NOT Being Sergeant Mom
I had a reader recently ask me how to stay focused as Mom, without being “Sergeant Mom”. Here’s what she said.
Just a note to say I appreciate your efforts in sending inspiring homeschool emails. I raised my hand on this one, too. How challenging it’s been for me to fuel the natural love of learning and break from the “public school” routines I was (dreadfully) educated with.
Perhaps one of my greatest challenges as a single, self-supporting Mom is organizing our days so work can get done (hear “pay the bills” - thank God I’m able to work from home!) and yet still be fully present as Mom/Teacher. Have you come across any gold nuggets of wisdom for situations like this? If so, I’d very much appreciate hearing them.
For me, the best thing I do is get up 2 hours before the rest of my family. This gives me quiet time to read my Bible, exercise, pray, read, work or write (depending on what needs to be done). I’m usually too tired at night to think straight, so 2 hours early in the morning help me stay focused when I’m with my kids. The other thing I do is use my mornings for time “teaching”. In other words, the lessons I need to do with my kids are usually done in the morning. In the afternoons, we work more independently or have quiet reading time (individually). This gives me a few more hours to get some work done when necessary. I hope this answers your question.
Thanks for asking.
Kerry
