January first: everything is sparkling new, just waiting for resolutions (that will likely be broken time and again over the course of the year). Still, it seems so promising. The holiday glow is still firmly in place. Tidings of joy fill the air. And it seems as though you can do anything.
There are a few resolutions, however, that every homeschooling mom can carry forward into the new year…especially if you add them to your plans now.
· Have a little bit of fun every day, even if it’s just fifteen minutes. Remember, you like these little people who are running around testing the limits of your sanity. Take a little bit of time out of your schedule and just be silly. You might listen to some silly music (mousecookiebooks.com’s listening library has some excellent silly songs that make kids jump up and dance), or play a game…anything that breaks the monotony.
· Take a few minutes to yourself every day. It might be a chance to catch up on your favorite blog, or finish a craft; it might be the opportunity to read a chapter in your new book; or it might just be a walk around the block. Whatever rejuvenates you, dedicate at least a few minutes every day to it. It will make you a better parent and a better teacher all at once.
· Write time for a devotional into your schedule. It can be a private devotional; a couples’ devotional for you and your spouse; or it can be something for the entire family. Whatever you decide, make it a priority.
· Read to your kids at least once a week. Once kids can read for themselves, especially once they advance into complicated chapter books, it’s easy to forget that they need to be read to, too. Every kid, however, can benefit from hearing Mom or Dad read those difficult passages aloud.
· Prioritize. When you’re at home, staring at the mess piling up all day, it’s easy to get distracted from the things that are really important. Just remember: the mess will still be there tomorrow. Make memories first!
Go ahead. Take a few from this list—or take them all. See how it transforms your day—and if it doesn’t work for you, go ahead and scrap it. There’s always next year.
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