Today is the 1st home day for the homeschool co-op I directed for seven years. Yesterday several Facebook friends shared photos of their adorable kids with bright smiles excited about the new school year.

But what about today, the second day of school, the homeschool day. If your child is one who loves independent work and realizes that the sooner the work is finished, the sooner he has free time, then you are truly blessed.

But some of you out there are not so lucky. You have a child who would rather pull out his fingernails than do his lessons. He dawdles around. She needs a snack, needs to take 10 bathroom breaks, wants to argue and tell you that you are doing it wrong. I know, been there, done that! I truly feel your pain.

Take heart, all is not lost. You can do this. These tips will not solve all of your problems, but will help.

1.  Begin your day with prayer and a quick devotion  With everything on our to do lists, we sometimes put God on the back burner.  Ask him to come into your homeschool everyday and He will.

2. Be firm  You are the parent and your child is expected to do what you tell them to do.  You have prayed about homeschooling and feel that it’s right for your family.  You can do this!

3.  Be prepared  Have a plan. Figure out how to accomplish everything on your agenda today.  If you are homeschooling multiple children, give your older kids their independent work early and work with the younger ones OR if your older chid is an independent worker, consider letting him work with a younger child while you work with a different child.  The independent worker can do her work later in the day. And don’t forget the little ones.  They can sit on your lap or play close by while you are working with your school age children.

4.  Check your child’s work as you go  There is nothing worse than thinking your child is finished with her assigned work and it is partially complete; it’s noon and the work is only half way done, UGH!!! If that is the case, have that child sit near you and keep a close watch. Check for accuracy as well as completion and make them re-do any work does not meet your standards!

5.  Laugh as you go  Homeschooling should be fun!  Enjoy your children! They grow up too fast!

Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint and good habits are made slowly yet surely.

2 Corinthians 9:8  states

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Believe what God’s word  says, your kids will abound in every good work!