Ever wonder why airlines tell parents, in an emergency, to put their air masks on first? Because parents in trouble cannot save their children, right?
The same holds true for other situations in life — including homeschooling. How can parents help educate and nourish their children when they themselves are suffering?
Just like reaching for the air mask, homeschool parents must save themselves first. When moms or dads aren’t well, children clearly suffer. It doesn’t take an expert to realize that this carries over into schooling as well.
Moms who are exhausted, dads who are frustrated, or both parents when dealing with situations involving finances, health or marriage, for instance, cannot possibly be at their best when it comes to parenting and educating children. Even normal daily disruptions like teething babies and broken appliances must be dealt with lest they too may tip the scales.
Selfish? I realize that, to some, it may seem that way. Particularly for parents who have given up their free time, a successful career or something else in order to homeschool, this may be hard to realize at first. But it isn’t selfish. Actually the opposite. Parents who are not at their top performance cannot raise their children to be. It’s that simple. Heal yourselves first. And then the rest will come.
So this begs the question, how can parents take better care of themselves? The answers vary based on each family. Ideas, however, may include a weekly date night, daily time for exercise or relaxation, bringing in outside help, cultivating friendships or hobbies, joining a support system, or even seeking medications. Whatever it takes to get life back on track so that parents can be there for the children.
Please remember while homeschooling that mom’s physical, mental and emotional health makes a tremendous impact on her children. Dad’s well-being, too. Several days — even weeks or months – of lost school matter very little over the long haul. Having strong and healthy parents last children a lifetime!
Have YOU found ways to stay healthy for your children? Please SHARE them below!
[Image: Flickr]
Melanie Thurman says
This is such good advice. So many parents (not just homeschoolers) feel guilty when they take care of their needs first. It is important to make sure that you are at the top of your game in order to do your job well. For me, that means getting to bed at a reasonable hour so that I can get up before everyone and spend some time with the Lord to start my day off right. Eating well is also important. There is truth in the saying “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”. We, as women and as parents, greatly affect the attitudes in the home. If you are finding the atmosphere to be tense, it might be a good idea to look at yourself first.