Tuesday, September 7, 2010

4 Ways to Jumpstart a Bad Day

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.

"At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, 
Lord of heaven and earth,
that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;
yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

All things have been handed over to me by my Father,
and no one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take your yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:25-30

7 comments:

Sarah @ Ordinary Days said...

Such great reminders. We escape to a park about 3 times a week. Trying to keep three little guys and one baby girl cooped up in a house all day just doesn't work. We'll have to try the dancing when cold weather comes. :)

Anonymous said...

Bless you, Tiana...this is just what I needed today. Have been feeling so blue - hormones all haywire as Nekoda is eating a bit & nursing a bit less. And sleep-deprived as he is TEETHing!! The cause of the blues might be physical/hormonal...but I know the remedy is all the things you wrote above. Thanks for the precious, timely reminder!

Tracey said...

Great tips for what to do when I'm having "one of those days!" Thanks!

Brittany said...

This is so appropriate! Great tips :)

Brittany @ The High-Heeled Housewife

Mandy said...

Stopping by from THL. Thanks so much for the reminders and encouragement! Your blog is a blessing!

Anonymous said...

I found you through Conservative Homeschooler....Very lovely! I was homeschooled from the 5th grade on. God Bless my wonderful parents of ten! Now I continue the blessing with my 6, so far. Homeschooling moms just know how all of this goes with its ups and downs...THANKS for the beautiful reminders and tips!
Gail Knerr
gailknrr@gmail.com

Tiana said...

Thanks for visiting, Gail. I'm so glad this post encouraged you. :)

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I'm a Stay-at-Home, Christian, "crunchy" mama. I have been blessed with the calling to be a godly wife and mother. I am passionate about bringing up my children in the discipline and instruction of the LORD, through home education and discipleship. Helpmeet to my best friend and soulmate, Christopher since 1/29/2000, and mama to four little blessings, including a tiny, precious, newborn baby girl.

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Success is not learned. It is discovered and nurtured. What was your child born to do?
Thank goodness I was never sent to school...Beatrix Potter quote at DailyLearners.com
Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire. W.B. Yeats quote at DailyLearners.com

Our Curriculum 2010-2011

Bible--Child's Story Bible by Catherine Vos, Apologia Biblical World View Book 1, "Who is God and Can I Really Know Him?"
Catechism-- "Training Hearts, Teaching Minds" by Starr Meade
Phonics--Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
(Kindergarten), Year 1 Booklist (1st Grade)
Handwriting--Bible Copywork, made using Educational Fontware
Spelling-- All About Spelling Level 1 (1st grade)
Math--Math-U-See Primer (Kindergarten) , Math-U-See Alpha (1st grade)
World History--Simply Charlotte Mason's Genesis Through Deuteronomy and Ancient Egypt
American History--The Light and The Glory For Children Series
Art--Interest-led projects and handicrafts
Geography and Missions-- "Hero Tales" by Dave and Neta Jackson, as well as various other missionary biographies, incorporating globe and map study
*We will be studying music and phy-ed., participating in a writing club and nature club, as well as attending various field trips, with our church's homeschool group.*

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