|
Oasis
Family Bookstore
TAKING CARE OF #1
In order to prepare yourself emotionally and
physically for homeschooling, find time to:
1. Eat Right.
You know, have things your own mother would
approve of. Immature palates love the three immature
tastes: salt, sugar (refined) and fat (saturated). The
less you eat of these and the more natural, wholesome and
balanced the foods, the better. (P.S.: when you
have your kids in your clutches most hours of the day, they either
eat what is in your house or they don't eat!)
In our home, food and drink is usually quickly
available all day: fresh fruits and vegetables (peeled and cut
up as needed), nuts, breads, soups, pasta, broiled chicken or fish,
100% fruit juice, milk or water. Treats include prepared foods
like fish sticks, lasagna, ready-made waffles and "balance bars"
(these are actually glorified candy bars with some protein and
vitamins thrown in). The children get plenty of junk from
friends and family outside of the home, so except for a stash of
mini M&M's for bribes for the little ones, I keep junk food out
of the house.
2. Exercise.
Get into the habit of
stretching daily with 20 minutes of exercise three times a
week. Of course, your children will see you doing
this and will want to sit on your belly while you do sit ups, and
hang onto your legs while you do stretches. After a few
years of getting annoyed, I now realize I'm stronger and more
flexible as a result. And my children enjoy exercising because
mommy does it.
3. Take a daily multivitamin and
calcium.
We all know (or suspect) that nobody gets their
daily dose. Give your children their vitamins, too.
4. Take a daily break alone from
the routine.
Either your husband, a friend or
relative or an older, responsible child (at least age 10)
can act as mother's helper, or the trusty TV or computer can sit
with them (reduce your guilt by allowing only educational
media).
Take a bath, meditate, read, etc..
You need this quiet time at least several times a
week, depending upon your temperament, to catch your breath
and assess your family's progress. It also recharges your
batteries even better than chocolate or coffee, in order for you to
continue homeschooling with dignity and patience.
5. Enjoy time alone with your
husband.
You decide how much is enough, but
your marriage needs nurturing just as much
as #1 does. In addition to keeping dad
active with the family, keep him actively involved with you.
It's very hard to homeschool without dad.
6. Get enough
sleep.
Easier said than done, especially with little
ones. Again, you need to learn to reach out to and take
advantage of helpers -- husband, mother's helpers (older,
responsible children at least age 10 who can babysit while a parent
is at home), extended family and friends, TV, etc..
If you have a family bed (where mom and/or dad
share sleep space with an infant or toddler), and don't sleep well
this way, now is the time to establish a dedicated sleep space for
#1. Lack of sleep is cumulative. It will cause
irritability, impatience, carelessness and BURN
OUT.
Good habits started early on will keep your
homeschool happy.
7. Figure out your strengths and
weaknesses, likes and dislikes.
Do this with your whole
family. Build up your strengths and determine to
shore up your weaknesses. Take advantage of your likes and
share these with your family (e.g.: you like to bake, your
husband likes to bar-b-que; you like ballet and your husband enjoys
organized sports; you love Shakespeare and your husband is an old
movie buff. Each of you brings unique
talents and loves into your family, so involve your children in what
you enjoy most -- the days will be more fun for
everyone | 
