As I was reading through the Konos website, I came across their newsletter section, which has copies of archived newsletters. Here is an excerpt from the January, 2006, newsletter from the article, Home Schooling Men’s New Year’s Resolution by Wade Hulcy.
I was just talking about this very thing with Tom last night. It IS hard to quantify the little victories and it is very easy to think in moments of weariness that there is no point to homeschooling or parenting.
…it is wise to go over the original game plan with your quarterback to remind both of you why you decided to homeschool in the first place. Review the goals you had for each child in the areas of academics, spiritual, physical and emotional growth. As you review, check off as many accomplishments as you can think of…such as Jimmy is now reading some and has shown some improvement during the first semester. It is hard for our wives to see some of anything as a victory, because many victories are incredibly small and were won at great cost to her.
I wanted to hug the author.
Hulcy really nailed the feelings of desperation and failure that I have when I get overwhelmed with trying to do my best – and I’m not talking about trying taking on the world! – to just make it through the day.
He addressed these problems by offering a list of practical things that husbands of homeschooling moms can do that would make a difference in lightening the load and contributing to sanity in their homes.
Are you curious what he said? Read the rest of the article, linked above. :P
Also, on the Konos Yahoo Group, someone posted this great site for homeschooling dads run by Todd Wilson, author of Help! I’m Married to a Homeschooling Mom and The Official Book of Homeschooling Cartoons. Was he peering into my windows when he was inspired to sketch his homeschooling cartoons?
Here’s an excerpt from a cartoon on the front of one of Wilson’s encouragement cards:
Outside (Mom driving in front seat, looking in the rear view mirror at her child): (Speech balloon) “Now don’t mention that we didn’t get up till 9:30 or that your little brother can’t read…or that we buy our bread from a store…or that you’ve seen Disney movies…and whatever you do try not to say the words Batman or Power Rangers…and for goodness sakes try to act SMART!!!”
Inside: “I think you have great kids.”
My addition is, “And don’t say inappropriate words – OR SPELL THEM FOR THE OTHER CHILDREN!”