It’s time for a new school year. You have done your research, found the best curriculum for your child’s learning style and have a shelf full of brand new books, teacher’s manuals, and activities just waiting for you to dive into. You’re all set for Reading, Spelling, History, Science, Math, and Bible. But then it happens, you wonder am I doing enough? What about adding subjects geared toward my child’s interests, or more cultural studies. You might be scrolling through Pinterest and think, I should do that too! A favorite blogger just posted their curriculum choices for the year and realize you have made completely different choices. Suddenly, you’re overwhelmed and questioning every plan you have for the year!
Before you know it you have a laundry list of extras you want to add into your homeschool day, and then there is of course the actual laundry. How in the world are we ever going to accomplish all of these extras you suddenly THINK you need to add to your day AND manage your household at the same time?
Mary vs. Martha
This, my fellow homeschool mama is a classic Mary and Martha example of needing to make the right choices. “But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 41-42. For those of you unfamiliar with this Bible passage, Jesus had gone to visit Mary and Martha. During His visit, Martha was busying herself by preparing the dinner while Mary sat with Jesus listening to His teachings. When Martha complained, Jesus said Mary chose what was truly important.
Setting Priorities
So my dear overwhelmed mother trying to do it all, please remember what is truly important. Yes it is important to be intentionally teaching our kids reading, writing and arithmetic. However, do not add unneeded pressure to squeeze every last educational activity into your day. You will go crazy, and burn out your kids at the same time. Instead maybe find a couple different small extra activities to fit into a week, not every day. Be careful to choose activities your kids will enjoy. Don’t buy into the lie that you kid NEEDS to do the latest project you pinned or they’ll be left behind. Look for those teachable moments throughout the day.
The most important thing to remember is at the end of the day, have you done what really matters? Have you invested in your child both educationally and emotionally? Did you model Godly character? Be careful not to become so consumed by finishing the lesson plan that you let the small teachable character building moments slip by. Remembering your priorities will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with things that aren’t important.
I have to admit, most days I am a Martha. My prayer is that I can become more like Mary, but for how I’m a work in progress.
Have you found the key to being more like Mary? I would love to hear your tips!
I always laugh looking back at all the years I homeschooled using heavy curriculum and the year came when the money wasn’t there. We got by with Library card & Math books and it was the year they did the best on their state teasting and all we did was copywork, math, and read tons of books & Lapbooked everything after a weekly fieldtrip. I was also the most stress free at this time. Keep it simple:)
I think every mom goes through the phase of needing to do all the things.