I have been struggling with decisions to stay in more and establish a good structured routine with my children, especially with EA and MC. In this struggle, Keith has encouraged me to write out my vision for ministry with some short and long term goals. I am going to do this and will share some of that soon. I do know that my primary ministries are to him and to our children.
EA and MC are still recovering from pink eye (we’ve had it for two weeks now), so it was a good day to stay in.
Our doing so today confirmed some of the decisions I knew in my heart that I needed to make. And even though, I struggled with those decisions throughout the day, looking back on the day that we had provided me with the confirmation and peace that I needed.
It is imperative that we stay home more. It is imperative that I am intentional with the time I have with them. My children have to be my first priority over any other outside activity that I am or could potentially be involved in. My time with them is vitally important to me, to them, and to the sanity of our home.
Many of you know that I have decided to homeschool them. Now, yes, they’re only three. But I think this is the best time to begin establishing routines. I ordered books from Sonlight Curriculum to use this year. We’re not doing anything extremely structured, just reading and building a love for reading. I also purchased some Kumon workbooks that we LOVE! Seriously, if you have toddlers or preschoolers, you should think about checking these out. They teach basic skills such as cutting, coloring, using stickers, and folding.
So, today, we stayed home and intentionally spent our time wisely doing some “school” and other activities.
We read books.
We colored.
We cut paper.
We did crafts.
We played with stickers.
We sang songs.
We played games.
And we even did some housework together. (I am almost caught up with laundry and the floors are clean)
And it was one of the best days that I have had with my children.
All three of my children are so much more pleasant when their time is structured and I am interacting with them….not just shooing them out of my way so I can play “catch up” with the house because we have spent too much time away.
I want more days like today. I want more days when I can enjoy my children and our time together.
Suzanne says
Sounds like a great day! I’m so happy to see people passionate about the needs of their children instead of feeling the need to have them involved in every little thing. We get caught up in so many ‘good’ things that we don’t have room for the ‘best’ in life. YEAH! Keep on keeping on!
Stacy Owings says
Sounds like a fabulous day! I really admire your decision to homeschool. I know you will do a fantastic job.
Pat says
I think that is wonderful! I am a firm believer in structure and even though I’m retired, I like having my routine. Without my routine, I feel scattered and can’t seem to accomplish all that I want to. I remember playing school when I was little and loved workbooks and activities. I think that is what instilled my love for learning!
Nancy says
I think it’s great you are starting learning now. They will develop a love for it. It sounds like y’all had a wonderful day.
Kate says
It does sound like a fantastic day.
And thank you so much for sharing your heart. I really understand your perspective as I have been thinking along the same lines lately. My children also love structure and do so well with scheduled days.
Cassidy says
Oh I have learned this lesson so many times only to turn around and get us too busy outside our home. Then I realize it and start back at square one. I truly believe exactly what you are saying in that life is better for everyone in the home when you are home more, learning together, sharing things, working together, getting things done and not letting things pile up. I don’t mind doing laundry, cleaning, etc… when it’s not piled up. Either way, at the end of the day it is a “good tired” I feel from a day well lived when we’ve stayed home. Be encouraged. You are on the right track, Mom! Smiles, Cassidy
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Happy Mama says
All of what you have written is something that hubby and I have embraced it. Rarely do i do housework during the day now. I was focusing so much on getting stuff done that the kids were detraying everything I had just completed and then some so I went to bed feeling so exhausted and like I hadn’t gotten anything done. I know this is hard since your hubby is so far away but Hubby takes the kids for a few hours in the evening and i get my house cleaning wrapped up. It has worked great EXCEPT we are/were sick so the house has been shall we say ….um…neglected! So I start all over again!
Lori Beatty says
Homeschooling Cameron the last 2 years was one of my greatest accomplishments and the bond it created was amazing. Congratulations on this choice! I love Sonlight. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Luke Holzmann says
May you have many more days enjoying being together as a a family and learning together.
~Luke