Tuesday, February 3, 2009

It is February which means the mid-year blues have arrived.

If you are a homeschooler (or not), February usually brings in the doldrums in life.  If you believe in the ability of groundhogs to predict the weather you now know we have 6 more weeks of winter.  It is cold, damp and muddy outside but robins and flowers are still a long way off.  

In your house, you (or your children) are bored of what you started in September.  Perhaps what you started is not longer working or hasn't every really worked.  You are considering throwing in the towel.

Don't.  This feeling you have is common and seasonal.  If you look back you realize you've had it before (and you'll have it again next year).  

Don't give up.  You can both get through this and change this.  If you are committed to making a program, menu, discipline technique work because you feel it is God's call then stick it out.  Ask God for some additional grace to get through the gray days.  But, if it is not a part of your family's vocation - pitch it!!   Is it that important to continue to use a $15 book (or even a $100 book) if it makes you and/or your child miserable?  

Do you need to stop some activities, change a schedule, rearrange something?  Do it!  Do not continue in misery, anger or frustration.  Have the courage to say no to what is not good for you and your family.  After all, that is as aspect of your role as a parent.  It is not your vocation as a parent to just keep doing what is not working because you don't take the time or have the courage to stop.