There was NO MAGIC in our first day of homeschooling on Monday. None. I was ready to quit the whole thing and run away by 10 AM and we started at 9. I cried three times. I yelled several more than three. Two children were throwing all out temper tantrums (and I don't have any toddlers).
Today was a bit better. We had a brief moment or two of magic, thanks to my large cup of caffeine and the prayers of friends I sent an SOS to. But, as Asher so insightfully commented, "Today being a better day than yesterday isn't saying much, Mom!" "Yes dear, I fully comprehend the weight of that comparison." I only cried once. I don't remember yelling at all.
Some may say I'm raising completely undisciplined, disrespectful children who don't know how to submit or obey. Heck, I may say that in the thick of it. But when they are asleep and the house is quiet, I'd like to think I'm raising children who can think for themselves, have a will that won't be crushed, know what they want and how to voice it, and are in the painful process of learning how to be all those world changing things RESPECTFULLY and with SELF CONTROL. Sooooooo, those are our words of the year: respect and self control.
Maybe we'll find a little more magic tomorrow.
Oh Emie, hang in there! Take it from a strong personality that was homeschooled you are investing in your kids in ways that you cannot have ANY idea now! One of the best things my parents did was demonstrate to me that a strong personality is a beautiful, God-given gift, but it must be channelled. That's what you're doing now and your kids may not know for years what a gift that is but God does!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement, Traci. Honestly, these are the kinds of things that keep me going. Looking forward to hanging out face to face someday! Maybe in Europe! ;) e
DeleteGood word!!! Your kids are AWESOME and you're a GREAT HOMESCHOOL MOM!!!
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