Overview: You’re creating awesome lesson plans, the kids are eating healthy meals, and the house looks great. But have you forgotten about this important person?
Moms who homeschool are busy people. We have to make sure that each of our children is learning. We need to be students of our children so that we can meet them where they are at.
We need to make lesson plans, cook nutritious meals, keep the house tidy, and be a good wife. In the midst of all of this busyness, homeschool moms are notorious for forgetting about one very important person. Themselves!
No matter what industry we’re in, people remind us we must take care of our own needs if we are going to be able to care for the needs of others. When flying on a plane, we are told we need to put our own oxygen mask on first. Then, we can help to secure the masks of those around us.
It’s easy to forget about our own needs when we are focused on the needs of our families. When we neglect to take care of ourselves, we may find that our families will suffer as well.
Here are 6 Ways That We Ignore Ourselves:
1 – We Let Ourselves Get Tired
Parenting takes a lot of work! We need to be sure we’re taking care of our physical needs so that we will have the strength to make it through each day. Are you getting enough rest? Are you eating healthy meals?
Are you drinking enough water? Are you exercising? If you are healthy then you will not only be able to survive but you will thrive!
We often become discouraged because we compare ourselves or our kids to those around us. God has all of us here for different reasons. When you feel overwhelmed, it’s often because we are comparing our weaknesses to someone else’s strengths.
Have a plan in place so that when you start to feel discouraged, you can do something to help snap yourself out of it.
Some women enjoy relaxing in a hot bubble bath. Some want to go off alone with a good book. Some need to go on a drive with a glass of hot tea while listening to their favorite music.
Write down several things that will help you feel centered again and go to this list before you’re feeling drained.
3 – We Expect Perfection From Ourselves
Let’s face it. No one is perfect! No matter how hard you are trying to be the perfect mom, to give your child the perfect education, or to make perfect memories, you WILL fall short.
Fortunately, God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. He knows that we will make mistakes. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself. Our kids will remember our attitudes much longer than they will remember details of what we’re doing with them. Lighten up!
There is so much pressure to perform in today’s society. And no matter where we go, please want us to commit to even more. Don’t cave into the pressure.
Before saying “yes” to something new, be sure to pray about it first. If it isn’t right for you and your family, you do have every right to say “no.”
We all have strengths and weaknesses. I’m not sure why, but it’s all too easy to focus on what we’re doing wrong versus what we’re doing right.
It’s also easy to focus on the hard things in this life versus the good things. Where is your focus?
No matter how hard you try, you aren’t going to be able to homeschool your kids, have a perfectly clean house, cook perfectly balanced meals, and be well groomed all at the same time.
Your living room doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest Pin. Decide what’s important to you in life and work on those things. Learn to let go of the rest.
→ Related Content: 13 Ways for Homeschool Moms to Find Time to Recharge
It’s all too easy to put a ton of pressure on ourselves or to forget ourselves entirely in our quest to be excellent wives and mothers. During this busy season of life, remember what matters.
Your sanity is important! Cherish the time you have with your family. Remember to take care of yourself, too. Your family will benefit when you are living a healthy, balanced life.
Question: Do you often forget to take care of yourself? Which of the above points do you need to work on the most? Have you learned any lessons in this area that you can share? Please leave a comment below.
Originally written for True Aim Education. Reprinted with permission.
This is such good timing for me, thank you. I have recently been unwell with stress due to some family circumstances and doing too much.
It is so hard as mums to put ourselves first but I want to encourage everyone reading here that it is so important. I recently spent time in hospital for chest pains and I can say that it was scary for my husband and children to see me leave home in an ambulance. I spent a full day having tests and even though I was given a clear bill of health by the doctor, it was a wake up call to me. I need to let go of situations that I can’t control and I also need to be kind to myself. Say no more often to people outside of my family and within my home I need to delegate more. I have decided that a daily afternoon break with a cup of tea and a book is medicine for both my body and soul.
This is a good post Michelle, thank you.
Oh, Fiona, I’m so sorry you’ve been experiencing health difficulties. But I’m glad you’ve taken it as a wake-up call. Yes, self-care is so important. We often think of it as being selfish but it isn’t AT ALL. Praising God that you’re alright and I hope and pray that your experience will be motivating to other moms as well. Big hugs!!!
Thank you Michelle.
It has taken me years to realise that looking after myself is not selfish but important to my family as well.
I have been given lots of boxes of tea from my sister so I will sit and rest!