#confidentparenting

You are My Mother

/ happyhomemakerchronicles / Leave a comment
Our two year old adorably recites his favorite book.

When our youngest was 2 years old, his favorite book was “Are You My Mother?” It’s about a bird that hatches, doesn’t see his mom and leaves the nest to find her. The baby bird sees different farm animals and transportation and asks each one “are you my mother” until at last he finds her. He instinctively recognizes his mother when he finally sees her.

Our little guy heard this story so often, he had memorized it. One day, while I prepared dinner, he lay on the kitchen floor and said, “You are not a boat, an airplane or a bird. You’re my mother!” The way he said it melted my heart and also gave me confidence.

I AM his mother!

I can trust my gut and maternal instincts in raising him because I am his mother.

I can confidently provide education for my child because I am his mother.

I can decide his healthcare- choosing what does and does not go into his body…because I am his mother.

YOU are your child’s mother. And while we are grateful for child-rearing experts, doctors, teachers and that relative or friend who always has an opinion, they are not YOU.

Too many systems are vying to replace your role, trying to replace YOU. Confidently take your place as their mother. Your kids need you. They are looking for you. Trust yourself as their mom and stand in your role!

Chaos Free Homeschooling: Say What?

/ happyhomemakerchronicles / Leave a comment

Have you described your homeschooling time as controlled chaos? Me too! In fact, I said it all the time to anyone and everyone. And that’s exactly what I got…chaos minus the control. 

Words have power! The Bible says it, science says it, psychologists say it. Words have power! Positive words build up, negative words tear down.

The words we speak and allow our children to speak about their schooling will influence their thoughts and feelings. I have watched my words override my child’s actually ability based on my negativity. I have also watched them make incredible strides with a little encouragement. 

So, on our first day of homeschooling, I took my little boys by the hand and said this prayer:

“Chaos, you have no place here. You have to leave, by the authority of Jesus and the power of His blood. Go, now! Lord, we invite peace, joy and love in our home. Help us to learn and grow and love each other well. Amen.”

We say this prayer everyday before we start our work. Taking this step along with the others I’ll share later has dramatically changed the atmosphere during our homeschooling time. 

I don’t get it right every time, you won’t either. But I will say, that when our formal homeschooling time starts to feel “off” and frustration is building, my 4 year old will remind me that we need to pray again and change our words. These boys teach me as much as I teach them. 

Choose your words. Choose your words purposefully to build. Then, watch your littles thrive! Next time we’ll chat about keeping it chaos free even on (and especially on) challenging days. Happy homeschooling!