Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
For homeschooling parents who live with a chronic illness, it’s essential to have the support of the family. My guest today is KarenAnne Carlson, a homeschooling mom of 24 years who has MS. KarenAnne, tell our listeners how parents with disabling conditions can adjust home life to keep the family involved.

KarenAnne:
Well, the first thing we always did is we prayed together as a family, and it was a commitment that the whole family made to homeschool. So from the parents on down to the children, we all agreed this was the thing to do.

And we always communicated with each other verbally what the needs of our family were—and especially myself, because I needed help. So the children had chores, my husband had chores, and we worked together for everything from fixing meals to doing the simplest of other household duties. So, as we went along, it was a family affair. And we all went to bed at ten o’clock! And that was how we survived and how we got ourselves refreshed.

We also had weekends that we enjoyed camping and working outdoors. And all of that was very helpful to becoming rejuvenated for the next week.

Mike:
Those are great suggestions for every parent, not just those struggling with an illness or disability! Thanks for sharing with us, KarenAnne.

Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.