Homeschooling Gettin' You Down? It's That Time of Year When We All Need A Pick-Me-Up.

by Kathleen Blease

Well, now. If you started your homeschooling year in August or September, you have just completed the first semester. Besides the holidays peering at you from around the corner--gingerbread men who are crying to be baked and a sappy tree that's moping naked in the corner--it is homeschooling that had added to the mountain of work. Forgive us, Lord, but sometimes Your Work can be a little much for us dear-old moms....and we are getting, well, a little old.

Science fairs start in February and research papers are due in March. "Oh, that's far away," you say. "No need to put THAT on the pile right now." Ah, so you think. Don't forget to factor in time to research the history of steam locomotives and the transcontinental railroad, and time to purchase petri dishes and grow the mold. Then there's writing and editing the research paper, drawing the science poster, compiling the science report--hypothesis, objective, procedure, observations, conclusion, and "next time" (optional, but impressive). Tired yet?

Just about now, there are homeschooling moms across the country who are ready to cry "Uncle!" But I'm here today to tell you one thing: Don't give up. It's ALL for a good cause--the edification and education of the most important charges in your life, the wee ones.

Here's an oldie-but-goodie article about just one of the benefits of homeschooling. Maybe this will help put determination back into your bloodstream and boost you for the semester ahead. Click here, and have fun!

If all else fails, dear moms, remember this adage: This, too, will pass. (And our children will be out into the world all too soon!)

God bless, and Happy Advent!