We've all had them...

...days when we feel like throwing in the towel.

...days when we wonder whether or not "they" are right--"they" meaning, those who think we're crazy, and maybe even doing harm to our children, by homeschooling.

...days when the kids whine and complain, the baby won't stop crying, and the toddler continually finds mischief.

...it happens...to all of us...at one time or another.

Before resolving to quit homeschooling (at least for the day), why not give these ideas a try instead?

1. Get In. -- When the whole house is in a state of tension, sometimes you need a good snuggle to remind yourselves that your are indeed a loving family. Cuddle up in bed or on the couch with a good book....or 2, or 3, or 8, and feel the stress melt away. You might find that the younger ones--or even the older ones!--were really in need of a nap.

2. Get Out! -- Put on your shoes, get out the stroller, the bikes, and the baby carrier, and go for a walk. Go to the park and have a nice, long recess. Call a friend and have a play date. Find a nature trail to explore, or visit someplace "special"--the local bakery qualifies around here. You'll get fresh air, vitamin D, exercise, and maybe even some adult conversation.

3. Get Up! -- Even if the weather won't let you get out of the house, you can still benefit from getting your blood moving. Choose a CD of upbeat worship music, and sing and dance together. To be honest, I usually employ this strategy at least once a day. We all love music, and this is a great way to improve everyone's mood. On a similar note, a CD of preschool "action" songs can help keep little ones busy and entertained while older children work on more serious projects.

4. Get Down. -- This ought to be first, but I save it for last because it is so important to remember. When Satan attacks our homeschool (because that's really what this is all about, isn't it?) we need to get down on our knees and pray. We need to confess our sinfulness, our selfishness, and our inadequacies, and ask our Heavenly Father to forgive us. We need to ask Him to remind us of why we're doing this in the first place. We need Him to strengthen us. We need to recognize that we cannot do God's Work, God's Way, without God's Hand.

Take your heavy burden to the cross. Jesus will meet you there.