Motherhood and homeschooling motherhood. As a mom to a one and three year old, I don’t quite know what I’m doing yet. Will I ever? Of course I have mounds and mounds of ideas for curriculum and activities, but I am still a very un-seasoned homeschooling mom. What is essential to being successful as a mom and as a teacher to my children?
I was going to start this week’s Blog Hop: Homeschooling Essentials from the Schoolhouse Review Crew with a long list of Essential Preschool Materials for Kids {and that post will come later this week}. But the more and more I’ve thought about it, and after reading Michelle at Delightful Learning’s post on each of her children’s homeschooling essentials and reading her youngest son’s amazing answer, I began to wonder….
First and foremost, what matters at the end of each day?
- That my children know that Jesus loves them and saved them.
- They feel loved and secure.
- They learn self-control and kind manners.
- They learn to help one another.
- They seek to stand up for what’s right.
And how do I teach these things to my child?
By being with them. This doesn’t mean to do every activity we see on Pinterest or any of the wonderful blogs I love to read in my down-time. It means (for both me and my loves) consistency and discipline and understanding and tenderness and love and patience and kindness and goodness and self-control.
How do I know if my days are a success?
♥ We talked about Jesus and his love for us no matter what we do.
♥ If I have read to each of my children individually (and hopefully together) for at least 20 minutes each day.
♥ And if I have played with each of them individually (and always together) for at least 20 minutes each day.
Love and security
Because showing my children that I love them and that their environment is constant and secure is the greatest gift I can bring to them in these early years. Our days may lead into fun with tot school or sensory activities or crafts and practical life in the kitchen — and I absolutely love all of those things — as you know! But Jesus and reading and playing — showing them that it is only you that matters to me in this world, but for these short moments — is all I need to do to be the best mom I can to my two precious miracles. That is the mom I want to be.
My word for this year is content.
Check out other posts on Homeschooling Essentials: Michelle @ Delightful Learning, Mary @ Winecup Christian Homeschool, Jenni @ Conversaving, Meghan @ Quiet in the Chaos, Karen @ Tots and Me, Beth @ Weavings, Tawnee @ Adventures in Homeschooling, Karen @ My Harbor Lights, Kristi @ The Potter’s Hand Academy, Tara @ This Sweet Life
I just started following your blog (found you on pintrest!) and I just have to say that I love this post. I have two boys, 2 and 3 1/2, and there are days I wonder of they had a wasted day educationally. This post really made me feel better! I am starting down the road of homeschooling and while I wish we could spend all day building play doh figurines and putting my pintrest boards to good use, it’s just not possible. I also am learning to overlook the dishes to read or play but it’s a hard task for me. It was just nice to hear that just because I have other obligations to tend to doesnt mean I’m doing a poor job. I look forward to reading the rest of this weeks posts! Since life tends to keep me pretty busy I don’t have much time to read things I enjoy so I only subscribe to a couple blogs including yours! Just by reading what little I have on your blog I know you are going to be a great inspiration in this journey. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you so much Amanda, I’m so glad that you agree and it struck a chord with you…. we have to be easy on ourselves… Thanks for subscribing ♥
Oh Amy, this is a beautiful post! Content was my word for last year when I was struggling. I love how you focused on being content with your role as a mother ~ and what really matters at the end of the day ~ very profound. Amen!
Thanks so much Michelle ♥
God has used you to bless me tremendously with this posting. Thank you!!
I’m so glad, Valerie ♥
I love your honesty and openness. This has been on my heart too lately. Thank you for sharing!
Blessing,
Jacy
http://www.jacyleepulford.com
Sounds like you have thought your choices through and you have a clear view of what you are doing and you want to do. I think that is the best place to start. Now just make it happen in your children’s lives. God bless!