidently say, “it’s all taken care of!”
Sincerely,
A Newly Confident Homeschool Mom who is without worry!
Need inspiration to kick your worry to the curb? Check out what the Bible has to say:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” ~ Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” ~ Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.” ~ Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
Original Photo Credit: Free Stock Photos
Yay, you! Socialization is HIGHLY overrated. Not that kids shouldn’t have kids to play with, but activities? Activities like sports and scouts and clubs should be taken in very small doses. It is possible to so overwhelm our children with activities that they become stressed out, and I don’t think it takes a lot of them to do it. One thing per kid, or even per family, is plenty. Life is busy enough without stuffing more “mainstream” things in there just prove that we’re not weird. 😉
THANK YOU – I really needed to read this as I am in tears as I could have written most of this! I have felt SO, SO discouraged with homeschooling and ready to throw them all back in school but my mother’s heart knows that would be a mistake. I press on knowing I need to lean on HIM more then ever to get me through these hiccups.
You’re welcome! Keep at it and keep encouraged… it’s all worth it in the end!
I love how God gives us just what we need! So needed those words of encouragement today!
I’m glad you were filled with His peace just when you needed it. God bless!
I think it’s important to do what is best for your family. That includes everyone in the family, not just the kids. All of the socialization and activities is not for every child. My son is very different than my daughter. I have to treat their needs in a different way.
Good for you to say goodbye to all the stresses. Many homeschoolers still fret about them. There’s no need to fret. God wants us to give all our worries to Him. Patti