I had the great privilege of writing a guest post for a sweet gal named Hannah, who happens to be Kayla’s good friend and also David and Kayla’s wedding photographer.

FIVE TIPS FOR HOME SCHOOLING

Tip Number One: Take Care of Yourself First

Taking care of you first could have many aspects to it. I am not discouraging you from what you think this looks like in your life. I do want to challenge you, though, if you are a believer and do not have a habit of spending time each and every day with the Lord. This is where taking care of you begins. Reading God’s word, spending time meditating on it, memorizing it, journaling, and having fellowship with Jesus through prayer. It is through this time that everything else in your life will flow. It is during this first and most important part of your day that you will hear the Lord speak to you through His Holy Spirit. He will burden you with how to handle things in your day that you have prayed about. He will give you the strength to be ALL that He calls you to be. I can PROMISE you that this will change your life.

So, what does this look like? For me, it looks like a big comfy recliner, a cup of hot coffee, an hour in the (somewhat) quiet dark house before the youngest are awake, my Bible, and my journal on my lap. First I read scripture. Then I write some verses that I just read, meditate on their significance in my life, and work on memorization. Finally, I write in my journal and pray.

If you need to make a new habit of this in your life, find a way to be accountable. Checking it off a calendar on the fridge, having your husband or a friend hold you accountable – whatever it takes. Then make a new habit. Remember, I promised you that it will change your life!

Other ways to take care of yourself include things that should also be a priority in your life. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking at the same time each day, but deciding how many hours this needs to be for you to feel rested and healthy. Eating healthy whole foods, eating often during the day for energy and stable blood sugar levels, drinking enough water, and exercising several times a week are also good habits that will benefit not only you, but your family as well. When I do not take care of myself, everything else starts to unravel. This takes purpose and determination to start – but once these habits are formed, they become second nature. Make sure you take care of yourself!

Tip Number Two: Structure

This title could also be called “a schedule” or “routines.” Having a predictable rhythm to each day is very important to a peaceful and purposeful home school.

To read the rest of this post, please hop on over to Hannah’s blog!

Thank you, sweet Hannah, for the opportunity to share!