Comfortable in My Skin

I have spoken to and heard of many moms recently questioning their ability to school their children. I'm sure those feelings have existed before now in moms of the past, but I can't help but wonder what it is that makes us question it so much more today. What does the world have for our children now that it didn't have before? I believe things gets worse as the decades pass, but all the sinful ideas, thoughts, and actions are still there; they are all still there to take in anyone who will come. Why do moms today think that is better than what they can give them? Why do moms today think the world is more well equipped to care for their children and teach them the "ways of life"? Why do moms today second guess themselves just because it's hard? What do I think? I think we all need to tape a note to our foreheads that reads, "I am in charge of my children because God said so."

Some moms I have spoken to feel they have good qualities you would need to be a teacher, but they are not educated enough. Other moms feel educated enough but don't think they can spend all day teaching their children because of nerves that get pinched. Yet other moms feel confident in their abilities and what they know enough to teach their children, but don't know how to organize it and stay on a schedule so they get discouraged that it's not working. I tell all of them, "Be comfortable in your skin!" Be comfortable with who you are as a person and what you can do, because trust me, it's much better than anyone living in the public world can do. You are their mother, you know them, and that is what they need. 

None of this means that you have to be the sole teacher and continue the stress that you already have. If you feel comfortable with yourself and what you know to do for and with your children, then you will know what or who they need. In my family of close friends, we share in schooling our children. I trust that the lives and souls of my children are being well taken care of and that they are going to get what they need, whether academically, emotionally, physically, or spiritually. If you have something like that, cherish it and take advantage of it! Sometimes, being their mom means that you get them to the right people for their education. If you don't have the opportunity that I mentioned, try other outside sources, like a religious co-op or club. Sometimes just one class away is enough of a break for mom and kids. Otherwise, just know that you are doing right by homeschooling them, and they WILL learn. 

Think about why you are homeschooling in the first place. Is it to give them more of a religious teaching? To keep them from bad influences in public schools? To travel through the year, learning as you explore? Or to simple choose what they learn and what they don't learn? See...? You did the right thing! You made a decision that was best for your children and your family. It doesn't matter if your days go well or not (there are many ways to improve things along the way), what matters is that their hearts and souls are protected. If they fall behind, they can catch up later. If you miss a whole month of school because you just had a new baby or your family stayed sick, or you simply needed a break, they will survive...and so will you. There is too much pressure in this world to fit the mold and strive to be something great. Just help them strive to make Jesus happy and everything else will fall into place. Be confident, breathe, and feel comfortable in your skin.

*Jan 2017