Although it's fun to fantasize about homeschooling, it isn't long before we realize it's ALOT OF HARD WORK! On top of growing families, pregnancies, newborns, medical problems, household chores, church ministry, community work, care of aging parents, and home-based businesses...we're now taking on the role of full-time teacher for several different grades (preschool to high school!).

Homeschool moms remind me of the country teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, but do we ever picture her with a baby on her hip and a toddler at her feet while teaching math or history?! As homeschool moms, our working hours are much longer than a classroom teacher, beginning at dawn and ending at bedtime, each day. 

Coordinating lesson plans, grading papers, record keeping, coordinating activities, field trips and hands-on experiences, then implementing it all with love and discipline...WHEW!  It can be EXHAUSTING!  No such thing as a second cup of coffee after sending the kids off to school!

Preparing our children for a successful life means training them to be responsible, mature individuals, which gives us very little time off.  Add to that, extracurricular opportunities, and we end up completely drained (physically, mentally & emotionally).  Spiritual support is so important, along with time to "relax" (just put your feet up) and "time to be alone".   

On-going support from Dad is vitally important.  A weekly date night (or day away) helps parents reconnect and keep communication open, which is another source of strength for the whole family. 

Homeschooling teaches Mom and Dad many life-lessons as well (patience, long suffering, persistence, endurance) developing these qualities right along with their children. No better way to "learn" something, than to "teach" it.

When teaching our sons, my desire was for them to have "a love for learning", rather than study for grades and tests.  Our sons (now in their 20's) see learning as a part of life, NOT something left behind in school. 

Starting in kindergarten and ending with high school graduation, homeschooling was an integral part of our family life, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't have missed it for the world!  We were extremely blessed to have had the opportunity.

Still interested?  The following pages discuss discipline, juggling life, getting organized, unit studies, and overcoming discouragement in homeschooling.  Enjoy!