Dear Parent,

Yes, your children could be further along with some subjects, but home schooling rarely ever correlates directly with private or public schooling. What I mean is that you can not necessarily expect to plug a child from home school into a private or public school. 

Nevertheless, you do want a certain amount of discipline and organization to get things moving.  If you love home schooling and think it is best for your children, then you will have to discipline yourself to help them progress. 

Maybe you need more help with the housework. Some of the housework may have to be put off for the weekend when you aren't doing school. Home schoolers' homes usually look well lived in. But can your ten year old, eight year old, and even six year old take over some of the simpler tasks? Perhaps they could take out the trash, handle some of the dishes, fold clothing, and sweep. Could the ten year old mind the baby for forty-five minutes while you work with the six year old? You may want to organize this aspect before you get into the academic part of your home life.

Okay, so maybe you didn't do much academically last year. Do more this year. If they can read well, then focus on writing skills and math skills. Being able to read, write, and think mathematically will take your children far. Commit everyone to working for at least one hour a day on these basics. I would not worry too much about handwriting as the computer and keyboarding skills are becoming more and more necessary. Yet composition and basic math skills are important!

Perhaps the program you are using is not user-friendly enough? Is there too much busy work in your lesson plans? Sometimes that can be discouraging and cause you to avoid beginning the school work each day.

And pray. Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Ask for discipline. If God wants you to home school, then He will assist you with His grace.

May God smile upon you and grant you peace,

Sandra Garant