By Betty Daley
It is that time of year where we begin planning out our new school year. It makes me nervous and excited all at the same time. I love sitting down, picking curriculum for my kids, and putting a schedule together for the next year, but it is a big responsibility. I pray each day that I will make the best decisions I can for my children.
Each child learns differently. As a mom of six, I can tell you that statement is true. Each one of my kids has different learning styles. Some learn by reading, some by hands-on activities. I can allow a few of them to do seatwork all by themselves, but there are a couple that I have to sit with to ensure they don’t run around playing. I have learned what each one needs from me, and how they absorb what needs to be learned. It takes some creativity on my part most days. I have to preplan each course, so I will be ready to teach them. It can be a challenge, but it is worth the time and effort.
Have you thought about homeschooling your children? Are you worried you won’t be able to do it? Let me tell you that if God has called you to do this, He will equip you. You just have to trust in and rely on Him. Don’t allow your fears or others’ opinions to keep you from doing what you know is best for your family. Our family has had its fair share of obstacles over the years, but our children are happy and are learning. Best of all they are growing spiritually, and I get to see it right before my eyes on a daily basis. You can do it!
Are you already homeschooling, but feeling weary? I have had those moments over the years. There were some days I felt like throwing in the towel. My nerves were on edge, the kids were upset, and well, it was just hectic. Do you know what I have found? Those were the days that I had failed to put my day in God’s hands. I was trying to teach, leaning on my abilities instead of His. Now when I feel things getting out of sorts, I stop and pray. I ask God to help us get back on His schedule. Sometimes that means putting my plans to the side and taking a day to rest in Him. We go out and enjoy His creation. We spend more time reading His Word and less time with our noses in textbooks. Within hours peace is restored. Trying to homeschool without God is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole. It just doesn’t work.
This will be my fifteenth year homeschooling. We have two who have graduated and four still in school. As I look back, I realize how fast those years went by. I remember days that seemed to last forever when things were not going well, but the years went by so quickly, it amazes me. Time is so precious, I do not regret one minute. Even the hard times brought our family closer together. When we didn’t know how to work through things, God provided a way.
Homeschooling is the most rewarding job, yet can be a difficult one. At first, I felt totally inadequate. I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was that God called me to teach my children and I relied on Him to get the job done. As the years have flown by, I do feel more prepared, but I know that without God’s strength and guidance I would fail miserably. He has seen me through every bump in the road, and has given me mercy when I tried to follow my plan instead of His. What a great God we serve!
I am praying daily for my fellow homeschoolers. I hope this little article has given you some support and encouragement for your journey. I know it can be hard, but with God, we can accomplish what He has called us to do!
Betty Daley has been married to her high school sweetheart for twenty years. She has homeschooled their six children for fourteen years and believes that training our children is the most important job we have. She runs a Facebook page called “Training our Children to have Godly Character.”
