The most important step of homeschooling!

Whether you are thinking about homeschooling, have taken the jump and started already, or have been doing it for a while, there's one important thing that can make all the difference in both your kids success and your sanity! Can you guess what it is?

"Finding the right curriculum?????"

Ha! No.

"uh.....something to do with socialization?"

Not even close.

The most important step that I have found (and am still in need of improvement with), is SEEKING INSPIRATION!

Inspiration... not just the feeling of being inspired by something.

INSPIRATION: Specific guidance for YOU about YOUR KIDS and YOUR FAMILY!

Seriously, mamas... this is a totally legitimate superpower. You can be guided to know which curriculum each child needs, what your family can read together to improve <x,y,z> in your home and lives... what you need to be spending your time and energy on that specific day... even how to improve things in your marriage (because that can affect everything else in the home!)

Some of the strongest and most profound inspiration I have ever received has been about what a specific child needs on a particular day.

And sometimes it has nothing to do with schoolwork. In fact, it often doesn't. Some things have been like:

"Zachary needs some one-on-one snuggle time with you... read him a story"

"James needs to play chess today."

"Melinda needs to dance like a ballerina today. Turn on some music and make sure you dance with her!"

So where do you start? What do you do?

Here's my process.. it doesn't look like this every day, and the order can be switched around...but just to give you a clear example:

1) Find a still, quiet place (Okay, I know that can be the toughest part... but my spot is my bedroom closet because there are TWO locked doors between me and my kids! Ha! And if I'm really on top of things and up early enough, this happens when the kids are still asleep).

2) Have something to write on... If you're like me, you know you might not remember everything! ... or anything! ... as soon as you get off your knees! I personally like to use my planner or a specific journal so I can keep track of what inspiration came and when.

3 )If I've got any questions weighing on my mind, I write them down. Sometimes with a big "Q"(for question) before it and a big "A"(... for answer, of course), after... letting God know that I know He will answer me and I'm ready to hear and follow what He tells me.

3) If I've got the time, I start with some scripture study followed by some meditation about things I am grateful for. I often gain a ton of inspiration just during this part.

4) Then I pray. When possible, I kneel down and pray out loud... pausing and writing down the thoughts and impressions that come to me.

5) I take my list and do what I need to incorporate any action items into my day. Put things on the calendar or to-do list, etc...

WaLaaa! That's it! So easy! Yet SO POWERFUL!

And the best part of it all is the peace that comes and fills my mind and heart knowing that I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing that day!

I hope this helps you! I'd love to hear your success stories!

You can do it, Mama!

~Angie