Top 10 for Busy Mothers

Today I am sharing a post with you that I posted over at momSCHOOL. I have changed it a bit - but I hope there's something there for you! I really love top 10 posts... for some reason they appeal to my  -condense it, and expedite it - source for knowledge!

1) Get organized.  Organize your house, your schedule, your personal time. Maximize your potential by limiting wasted time (email checking, web surfing, internet shopping, etc.) Get rid of things that add stress, and use a calendar. Download your calendar to your smart phone and set it to remind you of upcoming events.

2)Be prepared. Set goals and make a "to do" list. Prepare your grocery list before you leave, and prepare in advance to run all your errands in ONE trip per week.

3)Delegate. Chore lists are awesome. Make sure everyone in the house has some responsibilities.

4) Pay your bills online. This is a super time and money saver. Use your bank's website to pay ALL your bills with one click.

5)Make time for youself. Take an hour of two to do something that you love. Take a bubble bath and read, or sew, or draw something lovely. It will renew and refresh you!

6) Take time for you spouse. You are a team, and you must be together both in mind and spirit. Schedule a date night, go out and have a nice long talk over a meal.

7) Use your crock pot to make delicious homemade meals. Set it in the am and forget it till supper!

8) REST. Look to the Lord to carry your burdens. The Bible tells us that He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Lay your burdens at His feet, and REST in Him.

9)Eliminate things that are not necessary. This means things that are consuming your time, that you don't enjoy or that are really just a waste of time.

10) Just let it go... it really dosen't matter if the clothes get folded immediately after they leave the dryer. The dishes can get washed once a day, and the toys can get picked up before going to bed. Don't stress the little things... enjoy time with your children!

Frustrated with your curriculum?

Hi dear homeschooling friend... Ever get frustrated with your curriculum? I sure have, but I have learned over the years to stop the frustration as soon as possible. This is for your sake as a parent, but also for your child's sake! :)  If you are getting frustrated with the way a curriculum is laid out, or requirements that it is putting on you and your child... just stop! I suggest a day or two off from school, take inventory of what exactly it is that is frustrating you.  Make a list, this will give you a visual of what you don't like.  Then make a list of the ways that your child learns best - really think about this. You could watch how your child plays and learns for a day and make notes. Compare this with your frustration list.  What do you find?  I am guessing that will find that your child's "strengths" are NOT the things that are frustrating you.  These lists are telling you something loud and clear... find a different curriculum!

The lists of your child's strengths should guide you in your new curriculum choice. Find a curriculum that their learning style will find a comfortable fit. This in itself should help alleviate that stress thats been stalking you lately... There are so many great homeschooling curriculums available, that there really is no need for you to suffer with one that isn't a good fit for you and your family!

Feeling a little less than?

Homeschooling is one of the hardest things that I have ever done.  As most of you know, I taught in the regular classroom for over 12 years, was a principal, and taught college courses for over 10 years. STILL... I must repeat... homeschooling is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is so personal... if my children don't learn - it is MY fault and mine alone. Can you commiserate?? Sometimes the pressure that I feel is so great, I am almost overwhelmed.  I especially let it knock me down when I talk with homeschooling mothers who seem to have little "geniuses" that are getting college credit at 15.  How do they do it?  Is their whole life devoted to study? Do they ever have fun?  I would love to just ask - In fact, I think the next time I run across a genius homeschooler who has studied Biology and Algebra II before they reach high school... I WILL ASK... do you ever have fun?  Do you ever just watch movies?

Anyway, it took my wonderful husband to wake me up this time.  He pointed out that I have great children who are self motivated... who take time to learn and study and READ.  Yet, these children are individuals... they are NOT going to be just like another... they ARE going to be just what God made them to be!  We strive for excellence - we "Study to show ourselves approved unto God - a workman that needeth NOT to be ASHAMED..."

So if you are feeling like you don't measure up - just check yourself... Are you doing your best? Are you striving for excellence? Are you careful to encourage your children to learn within their means?  Are you fostering and letting them blossom within their strengths?  Then keep your head up... you are NOT less than! You are doing a great job!

PS - thanks so much Alan for resetting my viewpoint!