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How do you balance it all?
And before you think this is a homeschooling Mom who’s about to tell you how she has it all together. Let me quickly disabuse you of that notion. These past few weeks I feel like I’ve been drowning in obligations.
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Two weeks ago I took the kids on a trip up to Iowa to surprise their aunt for her birthday. It was an awesome trip, I got to relax, feel a little less hectic, and all was good. Then I got back, and we went from all is calm to “so much to do, how will it all get done.”
Some of that was the timing of the trip which I couldn’t help. Her birthday is right when school starts. This meant several things going on around that time didn’t happen because we were gone or getting ready to go.
Some of that I could help. I didn’t have to invite people over right after getting back into town, and I didn’t have to decide to jump right back into schoolwork.
The wise decision would have been to wait, and get myself back into control. Instead I printed off my Illuminations* schedule and stared at it every day as if it was a judge waiting for me to fail and send me off as a homeschool failure.
I know that’s not what my schedule is for. A schedule is supposed to give you a framework to move around, not be something that is reminding you of all the ways you’ve failed.
Our second week back, this week, we had meetings. It’s the third week of the month, and that means co-op classes, and I had a leadership meeting (which I was sick for), and I’m still working out getting in grocery shopping because my family thinks they need to eat.
As I look at our schedule objectively I know I’m doing too much. Each individual item isn’t a problem, but all of them together are. I love our women’s Bible study, but I probably shouldn’t have signed up for the 9:30 time because it’s right in the middle of our schoolwork. So I begrudge that time, and struggle with the right attitude.
I still haven’t started the read-alone books for my kids, and I’m really excited to give those a try. They have some great discussion guides included with Illuminations. I think my kids are finally ready to start them.
So, I’m trying to figure out how to eliminate stuff and only say yes to the best ideas. Any suggestions or help for me this week?
Comments
10 responses to “How do you balance it all?”
I think that this is something ALL moms struggle with – homeschooling or not. I only say yes to things I feel very positively about, but it is still incredibly easy to become overwhelmed. {hugs}
I’m sure we all do. Even after writing this today Jeff had to talk me back from going to yet another event that I wanted to do tomorrow, but really shouldn’t.
It’s hard sometimes to remember that homeschooling really is a full time occupation. I’ve gotten to where I only make one outside the house commitment – for me it’s Sunday school teaching – each school year. There are so many good things to do – but they can become overwhelming and joy stealing very quickly.
That’s a good idea, it is very hard to remember it’s a full time occupation, and I’m not the best at remembering that.
Balance is something I have struggled with my entire time homeschooling!
I’m glad to hear it’s not just me.
(((hugs))) we all feel the same sometimes. I’ll be praying specifically that things calm down for you soon.
Oh thank you, prayers are much appreciated. In theory this week is going to be calm. I just need to not schedule anything.
Just say, “no” to the things you are not in love with. This is what I am trying to do here…
I know in my head that’s what I should do, but it’s the actually doing it.
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