What about Mom?

A big misconception I hear about homeschooling is,”What about your time for yourself?” People seem to think that I require all this time alone, or time to shop, or time to visit with friends, or get my nails done, whatever. So, supposedly, homeschooling infringes on your time to yourself, and thus you will suffer from an overburdened life.

Well, first of all, nearly all the people I know who don’t homeschool and don’t have school-age children at home, are working outside the home. So, the kids are gone to school all day, Mom and Dad are both gone to work all day, and come home to the most hectic scene you can imagine. Racing to get kids to afterschool activities, racing to get dinner on the table, racing to help with homework, and on and on. It’s exhausting just thinking about it! So where’s all that extra “time to yourself” that you’re supposed to get when you don’t homeschool?

Also, I LOVE being with my kids all day! They shop with me, visit friends with me, and usually come along on whatever errand needs to be done. They are learning how “real life” works, and are around people of all ages, instead of being isolated in a classroom all day, which stunts their emotional growth.

Of course, Mom does need time to do her own thing, I won’t deny that. I do have the luxury of having a husband who is self-employed and flexible. I also have other homeschool-Mom friends I can swap “afternoons out” with. And after the kids are in bed, I have plenty of time to be with my husband, read, relax, (do dishes!). People needing time to themselves is NOT a problem unique to homeschooling moms!

I do admit I require less “time to myself” than most. I brought my children into the world to enjoy them, train them myself (with my husband), and be with them! Not to put them in school 8 hours a day and let someone else shape them. I don’t tire of teaching them new things, laughing at their silliness, or even changing diapers.

Isaiah 41:31 is a great verse to lean on: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” True, there are days I’m feeling exhausted, and that’s when I get to trust the Lord to renew my strength - just like any other person, homeschooling or not.

******
To comment, click on the title above, then go to the bottom of the post and add your comment.