The Greatest Secret

     How is your homeschooling going?  Has your first month back after the holiday’s been smooth? No?  Same here.

     I don’t know why it’s so hard to get back into the swing of things after holidays or breaks. It seems we get so used to “doing our own thing” that we rebel against the normal.   As I stated in my last column, I love the routine life. I like to know what I’m going to be doing and when I’m going to be doing it. However, sometimes life just doesn’t work like that.  Holidays, health issues in the family and other things can really throw us for a loop. Imagine if it makes us unsettled, what it’s doing to our children.

     We’ve been through a lot in our family, health wise, in the past 3 ½ years. It’s been extremely hard on our children.  I’ve learned the best thing to do is to first of all – pray.  We need the Lord to give us strength and wisdom in all our circumstances.  The next thing I’ve learned is to allow my children to have time to get used to situations, grieve, or just play for a day or two if they need to.  I allow them to read, watch old movies or funny old television shows, or just sleep when they need it.  This makes them much more productive in the long run when they do get back into their schooling.

     If you’re going through things in your family right now or just having a hard time getting back into things after the holidays, take a day and relax with your children. Pray with them.  Watch a funny movie or even nap on the couch!  It’s okay and it will make you all feel so much better. It allows your mind, body and spirit to rest and prepare for what comes your way. 

     Homeschooling is such a blessing.  Our children have been able to see “real life” up close and personal.  Sure, there are things I wish they didn’t have to go through (or my hubby or I either, for that matter!), but hard times are a part of life.  The most important thing is to allow them to see you going through these things relying on the Lord.  They have also seen how as a family, we rely and love one another. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without the love and support of my children during these difficult times and they know I feel this way.

     Things are not always going to run smoothly.  Go with the flow and allow your children to be involved in the solutions of getting things back on track.  Make them a vital part of everything you do and in the midst of everything, put God first! This is the greatest “secret” of all.

                     By Julie Danielson       2008