Inspiration for the Bedraggled

"Homeschoolers Sweep Spelling Bee"
"Homeschooler Achieves Perfect SAT"
"Homeschoolers Excel at Nation's Colleges"
    Across the nation, more and more headlines chronicle the achievements of homeschoolers. But such news items can be disheartening if your children resist doing their schoolwork, the house is always a mess, and you doubt your ability to teach. You may assume this job is a snap for every family but yours and wonder if homeschooling is right for your family. After all, it's early in the year, and you already feel bedraggled.
    Cheer up! Every homeschooling parent experiences doubt from time to time. It's a rare kid who doesn't test his parents occasionally. Also, who doesn't grow weary of the books, papers, and project clutter that fills every square inch of a homeschooler's living space? Plus, as a homeschool parent, you seldom get a chance to be away from your "work."
    But if you're seriously questioning your commitment to homeschooling, keep in mind the following benefits your children reap every day:
·    They study under a teacher who loves and truly wants the best for them.
·    Prayer can be an important part of your school.
·    Your children don't have to pass through metal detectors on their way into the building.
·    Your children are always placed in programs you choose and where you think they belong.
·    Your children study in a drug-free, gang-free environment.
·    Any agenda promoted in your school is one you choose.
·    Your children aren't as likely to be exposed to material with which you disagree.
·    You're available to counter unwanted slants with your own side of any debate.
·    You know who your children's friends are.
·    You set your own school calendar and schedule.
    If those reasons don't make you feel better about the sacrifice your family makes to homeschool, read on for some ideas to keep you motivated.
    Read encouraging and inspirational books. The Bible, books of uplifting quotes and biographies of people you admire can help hold your spirits up. Meld these books into your curriculum, so your children can benefit from this positive input, too.
    Be sure you're right, then go ahead. That's a famous saying attributed to Davy Crockett. It's appropriate for homeschooling, too.
    Perhaps your in-laws, a neighbor, or a good friend doesn't think homeschooling is a good idea (something about socialization, I presume). You may respect these people's opinion in many other matters, but that doesn't mean you should question homeschooling. Like Davy Crockett, you made sure you were right before you began. Don't allow naysayers to undercut your confidence.
    Don't be on the defensive. The support of loved ones can help ensure the success of any family undertaking. But don't waste time defending homeschooling to people who are against the idea. Preserve your energy for teaching and let the product of your efforts be the defense. The homeschooling movement expands every year, in part because the evidence has convinced so many skeptics. Maybe one day your skeptics will become your biggest supporters.
    Be on the lookout for ways to improve your school. Maybe you're overdoing field trips and outside classes, for example. Perhaps your whole family would respond to a more relaxed approach. Or maybe switching from that math text your children are stumbling over is a good idea, even in the middle of the year.
    Learn to delegate. You increase your load unnecessarily by doing for your kids what they can and should do for themselves. If your house is always messy, for example, maybe that's because you don't expect help from the kids. Assign them chores and then supervise so they'll learn how to do a good job. Along with teaching your children responsibility, you'll also be contributing to their independence.
    When you falter, seek help. Other homeschooling parents are willing to support your efforts. They can look after your kids on occasion. They can recommend programs and curricula. They can identify and sympathize.
    Let your spouse know when you're becoming overwhelmed with any aspect of homeschooling. If you're not getting as much help as you need, maybe you're just not asking for it.
    Speak to your minister or priest when problems weigh you down. Be willing to forgive yourself for your shortcomings. God does.
    Pray.

For nearly ten years, Darla Minor of Oklahoma City has written a national health newsletter
called Your HealthStyle. She also writes feature stories for newspapers and magazines. She
shares the pleasure of homeschooling her son Jack with her husband Jim.