As adults we often fail to realize our need for friends thinking we can live life independently of others, especially when we have so little time outside of our family and homeschooling responsibilities. When our paths intersect with others, let’s not whiz on by and miss the treasure trove of blessings received from others’ love and laughter and from the chance of sharing our gifts and knowledge with them. So, reach out and foster a new friendship this summer or reconnect with a languishing one. You will be refreshed and renewed, benefiting not only you, but also your family.

We’d like to suggest two books for your summer which will encourage you and even make you chuckle at times. The Spiritual Power of a Mother, by Michael Farris, HSLDA Chairman, was written specifically to inspire moms as they consider their relationship with God, their husbands, and their children.  Mike’s wife, Vicki Farris, has written a practical, warm, and insightful book entitled A Mom Just Like You.Vicki is a homeschooling mom (of 10 children!), and the book’s chapter titles let you know that Vicki totally relates to your day to day experiences: “Dispelling the Myth of the Supermom,” “Why Am I Doing This Anyway?”, “When Do I Get A Coffeebreak?”, and “Planning a Wedding When Your Baby Won’t Sleep Through the Night,” etc. 

Grab either of these books, a glass of cool lemonade, and be refreshed.

Now that it’s summertime, consider taking time to think about how you may be a Paul or a Timothy. Whatever do we mean?! Evaluate whether there is a homeschooling mom coming up behind you whom you may mentor by encouraging her, offering tips to make teaching easier, helping her with curriculum choices, or just being there to answer her questions. That’s a Paul! On the other hand, maybe you need a more experienced mom who will give you advice or assurance that you are on the right track; someone’s who been there, done that and can offer solutions to seemingly impossible situations. That’s a Timothy! Developing such relationships this summer will reap dividends for you in the next school year.

Consider using the high school years to help your child begin to develop good time management and organizational skills.  You may already have thought of some of these ideas, but just in case you haven’t, we wanted to suggest ideas that will help your child take on responsibilities that will serve him well into adulthood.

• Buy your child an alarm clock and require that getting up on time and beginning the day be his responsibility
• Have your child keep his own daily personal calendar and assignment book keeping track of his school work, job hours, activities (sports, music, etc.)
• Meet with your child once/week and help him plan out his schedule assisting him as he makes sure that his responsibilities are being met in the family, church, and homeschool
• Ask your child to make a list of some short and long term goals.  This will help your child to learn to set priorities and see plans be accomplished
• Check out the College Board website’s tips on time management for high school students
• Time Management tool for organizing schedules