A Cup of Coffee and a Word of Advice - Keep Your Perspective

I've got time for a quick cup of coffee and chat this morning, and then I'm off for a busy day. The funny thing is that when I chose the tips to share today, I didn't even think about how the two appointments we have today illustrate what I'm going to talk about. Let me explain - right after I pour myself a bit more coffee.

Okay, our two appointments today - first, we're meeting with a few of the other students in Landon's graduating class so they can practice some music for the ceremony. Because he is GRADUATING, y'all. As in, he had his senior pictures taken yesterday - what??? This is really happening, and it's happening soon.  And then after that practice, both kids have to visit the eye doctor and get updated prescriptions for their glasses or contacts. I need to get my prescription updated too, so I suppose I'll make my appointment while we're there. The hubster just had his eye check yesterday.

What does all that have to do with tips for homeschooling? It's all about perspective and vision. We started homeschooling a long time ago, when our oldest child was ready for first grade. It seemed then like it would be forever until my babies grew up and graduated, but of course we all know how the time flies by, whether you're having fun or not! So today I have a couple of tips about finding a balance between keeping your focus on what you are doing today and the more long-term goals that you need to keep an eye on as well.

Strength for today and a vision for the future are found the same way - by seeking God.

That's why prayer and time in the Word are as essential to your homeschool as they are to your parenting and all other aspects of your life. Ground your plans for your child's education in God's wisdom, from your decision to homeschool in the first place to the day-to-day choices of teaching from a Biblical worldview.

Know that your goal is more than just academics.

Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important, but are only part of the big picture. We're raising up a godly generation of healthy, mature, responsible adults. Teaching them to honor God, to maintain positive relationships, and to be able to lead and influence with integrity are the ultimate goals. From an academic standpoint, I want them to have a well-balanced education and have the background to pursue whatever career they choose. I want them to know how to research and study and learn on their own so that they have the tools they need to succeed in college and in their life's work. Teaching those disciplines of learning, and doing it with a solid Biblical foundation and worldview will also equip them as they mature into independent adults.

Make worthwhile memories.

What do you want your kids to remember about their growing up years once they are out on their own? What kind of stories do you hope they'll have to tell their own children? I hope the scale will tip heavily to memories of love and laughter, togetherness and fun; not to impatience and sternness, pressure and disapproval. So our day-to-day experiences need to be full of those positive things, and that requires a little perspective adjustment from time to time.

I can see that for me, the next couple of months will be full of finding the balance. Pushing kids (especially the grad!) to get that coursework done and done on time, but not sucking the joy out of every day by being a nagging slave-driver. Holding them to a high standard for their schoolwork, but not making them feel like straight A's are the only way to get approval or self-worth. And getting all the papers graded, report cards and transcripts accurately completed, while also planning a grad party and the Summer of Landon vacation celebration. Believe me, these tips were at least as much for me today as they might be for anyone reading them!

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 3:13-14

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This post is part of the May 2019 Homeschool Collection on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

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