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A Tiny Tidbit of Encouraging Advice

Once upon a time there was a busy homeschooling mother who had to plan out her school days in 15-minute increments....

Now there is a far less busy homeschooling mother who no longer plans out school days beyond updating her calendar with her last child's dual enrollment college class schedule.

And it happened in the blink of an eye.

If you are just beginning to homeschool ~ perhaps even starting mid-year in January ~ then it is very important for you to know that the busy-ness you are facing will come to it's end far more quickly than you can imagine. And if you are nearing the end of your homeschooling journey, be sure to take time to remember what it was like during those hectic days early on because, who knows, some sweet mama may need a little bit of encouragement from one who has gone before her.

In this quiet pause between Christmas and the New Year, try to think of some way to encourage another mom, whether she homeschools or not. (And if you read my blog but are not a mom, maybe you have a friend, co-worker or casual acquaintance you can encourage.) We all need a shot in the arm every now and then, don't we? Let's be that for one another. Reach out - send a text message or schedule a coffee date. Be the friend that you needed most when you were in the trenches. And share some homeschool wisdom, too.

I know that the women who gave me some tips when I was pondering home education provided me with a huge boost of courage. They probably had no idea at the time that I was shaking in my boots and their advice and encouragement shored me up - but it did. And I am so very thankful, because having all those years with my kids has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I'd hate to have missed it...thank the Lord that I got to live it.

And here is my tiny tidbit of encouraging advice for any homeschooler reading this post: don't be afraid to scrap a curriculum and start over with something else if it isn't working for your child. (Sometimes it's okay to scrap it if it isn't working for the homeschooling mom!) And if something is sort-of working, you are free to tweak it to make it a better fit. You are not just a homeschooling mother, you are MOM, and you know your child/ren better than anyone else on this planet. You really do know if something just will not work....and you really do know how to make something workable for your kiddos. Don't be scared! Give yourself, and your child, plenty of grace. Take one day at a time, one subject at a time. And never  be nervous to ask a more seasoned homeschool mom for some advice. Hey, you can ask me anything at any time and I will always do my best to answer in a quick & clear manner.

You are more than enough for the role the Lord has called you to ~ because nothing is impossible with Him and He always gives us strength equal to our tasks and our days. Remember that!

Lord bless you & be sure to enjoy a little bit of quiet during this peaceful pause before 2018 rolls in. You've earned it!

Day 370 done :)

Jan L. Burt

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